It’s important to note that mirroring is only officially available for Android and Windows phones and tablets. However, Roku offers alternatives for iPhone users. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up and use Roku screen mirroring from a mobile device.
Prepare Your Roku for Screen Mirroring
Before you start, make sure to enable your Roku device for mirroring with the following steps:
Select Settings. Select System. Go to Screen Mirroring. Choose Always Allow.
How to Connect Android to Roku
Make sure your Android device is running on Android 5.0 or newer. Note the settings options on Android may differ per device.
Go to the dropdown panel on your Android device. Tap the Smart View icon. Choose the Roku device you want to connect to.
Sometimes, the term “mirroring” is labeled differently on certain devices, depending on the manufacturer of your phone.
For reference, here are some of the alternative terms used for mirroring: Smart View, Quick Connect, SmartShare, AllShare Cast, Wireless Display, Display mirroring, HTC Connect, Cast.
How to Connect Windows Tablets to Roku
Go to the action center on your Windows tablet. Select Connect. Select the Roku device you want to connect to.
How to Connect iPhone to Roku
Roku devices do not officially support iPhone mirroring. Luckily other alternatives can work as a replacement for mirroring from iPhones.
For instance, casting can work as an alternative for video, as long as the app you are looking to project on the screen has casting capabilities. To find out if an app is compatible with Roku casting, look for the Casting icon on the video playback menu.
For photos, videos, and music, you can use the official Roku app to launch directly from your mobile device. This is a more private alternative that will allow you to select what you want to share before projecting on the screen.
Download: The Roku mobile app for Android | iOS
Mirroring vs. Casting
Before deciding if mirroring is the feature you want to use, you should know the difference between how to mirror on Roku and how to cast on Roku. These terms are often confused in the industry but have important differences to note.
Mirroring vs. Casting: What You See
Mirroring reflects your phone as-is on your TV, while casting from your phone to Roku solely permits video sharing from apps that support it, like Netflix or YouTube.
Mirroring vs. Casting: Remote Control
When casting, you can use a Roku remote or channel app to pause or playback video. When mirroring, your phone acts as your remote at all times.
Mirroring vs. Casting: Multitasking
Casting allows you to access other applications, power off, or multitask on your phone without interrupting your cast. With mirroring, you cannot exit or power off your mobile device without interrupting your session.
Which Devices Support Roku Screen Mirroring?
Roku streaming devices introduced after 2017 support mirroring. Android devices must be running version 5.0 or later. And Windows devices must be running on versions 8.1.1 and later. iOS devices don’t currently support Roku screen mirroring, but that may change in the future.
When to Choose Roku Mirroring Over Casting
Mirroring can be a comfortable way to share presentations on a larger screen without much hassle. It can also be a helpful workaround for watching apps not supported by Roku, like HBO Max.
Consider casting if you are looking to multitask on your phone while watching the TV, or mainly watch apps that support casting like Netflix.
The official Roku app is also a great way to share photos and music from your phone with a little more privacy than mirroring. The best choice for you comes down to your personal preferences.
