It is important to note that mirroring is only officially available for Android and Windows phones and tablets. However, Roku offers alternatives for iPhone users. Here is a step-by-step guide on setting up and using Roku screen mirroring from a mobile device.
Before you begin, make sure to enable your Roku device for mirroring by following these steps:
Make sure your Android device is running Android 5.0 or newer. Note that settings options on Android may differ by device.
Sometimes the term "mirroring" is labeled differently on some devices, depending on your phone manufacturer.
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.
Roku devices do not officially support iPhone mirroring. Fortunately, other alternatives can replace mirroring from iPhones.
For example, broadcasting can work as an alternative to video, provided that the application you want to project on the screen has broadcasting capabilities. To find out if an app is compatible with Roku streaming, search for the Foundry icon on the video playback menu.
For photos, videos, and music, you can use the official Roku app to cast directly from your mobile device. This is a more private alternative that will allow you to select what you want to share before projecting onto the screen.
Download: The Roku mobile app for Android | iOS
Before deciding if mirroring is the feature you want to use, you should know the difference between how to mirror to Roku and how to stream to Roku. These terms are often confused in the industry but have important differences to note.
Mirroring mirrors your phone as is to your TV, while casting from your phone to Roku only allows video sharing from apps that support it, like Netflix or YouTube.
While streaming, you can use a Roku remote or channel app to pause or play a video. While mirroring, your phone acts as a remote control at all times.
Casting lets you access other apps, shut down, or multitask on your phone without interrupting your casting. With mirroring, you cannot leave or turn off your mobile device without interrupting your session.
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 8.1.1 and later. iOS devices currently do not support Roku screen mirroring, but this may change in the future.
Mirroring can be a comfortable way to share presentations on a larger screen without much hassle. It can also be a useful workaround for watching apps not supported by Roku, like HBO Max.
Consider streaming if you want to multitask on your phone while watching TV, or mostly watch streaming-enabled apps like Netflix.
The official Roku app is also a great way to share photos and music from your phone with a bit more privacy than mirroring. The best choice for you depends on your personal preferences.
