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How To Cast to a Roku Device: Casting Content to Roku

Roku devices are popular streaming media players that allow you to access various streaming services and content on your TV. With over 60 million active users, Roku has become one of the leading platforms for at-home entertainment.

One useful feature of Roku devices is their ability to cast or mirror content from your smartphone or tablet directly to your TV screen. This guide will explain the different ways you can cast content to a Roku device.

Methods for Casting to a Roku Device

There are several methods you can use to cast or mirror content from your mobile device to a Roku player or Roku TV:

Screen Mirroring

  • Screen mirroring displays your entire mobile device screen on your TV via the Roku device.
  • It mirrors everything you do on your phone or tablet.

To use screen mirroring:

  • On your Roku device, go to Settings > System > Screen Mirroring and set to Prompt or Always Allow.
  • On your Android or Windows device, use the Smart View or Cast Screen feature to select your Roku device and mirror the screen.

The Roku Mobile App

The official Roku app allows you to:

  • Use your device as a Roku remote
  • Cast personal media like music, photos and videos to your Roku
  • Search and control content

To cast personal media from your iOS or Android device:

  • Open the Roku app
  • Go to the Devices tab
  • Select your Roku device
  • Choose Media to access your media files
  • Select the files to cast to your TV

Using Casting in Apps

Many apps have Google Cast integration to cast content:

  • YouTube
  • Netflix
  • Hulu
  • Disney+
  • And many more

To cast from a mobile app:

  • Tap the Cast icon in the app (looks like a TV with WiFi bars)
  • Select your Roku device to connect
  • The app will launch on your TV

Casting from Android Devices

Casting content from your Android device to a Roku player is straightforward. Here are the steps:

Enable Screen Mirroring

  • Swipe down from the top of your screen to open Quick Settings
  • Tap the Screen Mirroring icon
  • Select your Roku device from the list
  • Allow your device to connect

Use the Roku Mobile App

The Roku app for Android makes it easy to cast photos, videos and music.

  • Download and open the Roku app
  • Go to the Devices tab
  • Choose your Roku device
  • Select Media to pick files to cast

Cast from Compatible Apps

Many Android apps support casting with Roku devices, like:

  • YouTube
  • Netflix
  • Spotify
  • Google Photos
  • Chrome

To cast:

  • Tap the Cast icon when viewing content
  • Choose your Roku device from the list
  • The app will launch on your TV

Casting from iOS Devices

You can also easily cast content from your iPhone, iPad to a Roku streaming player.

Enable AirPlay

AirPlay is an Apple feature that allows casting between Apple devices.

To enable on your Roku device:

  • Go to Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit
  • Set AirPlay Enable to On

Now iOS devices can discover and cast to your Roku.

The Roku App for iOS

The Roku app for iOS makes casting a breeze:

  • Download the Roku app
  • Go to the Devices tab
  • Select your Roku device
  • Tap on Media to access photos, videos and music
  • Choose files to cast to your TV

Cast Content from Apps

Many iOS apps work with AirPlay to cast media:

  • YouTube
  • Apple Music
  • Podcasts
  • Photos
  • Safari
  • And more

To cast from an app:

  • Tap the iOS AirPlay icon (rectangle with triangle below)
  • Select your Roku device
  • Content will start playing on your TV

Casting from Windows Devices

You can cast from Windows laptops as well using screen mirroring.

Enable Screen Mirroring

First enable the feature on your Roku device:

  • Go to Settings > System > Screen Mirroring
  • Set to Prompt or Always Allow

Cast Your Windows Screen

Then use the Project menu to cast your screen:

  • Click the Taskbar icon in the bottom right (may look like a monitor)
  • Select Project to a wireless display
  • Choose your Roku device to connect

Tips for Casting to Roku

Here are some handy tips:

  • For the best experience, use the same WiFi network for your Roku and casting device.
  • Close unused apps on your phone or tablet before casting to improve video performance.
  • If you run into issues, power cycle your Roku and reconnect to WiFi before trying again.
  • Use the Roku remote to control casted content once loaded on your TV.

Conclusion

Casting content to your Roku device helps you easily get photos, videos, music and more up on the big screen. Roku offers flexible options to cast from both Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Follow the steps outlined here based on your device, and you’ll be casting in no time!

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