Roku devices do not have Chromecast built in, but you can cast to them using a different method

Roku and Chromecast are separate casting systems made by different companies. Roku devices use their own casting technology called Roku Cast, while Chromecast is Google's casting system. A Roku player, Roku TV, or Roku streaming stick will not receive a Chromecast signal from your phone or computer — they only receive Roku Cast signals.

However, many Roku devices do support casting from certain apps and devices. The method and compatibility depend on which Roku model you own and what you are trying to cast. Understanding the difference between these two systems will help you know what to expect when you connect your devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Roku devices use Roku Cast, not Chromecast, so you cannot cast from Google's Chromecast app to a Roku device.
  • Many Roku devices support screen mirroring and app-based casting through their own Roku Cast system, which works with Android phones and some Windows computers.
  • Roku TVs and newer Roku players may support AirPlay for casting from iPhones and iPads, but this is separate from both Chromecast and Roku Cast.
  • If you want Chromecast functionality, you would need to use a separate Chromecast device alongside your Roku, or choose a TV or device that has Chromecast built in.

How Roku Cast works on Roku devices

Roku Cast is Roku's version of screen mirroring and app casting. When you use Roku Cast, you are sending video or audio from your phone or computer directly to your Roku device over your home network. This works differently from Chromecast, which uses Google's casting protocol.

Most Roku devices support Roku Cast from Android phones and tablets. You can mirror your entire screen or cast specific apps like YouTube, Spotify, or Pandora. Some newer Roku devices also support Roku Cast from Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers. To use it, both your phone and your Roku device must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and you enable the casting feature in your phone's settings or in the app you want to cast from.

Which Roku models support screen mirroring

Not all Roku devices support screen mirroring. Older Roku players and Roku sticks (models from before 2015) typically do not have this feature. Roku Streaming Stick 4K, Roku Ultra, and most Roku TVs made in the last five years support Roku Cast mirroring from Android devices.

To learn about your specific Roku model supports mirroring, check the model number on the back of your device or in your Roku account settings, then search the Roku support website for that model's specifications. The support page will list which casting features are available. If your Roku is very old and does not support Roku Cast, you can still use it with apps that are built into the Roku itself — you just cannot mirror your phone screen to it.

AirPlay support on some Roku devices

Some newer Roku devices and Roku TVs support AirPlay, which is Apple's casting system. AirPlay lets you cast from iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers to compatible Roku devices. This is separate from both Chromecast and Roku Cast.

AirPlay support varies by model and by the year the device was made. Roku TVs released in 2019 and later often support AirPlay, as do some newer Roku streaming players. Check your device's specifications on the Roku website to confirm whether AirPlay is available on your model. If your Roku supports AirPlay, you can use it to cast video, music, and screen content from Apple devices without needing Chromecast.

Using Chromecast with a Roku device

If you want to use Chromecast with a Roku device, you have two options. The first is to plug a separate Chromecast device (a Chromecast dongle or Chromecast with Google TV) into an HDMI port on your TV or receiver, alongside your Roku device. You would then switch your TV input to the Chromecast device when you want to cast from Google's system, and switch back to Roku when you want to use Roku apps.

The second option is to replace your Roku device with a TV or streaming device that has Chromecast built in. Some smart TVs from Samsung, LG, and other manufacturers include Chromecast. Google also makes Chromecast with Google TV, which is a standalone streaming device similar to a Roku player. If Chromecast is important to you and your current Roku does not support the casting methods you need, switching to a Chromecast device may be simpler than running both systems.

Apps that work on Roku without casting

Even if your Roku does not support screen mirroring, you can still watch content from many popular services. Roku has built-in apps for Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, and many others. You do not need to cast from your phone — you can open these apps directly on your Roku and sign in with your account.

This is often faster and more reliable than casting anyway, because the app runs directly on the Roku device rather than streaming from your phone. If your main goal is to watch streaming services on your TV, you may not need Chromecast or Roku Cast at all. Check the Roku Channel Store on your device to see which apps are available for your model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from Google Home to my Roku?

No, Google Home uses Chromecast, which Roku devices do not support. However, some Roku devices work with Google Home for voice control of the Roku itself — you can say "Hey Google, turn on my Roku" or "Hey Google, open Netflix on my Roku." This is different from casting. Check the Google Home app to see if your Roku model is compatible with voice control.

Why can't I cast YouTube from my phone to my Roku?

YouTube has its own casting system that works with both Chromecast and Roku Cast. If you have a newer Roku device, the YouTube app should have a cast button. Make sure both your phone and Roku are on the same Wi-Fi network, and that the YouTube app is up to date. If the cast button does not appear, your Roku model may not support YouTube casting, and you can open YouTube directly in the Roku's built-in YouTube app instead.

Is Roku Cast the same as AirPlay?

No, they are two different systems. Roku Cast works with Android phones and some Windows computers. AirPlay works with iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. Some Roku devices support both, some support only Roku Cast, and some support neither. Check your device's specifications to see which casting methods it supports.

Can I use a Chromecast dongle with my Roku TV?

Yes, you can plug a Chromecast device into an HDMI port on your Roku TV. You would use your TV remote to switch between the Roku input and the Chromecast input. This lets you use both systems on the same TV, though you have to manually switch between them each time you want to change which one you are using.