Your Roku TV won’t receive AirPlay content until you turn on the feature in its settings. On a compatible model, that takes just a few selections with the remote. Here’s how to enable it, share your Apple device’s screen, and check what’s wrong if the option is missing.
Turn on AirPlay in your Roku TV settings
Press Home on your Roku remote, then open Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay. Select On.
Connect your Apple device and Roku TV to the same Wi-Fi network. You’re ready to send videos, photos, music, or your entire screen to the television.
AirPlay support depends on your Roku TV model and software. Installing the Apple TV channel doesn’t enable native AirPlay, and Roku’s separate Android and Windows screen-mirroring settings don’t turn it on either.
Send your iPhone or iPad screen to the TV
On a current iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the upper-right corner to open Control Center.
Tap Screen Mirroring.
Select your Roku TV’s name.
If the television displays an AirPlay passcode, enter it on your iPhone or iPad.
To end the session, select Screen Mirroring > Stop Mirroring.
Tip: To share just a photo, open it in Photos, tap Share > AirPlay, and select your Roku TV’s name.
Update Roku software if the AirPlay setting is missing
This addresses outdated Roku software; incompatible hardware still won’t support AirPlay.
Press Home on the Roku remote.
Open Settings > System > Software update.
Select Check Now.
Wait for any available updates to install automatically and the TV to restart.
Return to Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit to check for the AirPlay setting again.
Check why the TV or your video won’t connect
If your Roku TV isn’t listed on your Apple device, check that both devices use the same Wi-Fi network. On the TV, confirm that Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay is set to On.
If the menu is still missing after an update, check compatibility. Roku lists Select and Plus Series TVs, along with model families Axxxx, Cxxxx, CxxGB, and 7xxxx running Roku OS 9.4 or later. Roku also confirms support for its Pro Series.
For older model IDs beginning with 5 or 6, get model-specific confirmation of AirPlay support from Roku. Don’t assume that a software update adds it.
Some video apps don’t support AirPlay. If the TV connects but streaming from an app fails, try Control Center > Screen Mirroring to share your screen.
Share your Mac screen or video
With your Mac and TV on the same Wi-Fi network, open Control Center > Screen Mirroring on the Mac. Select your Roku TV’s name.
Enter the code displayed on the television if prompted. Follow the onscreen choices to mirror your screen, extend your display, or share a window. The available choices depend on your macOS version.
For video in a supported Mac app, click the AirPlay icon in the playback controls and select your Roku TV’s name. To stop streaming, click AirPlay again and select your Mac’s name.
Use your phone when the remote is missing
The official Roku mobile app replaces your physical remote when the TV is already connected to the network and accessible to the app. It cannot complete initial network setup for a TV it cannot discover.
Install the free Roku mobile app using the App Store or Google Play link on Roku’s official mobile-app page.
Sign in to the app.
Make sure your phone and Roku TV are on the same Wi-Fi network, then connect the app to your Roku TV.
Select Remote in the app.
Press Home in the app to reach the TV’s home screen.
Navigate to Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay using the app’s directional and selection controls.
Choose On.
Keep AirPlay available while the TV is in standby
On compatible TVs, Fast TV start preserves network connectivity for AirPlay in standby, with higher standby power consumption.
Press Home on your remote.
Open Settings > System > Power > Fast TV start.
Check Enable 'Fast TV Start'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to set up HomeKit before using AirPlay?
No. HomeKit setup is separate from enabling AirPlay. It adds the television to Apple Home and supports features such as Siri music playback. A Siri playback command does not turn on the Roku AirPlay switch.
Can I send only music to my Roku TV?
Yes. Start audio on your iPhone or iPad. Open Control Center. Tap AirPlay in the playback controls. Select your Roku TV’s name. Supported audio apps also offer an AirPlay control.
Can my iPhone connect to the TV automatically?
Yes. Open Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity > Automatically AirPlay. Choose Automatic for automatic connections or Ask for connection suggestions. AirPlay must already be enabled on the Roku TV, and both devices must use the same Wi-Fi network.
What Apple software versions does Roku require for AirPlay?
Roku lists iOS 12.3 or later and macOS Mojave 10.14.5 or later as minimums. Your Roku TV must also be an AirPlay-compatible model running the required Roku software.