No, Chromecast does not work directly on Roku TVs
Chromecast and Roku are separate casting systems that do not talk to each other. If you own a Roku TV, you cannot use a Chromecast device to send video, music, or photos to it. Roku TVs have their own built-in casting receiver called AirPlay (for Apple devices) and Miracast (for Windows and Android), but not Chromecast.
The confusion happens because both systems do the same job — they let you send content from your phone or computer to your TV — but they use different technology. Chromecast works with Google devices and apps that support Google Cast. Roku works with its own ecosystem and a different set of apps.
If you want to cast to a Roku TV, you will need to use Roku's native casting options or buy a separate Chromecast device and connect it to an HDMI port on your TV instead of relying on the TV's built-in system.
Key Takeaways
- Roku TVs do not have Chromecast built in, so you cannot cast directly from Google apps to the TV's receiver.
- Roku TVs support AirPlay for iPhones and iPads, and Miracast for Android phones and Windows computers.
- You can plug a separate Chromecast device into an HDMI port on your Roku TV to use Chromecast alongside Roku's system.
- Some apps on Roku TVs offer their own casting buttons that work within the Roku ecosystem, independent of Chromecast.
What casting options Roku TVs actually have
Roku TVs come with AirPlay built in, which means you can cast from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the TV directly. Open Control Center on your iOS device, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Roku TV by name. For audio, open the Music app or any app with AirPlay support, tap the AirPlay icon, and choose your TV.
Roku TVs also support Miracast, which is the Android and Windows equivalent. On Android, swipe down twice to open Quick Settings, tap Cast, and select your Roku TV. On Windows 10 or 11, press Windows Key + K to open the Quick Settings panel, click Connect, and select your Roku TV. Miracast works for screen mirroring, not for individual app casting the way Chromecast does.
Many streaming apps — Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video — have their own cast buttons built into the app itself. When you tap the cast icon in these apps, you are using the app's native casting feature, not Chromecast or Roku's system. This works on Roku TVs because the app developers built it in.
Using a separate Chromecast device with your Roku TV
If you already own a Chromecast or want to use Chromecast specifically, you can plug it into an available HDMI port on your Roku TV. The Chromecast will work exactly as it does on any other TV — you can cast from your phone, tablet, or computer to it using Google Cast.
The trade-off is that you will need to switch your TV's input to the HDMI port where the Chromecast is connected. You cannot use both the Roku TV's built-in system and the Chromecast at the same time without manually changing inputs. This means if you want to cast something via Chromecast, you switch to that HDMI input; if you want to use Roku's system or watch a Roku app, you switch back to the TV's main input.
A Chromecast device costs between $30 and $50 depending on the model. If you only cast occasionally and your Roku TV already handles the apps you use, adding a separate Chromecast may not be worth the extra hardware and the input-switching hassle.
Which casting method works best for different devices
| Your Device | Best Option for Roku TV | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone or iPad | AirPlay (built in) | Control Center → Screen Mirroring, or app's AirPlay button |
| Android phone | Miracast (built in) | Quick Settings → Cast, or app's cast button |
| Windows computer | Miracast (built in) | Windows Key + K → Connect |
| Mac computer | AirPlay (built in) | Control Center → Screen Mirroring |
| Any device (if you want Chromecast) | Separate Chromecast device | Plug into HDMI, switch input, cast normally |
Apps that work on Roku TVs without needing Chromecast
Most major streaming services are available as native Roku apps, meaning you read them directly onto the TV and use them without casting at all. Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Apple TV+, and Paramount+ all have Roku apps. You can search and play content right on the TV using the remote.
If you use one of these apps on your phone, you can also cast to your Roku TV using the app's built-in cast button — this is not Chromecast, but it works just as well. Open the app, find the content you want, tap the cast icon, and select your Roku TV. The app handles the casting on its own.
The only time you really need Chromecast is if you want to cast from a Chrome browser tab, cast a specific app that only supports Google Cast, or mirror your entire screen using Google's system. For most everyday streaming, Roku's native apps and AirPlay or Miracast mirroring cover what most people do.
Why Chromecast and Roku do not work together
Chromecast is Google's casting standard. It is built into Android phones, Chromebooks, and many Android apps. Roku is a separate platform owned by a different company, and it uses its own casting technology. The two companies have not integrated their systems, so Roku TVs do not recognize Chromecast signals.
This is similar to how an Apple TV does not work with Chromecast — they are competing products in the same market, and each manufacturer builds their TV or device to work with their own ecosystem first. Roku chose to support AirPlay and Miracast instead, which are more universal standards.
If you are locked into Google's ecosystem and want Chromecast, you would be better served by a Google TV, an Android TV, or a TV that has Chromecast built in. If you prefer Roku's interface and app selection, you accept that Chromecast is not an option unless you buy a separate device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Google Home to control my Roku TV?
Yes. Google Home can control Roku TVs through voice commands if you link your Roku account in the Google Home app. You can turn the TV on and off, change channels, and control volume. This works through Roku's integration with Google, not through Chromecast. The TV itself still does not receive Chromecast signals.
Will a Chromecast 4K work better than a regular Chromecast on my Roku TV?
Both will work the same way — plugged into an HDMI port. The Chromecast 4K supports 4K video and has faster processing, but the difference only matters if you are casting 4K content and your TV and internet connection support it. For most casting, a standard Chromecast is sufficient.
What if I want to cast from my computer to my Roku TV?
If you have a Windows computer, use Miracast through Windows Key + K. If you have a Mac, use AirPlay through Control Center. If you want to cast a Chrome browser tab specifically, you will need a separate Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port, because Roku TVs do not support Chrome casting natively.
Do all Roku TVs support AirPlay and Miracast?
Most modern Roku TVs support both, but older models may only have one or neither. Check your TV's specifications or go to Settings → System → About to see which casting methods are available. If your Roku TV is more than five years old, it may not have these features.
Is it worth buying a Chromecast if I already have a Roku TV?
Only if you regularly cast from Chrome tabs or use apps that only work with Chromecast. For most people, Roku's native apps, AirPlay, and Miracast cover everything they need. The extra hardware and input switching usually is not worth it unless you have a specific reason to use Chromecast.