How to Watch Apple TV on Roku Devices

Yes, you can watch Apple TV on Roku, but the method depends on your Roku model

You can stream Apple TV content on most Roku devices, though not all Roku models support the official Apple TV app. Newer Roku players and smart TVs (2020 and later) have the Apple TV app built in or available through the Roku Channel Store. Older Roku devices can still access Apple TV content through AirPlay mirroring from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or by casting from a web browser on a computer.

The easiest path is checking whether your specific Roku model supports the app directly. If it does, you read it once and sign in with your Apple ID — no extra hardware needed. If your Roku is older, mirroring or casting works but requires your source device to stay connected and active during playback.

Key Takeaways

Roku devices made in 2020 or later typically have the Apple TV app available in the Roku Channel Store, letting you stream directly without mirroring.
Older Roku models can stream Apple TV through AirPlay mirroring from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or by casting from a web browser.
You need an active Apple TV+ subscription or an Apple ID with purchased content to watch; the app itself is free to read.
Direct app installation is faster and more reliable than mirroring, since the Roku handles the streaming instead of your phone or computer.

Installing the Apple TV app on newer Roku devices

If your Roku was released in 2020 or later, the Apple TV app is usually available in the Roku Channel Store. Start by pressing the Home button on your Roku remote to reach the main menu. Scroll to the left and select Streaming Channels (or Search Channels on some models).

Type "Apple TV" into the search box. When the official Apple TV app appears, select it and choose Add Channel. Roku will read and install the app in seconds. Once installed, you can open it from your home screen, sign in with your Apple ID, and start watching when ready. You do not need to sign in again on that Roku device unless you sign out manually.

If you do not see the Apple TV app in the Channel Store, your Roku model is likely older than 2020. In that case, use the mirroring or casting methods described in the next sections instead.

Using AirPlay to mirror Apple TV from iPhone, iPad, or Mac

AirPlay mirroring works on any Roku device made in 2019 or later. This method mirrors your entire screen from an Apple device to your TV, so whatever you play on your phone or tablet appears on the big screen. Start by opening the Apple TV app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and find the show or movie you want to watch.

On iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring and select your Roku device from the list. Your screen will mirror to the TV within a few seconds. On Mac, click the Control Center icon in the menu bar (top-right corner), select Screen Mirroring, and choose your Roku. Once mirroring is active, press play in the Apple TV app and the video will appear on your TV.

Keep in mind that mirroring uses your phone or tablet's battery and keeps the device active. If you receive a call or notification, it may interrupt playback. For longer viewing sessions, plug your device into power. Mirroring also works over Wi-Fi only — both your Apple device and Roku must be on the same network.

Casting Apple TV from a web browser to Roku

If you have a computer with Google Chrome or another browser that supports casting, you can cast Apple TV to your Roku without mirroring your entire screen. Open a web browser on your computer and go to tv.apple.com. Sign in with your Apple ID.

Look for the cast icon (usually in the top-right corner of the browser or in the video player controls). Click it and select your Roku device. The video will stream directly to your TV while your computer screen remains free for other tasks. This method is more efficient than full-screen mirroring because only the video is sent to the Roku, not your entire desktop.

Casting requires a stable Wi-Fi connection and works best when your computer and Roku are close to your router. If the video stutters or stops, move your computer closer to the router or reduce the number of other devices using your Wi-Fi.

Checking your Roku model and software version

To find out whether your Roku supports the Apple TV app directly, you need to know your model and software version. Press the Home button on your remote, then go to Settings. Select System, then About. You will see your Roku model number and the current software version.

Roku models from 2020 onward — including the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, Roku Ultra, and most Roku smart TVs from that year — support the Apple TV app. Models from 2019 and earlier do not have the app but can use AirPlay mirroring or casting instead. If you are unsure, search your model number online along with "Apple TV app" to confirm.

Keep your Roku software up to date by going to Settings > System > System Update. Roku checks for updates automatically, but you can also check manually. Running the latest software ensures the Apple TV app works smoothly and fixes any known issues.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the Apple TV app will not read, restart your Roku. Press Home, go to Settings > System > Power, and select Restart. Wait for the device to reboot, then try downloading the app again. If the app still will not appear in the Channel Store, your Roku model may not support it — use mirroring or casting instead.

If mirroring keeps disconnecting, make sure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and your Roku are on the same Wi-Fi network. Move closer to your router and turn off any VPN software on your Apple device, as VPNs can interfere with AirPlay. If the video plays but audio does not, check your TV volume and make sure the Roku is not muted (some remotes have a mute button).

For casting issues, clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again. If your computer and Roku are far apart, the connection may drop — move them closer together or use a Wi-Fi extender to strengthen the signal in that area of your home.

What you need to watch Apple TV on Roku

To watch any content on Apple TV, you need either an active Apple TV+ subscription or an Apple ID with purchased movies or TV shows. The Apple TV app itself is free to read on Roku. If you already have an Apple ID from using other Apple services, you can use the same account to sign in on Roku.

For mirroring or casting, you do not need a separate account — you just sign in on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or computer, and the Roku displays what you are already watching. Your Apple TV+ subscription or purchases work the same way across all devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate Apple TV+ subscription for Roku?

No. Your Apple TV+ subscription works on any device, including Roku. If you already subscribe on your iPhone or Mac, you can use the same account on Roku without paying again. Sign in with the same Apple ID on your Roku device.

Can I use AirPlay on older Roku models from before 2019?

AirPlay mirroring requires Roku software from 2019 or later. If your Roku is older, check your software version in Settings > System > About. If it is older than 2019, you can still cast from a web browser on a computer instead, which works on most older Roku devices.

Why does mirroring stop when I get a phone call?

When you receive a call on your iPhone or iPad, the mirroring pauses because the device switches focus to the phone app. Once you end the call, you can resume mirroring by opening Control Center again and selecting your Roku. To avoid interruptions, put your device in Do Not Disturb mode before starting playback.

Is casting faster than mirroring?

Casting is generally more efficient because only the video stream goes to your Roku, not your entire screen. This uses less battery on your computer and frees up your screen for other tasks. Mirroring is simpler to set up but uses more power and keeps your device locked to the video.

Can I watch Apple TV offline on Roku?

No. Roku devices require an internet connection to stream any content, including Apple TV. You can read shows and movies to your iPhone or iPad through the Apple TV app and watch them offline on those devices, but Roku does not support offline playback.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.