You cannot cast directly from Chromecast to a Roku TV

Chromecast and Roku are separate casting systems that do not work together. If you own a Roku TV and want to cast content to it, you need to use Roku's built-in casting feature instead of Chromecast. The two systems use different wireless protocols and cannot communicate with each other.

This is a common point of confusion because both devices do the same job — they let you send video and audio from your phone, tablet, or computer to your television. But they are incompatible. You cannot use a Chromecast device with a Roku TV, and you cannot use Chromecast apps to send content to a Roku.

Key Takeaways

  • Chromecast and Roku are two separate casting systems that do not work together at all.
  • Roku TVs have their own built-in casting receiver, so you do not need to buy a separate device.
  • To cast to a Roku TV, you use the Roku app on your phone or the cast button in compatible apps like YouTube and Netflix.
  • Both systems require your phone and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network to work.

How to cast to a Roku TV instead

Your Roku TV already has a built-in receiver, so you do not need to buy anything extra. To cast content to it, open the Roku app on your phone or tablet, select your TV from the list of devices, and choose what you want to watch. Many apps — including YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Disney+ — have their own cast button that you can tap to send content directly to your Roku TV.

The process is similar to Chromecast but uses Roku's system. Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the app with the content you want to watch, look for the cast icon (usually three curved lines in the corner), tap it, and select your Roku TV from the list. The content will then play on your television.

If you do not see your TV in the list, check that both devices are on the same network and that your Roku TV is powered on. Restart the app on your phone if the TV still does not appear. You may also need to update the Roku app to the latest version.

What if you already own a Chromecast device

If you have a Chromecast device but want to use it with a Roku TV, you will need to connect the Chromecast to an HDMI port on the TV and set it up as a separate input. This works, but it means you are using two devices instead of the one built into your Roku TV. You would then use Chromecast apps and the Chromecast system to cast to that device, not to the Roku TV itself.

Most people find it simpler to just use the Roku system that is already built into the TV. You avoid the clutter of an extra device and the confusion of managing two different casting systems in your home. If you have other televisions that use Chromecast, you can keep using those devices on those TVs.

Setting up your Roku TV for casting

When you first set up your Roku TV, you will be asked to connect it to Wi-Fi and sign in with a Roku account. Casting is enabled by default, so you do not need to turn on any special settings. Just make sure your TV is on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or tablet.

If casting is not working, go to Settings on your Roku TV, select System, then select About. Look for the option to enable remote access or casting. On most Roku TVs, this is already on. If you see an option to disable it, make sure it is turned on. Restart your TV and your phone if casting still does not work.

Which apps work with Roku casting

Most major streaming apps support Roku casting, including YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, and Apple Music. When you open one of these apps on your phone, look for the cast icon — it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the bottom left corner. Tap it and select your Roku TV.

Not every app supports casting. If you do not see a cast button in an app, that app does not have casting built in. You can still watch it on your phone, but you cannot send it to your TV through the Roku system. Some apps may require you to be signed in to your account before the cast button appears.

Troubleshooting casting problems

If your phone cannot find your Roku TV, the most common cause is that they are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name. If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, try connecting both devices to the same band.

If the TV appears in the list but casting fails to start, restart both your phone and your TV. Close the app you are trying to cast from and open it again. Make sure your Roku TV software is up to date by going to Settings, System, System Update, and checking for updates. If the problem continues, restart your Wi-Fi router and wait a few minutes before trying again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Chromecast device with a Roku TV?

You can plug a Chromecast device into an HDMI port on a Roku TV and use it as a separate input, but the Chromecast will not work with the Roku TV's built-in system. You would be using two different casting systems on the same television. Most people find it easier to just use the Roku casting that is already built in.

Do I need a Roku account to cast to my TV?

You need a Roku account to set up your Roku TV initially, but once it is set up, casting from your phone does not require you to sign in again. Your phone and TV just need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Why does casting keep stopping or buffering?

Buffering usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak. Move your phone closer to the router or TV, or check if other devices are using a lot of bandwidth. Restart your router and TV if the problem continues. Make sure your Roku TV software is fully up to date.

Can I cast from a computer to a Roku TV?

Yes. On Windows, you can use the Roku app or cast from Chrome by clicking the three dots in the top right, selecting Cast, and choosing your Roku TV. On Mac, you can use AirPlay if your Roku TV supports it, or use the Roku app. Check your Roku TV model to see which casting methods it supports.