You can't use Chromecast on a Roku TV directly, but you can cast to it using your phone or computer's built-in casting feature

Roku TVs don't have Google Chromecast built in, but most Roku models support screen mirroring — a similar feature that lets you send video, photos, and your screen from a phone, tablet, or computer to your TV. The process is simpler than you might expect and works with both Android and iOS devices, as well as Windows and Mac computers.

The key difference: Chromecast is Google's technology, while Roku uses its own mirroring system. The end result is the same — content appears on your TV — but the steps to get there are different. Your Roku TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or computer, and your device must support screen mirroring (nearly all modern phones and computers do).

Key Takeaways

  • Roku TVs use screen mirroring instead of Chromecast, but the feature works with Android phones, iPhones, Windows computers, and Mac computers.
  • Your phone or computer and your Roku TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you can start mirroring.
  • On Android, swipe down twice to open Quick Settings, tap "Cast," and select your Roku TV from the list.
  • On iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, tap "Screen Mirroring," and select your Roku TV.
  • If your Roku TV doesn't appear in the cast list, restart both devices and check that screen mirroring is turned on in your Roku settings.

How to cast from an Android phone or tablet

On Android, the casting feature is built into the system settings. Start by making sure your phone and Roku TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Then swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open the full Quick Settings panel — one swipe opens a partial menu, so you need to swipe again to see all options.

Look for a button labeled "Cast," "Screen Mirroring," or sometimes "Wireless Display." Tap it, and your phone will search for nearby devices. Your Roku TV should appear in the list within a few seconds. Tap your TV's name, and your phone's screen will mirror to the TV. You'll see a notification on your phone confirming the connection is active.

To stop casting, swipe down to Quick Settings again, tap "Cast," and select "Stop Casting" or tap your TV's name and choose "Disconnect." Your phone screen will return to normal, and the TV will show the Roku home screen.

How to cast from an iPhone or iPad

iPhones and iPads use a feature called AirPlay, but Roku TVs don't support AirPlay directly. Instead, you'll use the screen mirroring feature built into iOS. First, make sure your iPhone or iPad is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku TV.

Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center. Look for a button labeled "Screen Mirroring" (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom). Tap it, and a list of available devices will appear. Select your Roku TV from the list. After a few seconds, your iPhone or iPad screen will appear on the TV.

To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap "Screen Mirroring," and select "Stop Mirroring." If you don't see "Screen Mirroring" in Control Center, you may need to add it: go to Settings, tap Control Center, and tap the plus sign next to "Screen Mirroring."

How to cast from a Windows computer

Windows 10 and Windows 11 both have built-in screen mirroring. Connect your computer to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku TV. Then press the Windows key and the K key at the same time to open the Quick Settings panel for casting.

Click "Cast to a device" or "Connect," and your computer will search for nearby devices. Your Roku TV should appear in the list. Click it to start mirroring. Your computer screen will appear on the TV, and you'll see a notification confirming the connection.

To stop casting, press Windows + K again and click "Disconnect." Your screen will return to normal. If you don't see your Roku TV in the device list, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your TV's screen mirroring feature is turned on.

How to cast from a Mac computer

Mac computers use AirPlay for screen mirroring, but Roku TVs don't support AirPlay. However, you can use third-party apps like Roku's official app or other screen mirroring software to cast from a Mac. The simplest option is to use your iPhone or iPad to mirror instead, since iOS screen mirroring works directly with Roku TVs.

If you want to cast from your Mac, read the Roku app from the Mac App Store. Open the app, sign in with your Roku account, and look for a screen mirroring or casting option within the app. The exact steps vary depending on which Roku model you own, so check the app's help section for your specific TV model.

Troubleshooting when your Roku TV doesn't appear in the cast list

If your Roku TV isn't showing up when you try to cast, the most common cause is that your phone or computer and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that all devices are connected to the same network — look at your Wi-Fi settings on your phone and your Roku TV's network settings to confirm.

Restart both your phone (or computer) and your Roku TV. Turn off your TV completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same with your phone. Then try casting again. Sometimes a fresh connection is all that's needed.

Check that screen mirroring is turned on in your Roku TV settings. Go to Settings on your TV, select System, then look for "Screen Mirroring" or "Miracast." Make sure it's set to "On" or "Always Allow." If it's set to "Prompt," your TV will ask for permission each time you try to cast, which is fine — just tap "Allow" when the prompt appears.

If you're still having trouble, restart your Wi-Fi router. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart before trying to cast again. This often fixes connection issues between devices on the same network.

What you can do while casting to your Roku TV

Once you're casting, your phone or computer screen appears on the TV in real time. You can play videos, show photos, browse websites, or use any app on your device — everything will display on the TV. This is useful for watching videos from apps that don't have a built-in Roku channel, sharing photos with family, or presenting something on a larger screen.

Keep in mind that casting uses Wi-Fi bandwidth, so if your internet connection is slow or unstable, the picture may lag or drop. Also, some apps (like Netflix or YouTube) may not allow screen mirroring for copyright reasons — if you try to cast a video and it stops working, the app itself may have blocked it. In those cases, look for a Roku channel version of the app instead, which you can install directly on your TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Chromecast device if I have a Roku TV?

No. Roku TVs have built-in screen mirroring, which works the same way as Chromecast for most purposes. You can cast from your phone or computer without buying any extra equipment. The only reason to buy a Chromecast device would be if you prefer Google's ecosystem or if you have a non-Roku TV.

Can I cast audio only, without showing my screen?

Screen mirroring sends your entire screen to the TV, so you can't cast audio alone using this method. However, many apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Pandora have their own Roku channels that you can install directly on your TV. Those apps let you play music without mirroring your phone screen.

Why does my screen mirroring keep disconnecting?

Disconnections usually happen because of weak Wi-Fi signal or interference. Move your phone or computer closer to your router or Roku TV, and make sure no other devices are using a lot of bandwidth. If the problem continues, restart your router and try again.

Can I cast from my phone while using other apps?

Yes, you can use other apps on your phone while casting. Your screen will still show on the TV, so whatever you do on your phone will appear on the TV. If you want to use your phone privately while something plays on the TV, you'll need to stop casting first.

What if my Roku TV is older — does it still support screen mirroring?

Most Roku TVs made in the last five years support screen mirroring, but very old models may not. Check your TV's model number and look it up on Roku's website to confirm. If your TV doesn't support mirroring, you can buy a separate Chromecast device or Roku Streaming Stick to add casting to your TV.