Roku TV supports a lot of apps and streaming services.
All make your home viewing experience more enjoyable.
To make things even better, Roku TVs also support Apple AirPlay.
If you’re having trouble running AirPlay on your Roku TV….
Read on to learn…
- What Roku TVs can run AirPlay.
- How to use AirPlay on your Roku TV.
- 9 fixes for when your AirPlay won’t run on Roku TV.
- And much more…
Why isn’t my AirPlay connecting to my Roku TV?
AirPlay isn’t connecting to your Roku TV because of compatibility problems. It can also be due to issues with your internet, operating system, or device. Other reasons include bugs and glitches with your devices.
AirPlay not working on Roku TV: 9 fixes
#1: Ensure that your Roku TV is compatible with AirPlay
AirPlay won’t connect to your Roku TV because both aren’t compatible.
If you want to check out its compatibility…
- Go to settings.
- Head to System.
- Head to About and check your TV’s device model
Use this list as a guide for your TV’s compatibility.
There are only 2 fixes for this problem.
First is that you get a more recent Roku TV model so that it’s compatible with more apps.
Second fix is to wait and hope for Roku to release a software update that enables AirPlay.
#2: Enable AirPlay on your Roku TV
Your Apple device and your Roku TV need to be on the same wireless network.
With that, follow these steps to enable AirPlay:
Step 1: From your Apple device, find what you want to stream to your TV. AirPlay allows videos, music, photos, and podcasts.
Step 2: Click on the AirPlay video icon for video and photo apps. If it’s music, click the AirPlay audio icon.
Step 3: Find and select your Roku device from the AirPlay menu that appears.
#3: Update your Roku TV’s software
As with all smart TVs, Roku TV gets updates that help fix bugs as well as introduce new features for you to enjoy.
If your TV’s operating system is out of date, then this could be a culprit for your AirPlay problems. To check the software version…
- Go to Settings.
- Head to System.
- Head to About.
Roku TV lets you scan for any updates online. If there’s a newer software version, allow the update to begin and then wait for a few minutes.
Your Roku TV needs to be on OS 9.4 or 10.0 and higher for it to run AirPlay. This depends on the TV that you have.
A Roku TV needs OS 9.4 if it’s one of these models…
- Axxx.
- Cxxx.
- CxxGB.
- 7xxx model.
A Roku TV needs OS 10.0 if it’s one of these models…
- Dxxx.
- 8xxx model.
Note: Older models of Roku TVs no longer get software updates.
Lucky for you, most TV manufacturers support their models with software support for 2 to 3 years at most.
Read also: How Often Do Smart TVs Update Their Software? 5 Examples
#4: Restart your router and modem
For AirPlay to work, your Apple device and your Roku TV need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
If you’re having connectivity problems, AirPlay won’t run on your Roku TV. You can turn off your router and modem to reset the connection on both devices.
How fast should your connection be for AirPlay to work smoothly?
Apple recommends a minimum bandwidth of 25mbps when running AirPlay. Go to a website like Fast for a quick speed test.
If your connection falls below 25mbps, then you might have to upgrade your data plan.
You can try disconnecting other devices from the Wi-Fi as well. This is so that your Roku TV and Apple device have enough bandwidth.
#5: Move your Apple device closer to your Roku TV
Regardless of how fast your internet is, distance matters when using AirPlay.
When using AirPlay, it’s recommended to keep your Apple device not further than 30 feet away from your Roku TV.
This is especially important when you’re trying to set up your AirPlay for the first time.
Apart from distance, physical obstructions can also make running AirPlay more difficult. Some things that can block the signal include…
- Walls.
- Furniture.
- Appliances in front of the TV.
As a general rule of thumb, you should always run AirPlay in the same room as your Roku TV.
#6: Restart your Roku TV
Sometimes, restarting your Roku TV is more than enough to fix AirPlay problems.
Usually, most people will turn off their TV and then leave it that way for 30 seconds for a full restart. However, do this instead…
- Press the home button on your remote and open the main menu.
- Head to Settings.
- Select System > Power > System Restart.
Keep in mind that the steps may vary depending on your Roku TV model.
Note: You can consult your TV’s manual to check how to restart it.
If you restart this way, your TV will automatically open after rebooting.
#7: Restart your Apple device
You can do the same for your Apple device if the problem persists.
Here’s how you can restart your Apple device:
- Press and hold the power and volume down button on your Apple device.
- Choose power off from the menu that appears.
- Wait for 30 seconds for the device to power off.
- Leave it for 30 more seconds before powering it up again.
#8: Connect your TV with an Ethernet cable
Did you know that the highest speed an Ethernet cable can reach is 10gbps?
Wi-Fi connections max out at 6.9gbps or less.
If your TV is having connection problems over the Wi-Fi, then you might want to use an Ethernet cable instead. Simply connect your TV to your router using this for a slight speed boost.
It’s easier to set up once you connect the cables. Head to your Roku TV’s connection menu. From there, you can immediately complete the wired connection with a few taps. No passwords needed!
Aside from increasing your TV’s internet speed, this can also speed up your Apple device’s connection.
That’s because there’s one less device that’s taking up the bandwidth.
#9: Switch to a 2.4 GHz network band
If you don’t have an Ethernet cable at home and you’ve exhausted all WiFi tricks we’ve said above, consider this fix.
Your Roku TV and your Apple device might be connecting to your Wi-Fi via a 5 GHz network band. It’s a more powerful connection but this works at short ranges only.
If your devices are far from the router, switch to a 2.4 GHz network band instead. To do this:
- Go to your Apple device or Roku TV’s settings.
- Find your network settings and click on Wi-Fi.
- Find the 5 GHz connection.
- Tap “forget this network.”
BONUS: Factory reset your TV
Have you done every step on this list?
Yet, your AirPlay still won’t work on your Roku TV?
A factory reset serves as a last resort. Here’s how you can do it:
- Press Home on your remote.
- Select Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Advanced system settings.
- Find and proceed with factory reset.
A factory reset means that your Roku TV’s settings and data will be removed. As a result any apps you have saved, accounts you have connected, and more are going to be erased.
What’s the good thing about a factory reset?
It can help sort out any bugs and issues with your TV as well.
It’s worth the trouble doing especially as a last resort.
After resetting your TV, turn it on again. You will have to redownload your apps and reconnect your accounts.
From here, you can try using AirPlay again.
If the problem still persists, then it might be time to call on support from Apple or Roku’s team.
Why won’t my iPhone screen mirror to my Roku TV?
Your iPhone won’t screen mirror your Roku TV due to compatibility issues. Not all Roku TVs run AirPlay. Aside from the TV model, the OS of the TV matters too.
Since Wi-Fi is needed to run AirPlay, there are a few connectivity problems to be mindful of too.
To put it simply, your connection needs to be…
- At least 25 GBPS.
- Your distance is within 30 feet.
- And your connection is either wired or a 2.4 GHz network band.
Read also: Why Is Your Roku TV Screen Black? 5 Reasons & Quick Fixes