Roku devices do not have built-in Chromecast support

Roku does not natively support Google's Chromecast protocol. This means you cannot cast directly from your phone, tablet, or computer to a Roku device the way you would to a Chromecast or a TV with Chromecast built in. Roku uses its own casting system called Roku Cast, which works differently from Chromecast and requires apps specifically designed for it.

If you own a Roku device and want to send video or audio from another device to your TV, you have options—but they involve either using Roku's own casting method or connecting a separate Chromecast device alongside your Roku player.

Key Takeaways

  • Roku devices use their own casting system called Roku Cast, not Google Chromecast, so standard Chromecast apps will not work with them.
  • You can cast to a Roku from compatible apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify if those apps have Roku Cast built in.
  • If you want full Chromecast compatibility, you can plug a separate Chromecast device into your TV's HDMI port while keeping your Roku connected.
  • Some newer Roku TVs may have Chromecast built in by the manufacturer, but this is separate from the Roku player itself.

How Roku Cast works instead of Chromecast

Roku Cast is Roku's version of casting. When you use an app like Netflix or YouTube on your phone, you look for the Roku Cast icon (usually a rectangle with a curved line at the bottom) rather than the Chromecast icon. Tapping it sends the video to your Roku device instead of a Chromecast.

The limitation is that not every app supports Roku Cast. Major streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and Hulu do include Roku Cast buttons. Smaller apps or services may not. If an app does not have a Roku Cast button, you cannot cast from it to your Roku device—you would need to open the app directly on the Roku itself or use a different method.

Using Chromecast alongside a Roku device

If you want Chromecast functionality and already own a Roku, the simplest solution is to connect a separate Chromecast device to your TV. Most modern TVs have multiple HDMI ports, so you can plug both your Roku and a Chromecast into the same television. You then switch inputs on your TV remote to use whichever device you need at that moment.

This approach gives you the best of both worlds: you keep all your Roku channels and apps, and you also gain the ability to cast from any Chromecast-compatible app on your phone. The downside is the cost of buying a separate Chromecast device and the minor inconvenience of switching inputs.

Roku TVs with built-in Chromecast

Some television manufacturers have begun adding Chromecast directly into their Roku TVs. This is different from a Roku player—it is a TV that runs Roku's operating system and also includes Google's Chromecast technology built into the same device. If you own one of these newer Roku TVs, you may be able to cast to it using Chromecast.

To know whether your Roku TV has Chromecast, check your TV's manual or look in the settings menu under "About" or "System Information." If Chromecast is present, you will see it listed there. Not all Roku TVs have this feature, so it is worth verifying before assuming you can use it.

What apps work with Roku Cast

The major streaming services all support Roku Cast. Netflix, YouTube, YouTube TV, Hulu, Disney+, Paramount+, Spotify, and Pandora all include the Roku Cast button in their mobile apps. When you open one of these apps on your phone or tablet, look for the casting icon and select your Roku device from the list.

Smaller or newer streaming services may not yet support Roku Cast. If you are unsure whether an app supports it, open the app and look for a casting icon. If you do not see one, the app likely does not support Roku Cast. In that case, you would need to open the app directly on your Roku (if it is available there) or use a different device to watch.

Mirroring your screen to Roku instead

If you want to send content from your phone or computer to your Roku but the app does not support Roku Cast, you can use screen mirroring instead. This sends everything on your device's screen to your TV, not just video from a single app. On Android phones, this is called "Cast Screen" or "Miracast." On iPhones and iPads, you would use AirPlay if your Roku supports it, though not all Roku devices do.

Screen mirroring is slower and uses more battery than casting from an app, but it works with any content on your device. Check your Roku's settings menu under "System" or "Display and Sound" to see whether screen mirroring is available on your model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Google Home to control my Roku like I would a Chromecast?

Yes, you can control many Roku devices with Google Home voice commands, even though Roku does not support Chromecast casting. You can ask Google Home to turn your Roku on or off, change channels, or launch apps. This works through a separate integration between Google and Roku, not through Chromecast itself.

Will a Chromecast app on my phone work with my Roku?

No. Apps designed for Chromecast will not recognize your Roku device. You need to use apps that have Roku Cast built in, or use a separate Chromecast device connected to your TV. The two systems are not compatible with each other.

If I buy a Chromecast, do I have to remove my Roku?

No. You can connect both devices to your TV at the same time using different HDMI ports. You will switch between them using your TV remote's input button. This lets you use Roku apps and Chromecast casting without replacing either device.

Do all Roku devices support screen mirroring?

Most newer Roku devices support screen mirroring from Android phones, but support varies by model and age. Older Roku players may not have this feature. Check your device's manual or settings menu to confirm. iPhones can only use AirPlay mirroring, which is supported on fewer Roku models.