How to Cast to Roku
For supported apps and streaming channels, the steps to cast content are simple. There’s no complete list of supported services for casting, but Netflix and YouTube are among those that allow casting via Roku.
First, ensure the streaming channel you want to cast is installed on your Roku device. Using the corresponding app on your mobile device, look for the casting icon (a small rectangle with three curved lines in the bottom-left corner). Select the casting icon, then find and select your Roku device from the list of casting destinations.
If you do not see your Roku, ensure that your mobile device and Roku are connected to the same network. If you still don’t see your Roku in the list of casting destinations, the Roku or streaming channel may not support this style of casting. Roku notes that some apps may require you to begin playing the content on your mobile device before you can cast to the Roku device.
How to Use Roku Screen Mirroring
If your chosen apps don’t support normal casting, or you want to display content from your computer, you have the option of screen mirroring to your Roku using Android or Windows devices. Many recent Android devices support screen mirroring but may have their own terms for the feature. Roku explains that you may see Smart View, Quick Connect, SmartShare, AllShare Cast, Wireless Display, Display mirroring, HTC Connect, Screen Casting, or Cast as on option on your phone. Once you’ve identified the type of screen mirroring your Android device supports, follow these steps:
Select your device’s screen mirroring feature.You’ll likely be prompted to select a destination for screen mirroring. Select your Roku device from the list.After you connect to your Roku, the Roku may prompt you to allow the screen mirroring. Approve the connection, and your Roku will begin to show a duplicate of your Android screen.
On Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 devices with support for Miracast, you should be able to duplicate your screen or use your TV as a second display for your computer. Microsoft has detailed instructions for Windows 8.1 users. For Windows 10 users, you need to:
Open the Action Center (by default, selecting the text box in the bottom right corner of your screen).Find the menu icon labeled Connect and select it. You’ll be presented with a list of available devices for connections, and should see your Roku listed if it supports screen mirroring.Select your Roku device. Your Roku may prompt you to accept the connection from your Windows device.
With your Windows or Android device mirrored on your Roku, you’ll be able to playback whatever media you want and display it on your Roku. Mirroring from your iPhone is possible — check out our guide on how to mirror your iPhone to your Roku, as the process is a bit more involved. Roku’s site has detailed instructions on sending media to your Roku without mirroring.
Casting vs. Screen Mirroring
It’s worth noting that, wherever possible, the standard casting option is going to be your best bet for quality video and audio through your TV and Roku device. Screen mirroring and other similar tools rely on your primary device to handle the media, and then your whole screen or part of your screen will be recorded and sent with a slight delay over your network to the Roku. In the case of streaming video, it’s akin to receiving a well-packaged product, opening it up, and then doing a worse job repackaging to send it to the TV. Normal casting, on the other hand, works differently. Let’s say you’re streaming a Netflix video on your phone, but decide you want to cast it to your Roku. If both your phone and Roku support casting and both have the Netflix app, casting will instruct the Roku to stream the Netflix video. While the video was first being delivered directly to your phone, after casting, it gets delivered directly to the Roku. So, there’s no middle step to reduce the quality or network bandwidth, as there would be in screen mirroring.
