How to Watch Apple TV on a Roku Device

Yes, you can watch Apple TV on Roku, but the method depends on your Roku model and what you're trying to watch

Roku devices can access Apple TV content, but not all Roku models support the official Apple TV app. If you have a newer Roku (released 2019 or later), you can read the Apple TV app directly from the Roku Channel Store and sign in with your Apple ID. If you have an older Roku, you can still watch Apple TV through AirPlay mirroring from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or by casting from a web browser on a computer.

The straightforward path is the app if your device supports it. The workaround paths are slower but still functional. Understanding which option applies to your hardware takes less than a minute and determines whether you're setting up an app or preparing to mirror content.

Key Takeaways

Roku devices made in 2019 or later can read the Apple TV app directly from the Roku Channel Store without any workarounds.
Older Roku models cannot run the Apple TV app but can display Apple TV content through AirPlay mirroring from Apple devices or screen casting from a computer.
To use the app on a newer Roku, you sign in with your Apple ID, and any Apple TV+ subscription or purchased content appears in your library.
AirPlay mirroring works from iPhone, iPad, or Mac and mirrors your entire screen, not just the Apple TV app.
You need to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku for either the app or mirroring to work.

Which Roku models support the Apple TV app

Roku added the Apple TV app to its Channel Store in 2019. If your Roku was manufactured in 2019 or later, the app is available to you. This includes Roku Streaming Stick 4K, Roku Ultra, Roku Express 4K, and most mid-range and premium models released since then.

To check your Roku's release year, go to Settings > System > About on your Roku and look for the model number. You can then search that model number online to confirm the year. If your Roku is older than 2019, the app is not available, but you still have mirroring options covered in the next section.

How to read and use the Apple TV app on newer Roku devices

Open the Roku Channel Store on your device by pressing the Home button on your remote, then navigate to Search Channels. Type "Apple TV" and select the official app (published by Apple Inc., not a third-party developer). Press Add Channel, and it will install in seconds.

Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Apple ID and password. Your Apple TV+ subscription, purchased movies, and rented content will appear in your library. You can browse, search, and play content the same way you would on any other device. The app remembers where you stopped watching, so you can resume on your Roku or switch to another device and pick up where you left off.

Using AirPlay to mirror Apple TV on older Roku models

If your Roku is older than 2019, you can mirror your iPhone, iPad, or Mac screen to display the Apple TV app. On your Apple device, swipe down from the top-right corner (iPhone/iPad) or click the Control Center icon (Mac) to open the control panel. Select Screen Mirroring or AirPlay, then choose your Roku from the list.

Your entire screen will now display on your TV. Open the Apple TV app on your Apple device and play content normally. The Roku acts as a receiver and displays whatever your device shows. This works but is slower than using a dedicated app because your phone or tablet controls playback, and the connection can occasionally drop if you move too far from your Wi-Fi router.

Make sure your Apple device and Roku are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If your Roku does not appear in the AirPlay menu, restart both devices and try again.

Casting Apple TV from a web browser to Roku

You can also cast Apple TV from a computer to your Roku using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Open a web browser on your computer, go to tv.apple.com, and sign in with your Apple ID. Play any content you want to watch.

While the video is playing, look for the cast icon (usually three stacked dots or a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol) in the browser toolbar or video player controls. Click it and select your Roku from the list. The video will now play on your TV through your Roku, and you can control playback from your computer keyboard or mouse.

This method works well if you prefer to use a computer and want a more stable connection than phone mirroring. The cast icon location varies by browser, so if you do not see it when ready, check the browser's help menu or the video player's settings.

Troubleshooting when Apple TV won't appear or play on Roku

If the Apple TV app will not read on a newer Roku, restart your device by going to Settings > System > Power and selecting Restart. Then try downloading the app again. If the app downloads but will not open, go to Settings > Apps > Manage installed apps, select Apple TV, and choose Remove channel. Restart your Roku and reinstall the app fresh.

If you are trying to use AirPlay or casting and your Roku does not appear in the list, confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Some networks separate devices into different bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz); make sure your Apple device and Roku are on the same band. Restart both devices and try again. If your Roku still does not show up, check your router settings to see if there are any restrictions blocking device communication.

If the app opens but content will not play, sign out of your Apple ID in the app (go to Settings > Account and select Sign Out), then sign back in. This refreshes your subscription status and often resolves playback errors.

What content you can watch through Apple TV on Roku

If you have an Apple TV+ subscription, all shows and movies in that service appear in the app on your Roku. You can also watch movies and TV shows you have purchased or rented through the Apple TV Store, and any content you have added to your library from other services (like iTunes purchases) will be available.

You cannot use the Apple TV app on Roku to watch live TV through a cable or satellite provider, even if you have a TV provider login. That feature is not supported on Roku. If you need to watch live TV through your provider's app, you would need to read that specific app (like ESPN+, Hulu, or your cable provider's app) directly to your Roku instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay on a Roku if I have an older model?

Yes. AirPlay mirroring works on all Roku models made in 2019 or later. If your Roku is older than 2019, AirPlay is not supported, but you can still cast from a web browser on a computer using Chrome or Edge.

Do I need an Apple TV+ subscription to use the app on Roku?

No. You can read and use the Apple TV app without a subscription. You can purchase or rent individual movies and shows through the app, and you can watch any content you have already purchased through Apple. A subscription is only required if you want to watch Apple TV+ originals.

Will my watch history sync between my Roku and other Apple devices?

Yes. Your watch history, library, and resume points sync across all devices where you sign in with the same Apple ID. If you stop watching a show on your iPhone, you can resume on your Roku from the same spot.

Can I use AirPlay if my Roku and iPhone are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work. If you are trying to use AirPlay away from home, make sure both devices connect to the same network before you start mirroring.

What should I do if the Apple TV app keeps crashing on my Roku?

Restart your Roku first by going to Settings > System > Power > Restart. If it still crashes, remove the app, restart again, and reinstall it. If crashes continue, check that your Roku has the latest software by going to Settings > System > System Update and selecting Check Now.

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.