How to install AirPlay on Roku [Step by step procedure]
AirPlay is an Apple trademark making it quite difficult to mirror content directly from an iPhone, iPad or Mac to a non-Apple device. For Apple users, this can be quite limiting especially if you already have a non-Apple device like Roku.
Apple AirPlay is a very useful feature to have as an iOS user. It allows you to control, stream, and share content from your iOS devices including iPhones, iPads, and Macs to your compatible devices. You can watch TV SHows, movies, family videos, listen to your favorite music, or even browse through your photos on a wider screen. This enhances the viewing experience and makes it more interactive. The feature even allows you to use your phone to control your TV and increase/decrease the volume as you would on your phone by pressing the side buttons.
To install AirPlay on Roku, check and ensure that your devices meet the minimum requirements, then go to settings on Roku and enable AirPlay. The steps may not be that straightforward, but don’t worry as we will take you through them step by step.
What are the minimum requirements?
To use AirPlay on Roku, your device must meet certain requirements. For now, you don’t need to install AirPlay on Roku as the latest update supports AirPlay on some Roku devices. Make sure that your Roku device is running on Roku version 9.4 or later and for iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, it should be running on iOS 12.3 or higher. With Macs, make sure that the PC is running on MacOS Mojave 10.14.5 or higher. Your Roku device automatically checks for any updates between 24-36 hours.
Next, make sure that your Roku streaming device is connected to your Wi-Fi network even when powered off. Press the Home button on the remote and scroll to Settings. From here, select System and then click on ‘Power’. Select Fast TV/Fast start and then highlight ‘Enable Fast TV start’ or ‘Turn on Fast start’ depending on your Roku device and check the box. This ensures that your Roku device remains powered on and connected to the Wi-Fi network.
Setting up AirPlay on Roku
Firstly, connect your Roku and Apple device to the Wi-Fi network for it to work. In the Roku home screen, scroll down to settings and choose ‘Apple AirPlay’ and then set AirPlay to ‘On’. On your Apple device, open the Control Center by swiping from either the top-right corner or from the bottom of the screen depending on your iPhone version. Tap on ‘Screen Mirroring’ and then select your Roku device. If you can’t see your Roku device, make sure it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the phone. Lastly, enter the code that appears on your screen on your iPhone and tap on ‘OK’ to complete the process. Open a song, video, podcast, or photo that you want to share and then tap on the AirPlay video or audio icon to start sharing. On some apps, you will have to tap on the share icon instead. From the AirPlay menu, select your Roku device and start streaming and controlling content on Roku. To stop streaming with AirPlay, simply press the home button on the Roku remote. On your iPhone, go to the Control Center and tap on ‘Screen mirroring’ and then on ‘Stop Mirroring’ to stop.
Setting up HomeKit
To set up HomeKit, press the Home button on your Rokuremote and the scroll to Settings. Choose ‘Apple AirPlay’, and then select ‘HomeKit’ and finally ‘Set up’. Using your Apple device camera, scan the 8-digit HomeKit code on your TV screen. Follow the on-screen instructions on your Apple device to add it to your Roku device and complete the setup process.
Setup steps in pictures
Press the home button on your Roku remote and go to the Roku home screen
Scroll and select Settingsthen System
Click on About and check the OS version
If there’s an update, click on Check Now to check and install
Go back to System and select Power
Select Fast TV/Fast start and then highlight Enable Fast TV start/Turn on Fast start
Open a song, video, podcast, or photo on iOS and tap on the AirPlay video or audio icon to start sharing
How to install AirPlay on Roku: A snap shot
Installation process |
Action required |
|
Connect both your Roku streaming device and iOS device to the same Wi-Fi network and then turn on AirPlay on both devices. |
– Roku streaming device running on 9.4 OS or higher
– Stable internet connection – iOS device 12.3 or later |
Final Thoughts
You now know how to install and use AirPlay on your Roku device. With the latest update, you don’t need to install anything. All it takes is to ensure that your devices meet the minimum requirements and then enable certain settings. This works for all the Apple products including Mac.
FAQs
Why can’t I see my Roku device on the AirPlay menu?
If you can’t see your Roku device on the AirPlay menu, then check that both your devices support AirPlay 2, are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and that AirPlay is turned on on your Roku.
Why does my TV not power on/off when using HomeKit?
If you are using a Siri voice command assistant or the Home app with your Roku streaming device, then your TV will not power on/off. You need to ensure that your TV supports CEC and that it’s enabled. This is because CEC simplifies the use of entertainment systems by allowing commands to be shared over the same HDMI connection.