Wondering why can’t I Airplay to my Roku? Well, this guide covers everything to know!
Apple Airplay allows users to stream their favorite content from their iOS or macOS device to a compatible Roku TV or streaming stick.
However, there are a few things that might impact the Airplay functionality and prevent you from streaming. So stay with us to explore the solution!
When you can’t Airplay to your Roku, first check whether your Roku is compatible with Airplay 2 and apply any pending Roku OS updates. In addition, you must verify that both your devices are on the same network and perform a soft or hard reset respectively.
Let’s continue to unwrap!
How To Set Up Airplay On Roku TV *Correctly*
To set up and enable the Airplay between your Apple device and Roku TV, you only need both devices powered on and working.
From there, you only need to follow these simple instructions:
- On the Apple device, open media for Airplay.
- Then, select AirPlay video or AirPlay audio.
- Tip: Click on “Share” to review the “Airplay.”
- Select your Roku TV from the device’s menu.
- Your device’s screen will appear on the Roku.
When everything is set up correctly, streaming via Airplay to your Roku is that simple.
However, in most situations, the Roku TV does not appear in the list of devices, which causes the entire fuss.
Well, in case you’re unable to Airplay to your Roku as well, then continue reading ahead.
Tip: When connected, you can fast-forward, rewind, and pause the content from your Apple device while viewing on your big Roku TV screen.
Why Can’t I Airplay To My Roku TV? – 7 Easy Fixes!
Tip: Follow the steps in consecutive order!
1. Verify Your AirPlay Compatibility!
The fundamental reason why you cannot Airplay from your iOS or macOS device to your Roku TV might be due to a lack of compatibility.
Your devices must be compatible with AirPlay 2, so you need to check your Roku TV and Apple device’s model and operating system firmware.
How to Check for Model Compatibility?
You can Airplay from your Apple device to the following Roku products:
Alert: It’s crucial to verify that your device’s operating system is supported…
How to Check Firmware Compatibility?
To check the firmware on your Roku TV and Apple device, go to Settings > System > About and then verify that you’re running a supported system.
Your device’s OS must be running on:
- For Airplay support, your Roku must be running OS 9.4 or later!
- Your iPhone, iPad, and iPod must be running iOS 12.3 or later!
- Your Macbook or iMac must be running Mojave 10.14.5 or later!
A deal breaker would be if your device does not support the aforementioned versions and can’t be updated, in which case Airplay wouldn’t work.
However, if your device’s system is outdated, go to Settings > System/General > About > Software Update.
Then update to the latest one!
Note: Proceed only if you’ve confirmed that the device’s models and operating systems are compatible with the Apple Airplay.
2. Connect to the Same WiFi/Network!
The second fundamental requirement is for both your Roku and Apple devices to be connected to the same WiFi or to the same router’s internet.
Your Apple device will be able to discover the Roku system only when both devices are connected to the local network and, thus, communicate.
How to Connect iOS to WiFi?
- First, open the Settings.
- Then go to the WiFi tab.
- Tap the toggle to enable.
- Select your WiFi network.
- Enter the WiFi password.
- Finally, remain connected.
How to Connect macOS to WiFi?
- On macOS, click on the WiFi icon.
- Info: The WiFi icon is on the top right.
- Wait for the list of networks to appear.
- Then, select your home WiFi network.
- Insert the password and stay connected.
How to Connect Roku TV to WiFi?
- Go to the Roku home screen.
- Scroll down and enter Settings.
- Then, go to the Network tab.
- Select “Set up Connection.”
- Then, select the Wireless tab.
- Select your home WiFi network.
- Complete the on-screen steps.
Note: If you’re using a wired connection, you need to verify that your WiFi device and wired units are connected to the same router’s internet.
3. Soft-Reset Roku & Apple Device
If the internet and compatibility requirements are met, but you’re still unable to Airplay from your Apple device to your Roku, you need to reset your setup soft.
The soft reset also known as a “power cycle,” is a method that doesn’t erase anything from your devices, so it’s safe to apply!
Unplug and turn off your devices for 60 seconds!
This is enough to refresh all operational services and re-enable the Airplay functionality.
When you’re ready with the power circulation on your setup, turn on both devices and test whether you can now cast content from your Apple device to your Roku player.
Tip: The soft-reset process also helps against overheating!
4. Turn OFF the Mobile Data (4G/5G)
If you’re using a SIM mobile device such as an iPhone or iPad, you need to disable the Mobile Data features.
These devices typically ignore the WiFi when the mobile data is enabled, and the WiFi is slower.
In those cases, you might be attempting to Airplay to your Roku, but if your device constantly switches from WiFi to cellular, the connection will immediately drop.
So, to disable the Mobile Data (cellular internet) on an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Toggle OFF.
Reminder: When ready, reconnect from the WiFi and test whether you can use Airplay to cast content onto your Roku playout.
5. Refresh Your Internet Connection/WiFi
In case nothing else helps, perhaps the Airplay problem comes from weak or inconsistent WiFi, so it’s best to refresh the network before continuing further.
The best possible way to refresh your network is to reboot your WiFi router or, even further, unplug the router from the power supply.
This will refresh your network, WiFi, and the internet on your connected devices, which might be enough to re-enable the Airplay feature.
Tip: Also, verify that your internet is not congested due to many devices that are connected and working from the WiFi network.
6. Factory Reset Your Roku Playout!
In case nothing helps and you can’t Airplay from your Apple device to your Roku, perhaps there is a system bug that requires your attention.
The best way to address any system fault on your Roku would be to perform the factory reset process, which will revert all the settings to default.
Here’s how to factory reset your Roku in easy steps:
- Press the “Home” button on your remote control.
- Then, on the left, scroll down and enter Settings.
- Go to System and Advanced System Settings.
- Next, find and select the Factory Reset feature.
- Then, select the “Factory Reset Everything” tab.
- Finally, follow the on-screen instructions to finish.
When your Roku playout device is completely reset, then you can check whether the Airplay will now work.
In case you’re still unable to cast content from your Apple device, perhaps the issue is not with your Roku, rather than with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod.
Alert: The factory reset process will erase all saved data and user settings on your Roku!
7. AirPlay from a Different Apple Device
If you can test whether the Airplay to your Roku would work on another Apple device, that is supported, feel free to attempt.
This will tighten the circle of possibilities and answer most of your questions, so it’s the perfect final approach.
Remember that your iOS device must be compatible with Airplay 2, so scroll up in the guide and review the requirements again.
If you can Airplay to your Roku from a secondary Apple device but can’t from the old one, perhaps you need to perform a factory reset on your Apple unit too!
Question: Have you tried to Airplay local videos and images from the Photos app?
Quick Recap:
Hence, the reason why can’t I Airplay to my Roku is probably due to a compatibility fault, which may concern either your Roku or Apple device.
In case that’s not the case, you’ll need to verify that you’re using the same WiFi and, if necessary, perform a factory reset.
Follow us for more relevant content!
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.