Roku TVs Do Not Have Chromecast

Roku TVs do not come with Chromecast built in. Roku and Google use different casting systems — Roku TVs use their own Roku Cast technology instead. If you own a Roku TV and want to cast from your phone or computer, you will use the Roku Cast feature, not Chromecast.

This matters because the apps and devices you use to cast will be different. A phone or tablet that casts to Chromecast will not automatically cast to Roku TV without using Roku's system. The good news is that Roku Cast works similarly to Chromecast and is available on most phones and computers, but you need to know which system your TV uses before you try to cast.

Key Takeaways

  • Roku TVs use Roku Cast, not Chromecast, so you cannot cast Chromecast content directly to a Roku TV without a workaround.
  • Roku Cast is built into all Roku TVs and works with Android phones, iPhones, tablets, Windows computers, and Mac computers.
  • You can add Chromecast to a Roku TV by connecting a separate Chromecast device to an HDMI port, but this requires an extra piece of hardware.
  • Some apps like YouTube and Netflix work with both Roku Cast and Chromecast, so casting may work even though the TV itself does not have Chromecast.

How Roku Cast Works on Roku TVs

Roku Cast is Roku's version of casting, and it is built into every Roku TV. When you want to cast from your phone or computer to a Roku TV, you open the app you want to cast from, look for a cast icon (usually three curved lines), and select your Roku TV from the list. The content then appears on your TV screen.

Roku Cast works with most common apps and devices. You can cast from YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Plex, and many others. Android phones and tablets have Roku Cast built into the system settings. iPhones and iPads can cast to Roku using the AirPlay feature if the app supports it, or through the Roku app itself. Windows and Mac computers can also cast to Roku TVs through supported apps or the Roku app.

The main limitation is that Roku Cast and Chromecast are separate systems. An app designed only for Chromecast will not cast to a Roku TV. However, most popular apps support both, so you may not notice the difference in everyday use.

Adding Chromecast to a Roku TV

If you need Chromecast on a Roku TV, you can add it by connecting a separate Chromecast device. Chromecast comes as a small dongle or as part of a Google TV device. You plug the Chromecast into an available HDMI port on your Roku TV, switch to that HDMI input, and set it up using the Google Home app on your phone.

Once a Chromecast device is connected, you will have both Roku Cast and Chromecast available on the same TV. You can switch between them by changing the HDMI input. This approach works well if you have specific apps or devices that only work with Chromecast, but it does add another device to your setup and uses an extra HDMI port.

Keep in mind that connecting a Chromecast device does not replace Roku Cast — your TV still uses Roku's system for its built-in apps and remote control. The Chromecast device is a separate input, similar to connecting a cable box or gaming console.

Apps That Work with Both Systems

Many popular apps support both Roku Cast and Chromecast, which means you may be able to cast even if you are not sure which system your TV uses. YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max all work with Roku Cast. These same apps also support Chromecast on other devices.

The casting experience is nearly identical whether you use Roku Cast or Chromecast with these apps. You tap the cast icon, select your device, and the content plays on your TV. The main difference is which system handles the connection behind the scenes, which you will not see as a user.

If you use an app that only works with Chromecast, you will need to either add a separate Chromecast device or find an alternative app that supports Roku Cast. Checking the app's settings or help section will tell you which casting systems it supports.

Chromecast vs. Roku Cast: What You Need to Know

Chromecast is Google's casting system, built into Google TV devices, some Android TVs, and available as a standalone dongle. Roku Cast is Roku's system, built into all Roku TVs and Roku streaming devices. They are not compatible with each other — a Chromecast device will not work with Roku Cast, and Roku Cast will not work with Chromecast devices.

Both systems do the same job: they let you send video, audio, or screen content from your phone or computer to your TV. The casting process feels similar, and many apps support both. The difference matters mainly when you are choosing which TV to buy or when an app only supports one system.

If you already own a Roku TV and want Chromecast, adding a separate device is straightforward. If you are buying a new TV and want Chromecast built in, you would need to choose a Google TV or Android TV model instead of Roku.

Checking Which Casting System Your TV Uses

If you are not sure whether your TV has Chromecast or Roku Cast, check the TV's settings menu. On a Roku TV, go to Settings, then look for "Roku Cast" or "Screen Mirroring" — this confirms your TV uses Roku's system. You can also look at the TV's model number or check the manual, which will state clearly whether it is a Roku TV.

Another way to check is to try casting from an app you use regularly. Open YouTube or Netflix on your phone, tap the cast icon, and see what devices appear. If your Roku TV shows up in the list, you can cast to it using that app's casting system. If it does not appear, the app may not support Roku Cast, or you may need to enable casting in the TV's settings.

If you see "Google Cast" or "Chromecast" in your TV's settings, your TV has Chromecast instead of Roku Cast. This would be a Google TV or Android TV model, not a Roku TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Chromecast device with a Roku TV?

Yes, but only if you connect the Chromecast device to an HDMI port on the Roku TV. The Chromecast will work as a separate input, and you will switch to that HDMI channel to use it. Your Roku TV's built-in Roku Cast system will still be available on the other inputs.

Will my phone automatically cast to my Roku TV?

Not automatically, but most phones can cast to Roku TVs through supported apps. Open an app like YouTube or Netflix, tap the cast icon, and select your Roku TV from the list. Android phones have Roku Cast built into the system, and iPhones can cast through AirPlay or the Roku app.

What if an app only supports Chromecast?

If an app only works with Chromecast, you have two options: connect a separate Chromecast device to your Roku TV's HDMI port, or use a different app that supports Roku Cast. Most popular apps support both systems, so this is rarely a problem.

Is Roku Cast as good as Chromecast?

Both systems work well and do the same job. Roku Cast is built into your TV, so there is nothing extra to buy. Chromecast requires a separate device but gives you more control over which TV input you use. The choice depends on what you already own and which apps you use most.

Can I add Chromecast to my Roku TV without buying a new device?

No, Chromecast is not built into Roku TVs. To use Chromecast, you need to connect a separate Chromecast dongle or Google TV device to an HDMI port. However, Roku Cast is already built in and works with most apps, so you may not need Chromecast at all.