Cast to Roku from Android, iOS, and Windows in 2023

Discover the ultimate guide to casting content to Roku devices across Android, iOS, and Windows platforms in 2023. This comprehensive blog delves into seamless content sharing between various devices and television screens.

Covering the realms of Android, iOS, and Windows, this resource unveils the step-by-step process to cast preferred content onto Roku-connected screens effortlessly. Explore the functionalities of Google Cast, AirPlay, and Miracast to transform mobile device content into captivating big-screen experiences.

Is There a Difference Between Casting and Mirroring?

Casting and mirroring are two different methods of displaying content from one device onto another device, such as from a smartphone to a TV. While they achieve a similar goal, they use different technologies and offer other functionalities.

Casting

Casting typically refers to wirelessly streaming content from a compatible app on one device to another, such as a TV or a streaming device. This is often achieved through technologies like Google Cast (used by Chromecast devices) or Apple AirPlay. When you cast content, the source device sends a command to the receiving device to fetch and play the content directly from the internet.

Mirroring

Mirroring, on the other hand, involves duplicating the entire screen of one device onto another device. Whatever you see on the source device’s screen will be replicated on the receiving device, which is useful for tasks such as showing presentations, playing games, or viewing content that might not be available on the receiving device natively.

Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku

Enabling screen mirroring on a Roku device enables a person to mirror the screen of a compatible device onto the TV. Here’s how to screen mirror on Roku:

Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku

On the Roku device, follow these steps to enable Roku screen mirroring:

1. Press the Home button on the Roku remote to go to the Roku home screen.
2. Scroll down and select “Settings” using the arrow buttons on your remote.
3. In the Settings menu, navigate to “System” and select it.
4. Then, choose “Screen mirroring.”
5. Set the “Screen mirroring mode” to either “Prompt” or “Always allow,” depending on your preference.
6. You might also see an option called “Screen mirroring devices.” Ensure this is set to “Always allow” or “Prompt.”

Start Screen Mirroring

Once you’ve enabled screen mirroring on your Roku device, you can start the mirroring process from your compatible device:

• Open the screen mirroring or casting feature on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This might be called “Screen Mirroring,” “Cast,” or something similar, depending on the device’s operating system.
• The device will scan for available devices to connect to. Choose the desired Roku device.

Confirm Connection

After selecting your Roku device, a prompt might appear on your TV screen asking you to confirm the connection. Select “Allow” or “OK” to initiate the screen mirroring connection.

Begin Mirroring

Once the connection is established, your device’s screen will start mirroring on your TV through the Roku device. You’ll see whatever is displayed on your device’s screen replicated on the TV.

End Mirroring

To stop screen mirroring, you can either disconnect from the mirroring option on your device or use the Roku remote to navigate back to the home screen of the Roku device.

Cast to Roku From an iOS Mobile Device

To cast content from an iOS mobile device to a Roku device, you’ll need to use the built-in Apple AirPlay functionality. This feature lets you wirelessly mirror or stream content from the iOS device to the Roku-connected TV. Here’s how to cast to Roku from an iOS mobile device:

Enable AirPlay on Roku

Ensure that AirPlay is enabled on your Roku device by following these steps:

1. Press the Home button on the Roku remote to the home screen.
2. Scroll down and select “Settings.”
3. Navigate to “Apple AirPlay and HomeKit” and ensure it’s turned on.

Connect iOS Device to Roku

Now, connect the iOS device to the Roku device using AirPlay:

1. Open the Control Center on the iOS device.
2. Tap the “Screen Mirroring” or “AirPlay” icon in the Control Center.
3. A list of available devices will appear. Select the Roku device from the list.

Enter the AirPlay Code

A verification code will come on the TV screen. On the iOS device, confirm that the code displayed on the TV matches the code on the phone. If they match, tap “Allow.”

Start Casting

Once the connection is established, your iOS device’s screen will be cast to Roku. You can navigate through your iOS device just like you would on it.

Play Content

To stream content (videos, music, etc.) from your iOS device, open the app you want to use and start playing the content. The content will be streamed to your TV through Roku.

Stop Mirroring

To stop screen mirroring, return to the Control Center on the iOS device and tap the “Screen Mirroring” or “AirPlay” icon again. Then select “Stop Mirroring” or “Turn Off AirPlay” and confirm.

Cast to Roku From an Android Device

Users can enjoy casting to Roku from an Android device using the built-in Google Cast feature, which allows you to wirelessly stream media from the Android device to the Roku-connected TV. Here’s how to cast to Roku TV from Android:

Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku

On your Roku device, ensure that screen mirroring is enabled:

1. Press the Home button on the Roku remote to the home screen.
2. Scroll down and select “Settings.”
3. Navigate to “System”> “Screen mirroring” and set it to “Prompt” or “Always allow.”

Connect Android Device to Roku

Use the Google Cast functionality on your Android device to connect to your Roku device:

1. Open the app you want to cast from on your Android device. This could be a video streaming, music, or other media app.
2. Look for the Google Cast icon. It typically resembles a rectangle with Wi-Fi-like waves in the corner. It might be located within the app’s settings or near the playback controls.
3. Tap the Cast icon and choose the Roku device from the list of available devices.

Start Casting

Once connected, your Android device’s content will be mirrored on your TV through the Roku device. The playback can be controlled from the Android device or the TV.

Play Content

Navigate through the app on the Android device and play the content that needs to be cast. The content will appear on the TV through the Roku device.

Stop Casting

To stop casting, return to the app on the Android device and tap the Cast icon. Then select “Stop Casting” or “Disconnect.” You can also use the notification shade on your Android device to stop casting. And this is how to cast to Roku from Android.

Cast to Roku from Windows 10 & 11

Casting to Roku from a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC can be done using the built-in Miracast feature, which allows you to display your PC’s screen on your Roku-connected TV wirelessly. Here’s how you can cast to Roku from a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC:

Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku

On your Roku device, ensure that screen mirroring is enabled:

1. Press the Home button on the Roku remote and go to the home screen.
2. Scroll down and select “Settings.”
3. Navigate to “System”> “Screen mirroring” and set it to “Prompt” or “Always allow.”

Open Windows Settings

Open Settings by pressing the “Windows” key on the keyboard and clicking on the gear icon.

Connect to a Wireless Display

In the Settings app, go to “System” (on Windows 10) or “System > Display” (on Windows 11). In Windows 11, you might also find the “Connect” option in the Action Center. Look for a section related to “Connect to a wireless display” or “Project” and select it.

Start Mirroring

Windows will search for available wireless displays. You should see your Roku device listed. Select the Roku device from the list to initiate the connection.

Confirm Connection on Roku

After selecting your Roku device on your PC, a prompt might appear on your TV screen asking you to confirm the connection. Select “Allow” or “OK” to initiate the screen mirroring connection.

Mirroring Your Screen

Once connected, your PC’s screen will be mirrored on your TV through the Roku device. Your TV will display everything that’s shown on your PC’s monitor.

Stop Mirroring

To stop mirroring, you can either go back to the “Connect to a wireless display” or “Project” settings on your PC and select “Disconnect” or use the “Stop” option in the Action Center (Windows 11).

How to Cast to Roku Safely?

Conclusion

All in all, this is everything there is to know about how to cast to Roku using a variety of mediums. Just make sure Ivacy VPN is there to back each medium. Otherwise, privacy and security will remain exposed online.