WiFi makes it easy to mirror an iPhone to a Roku TV.
However, it’s not even necessary.
And if I’m being totally honest…
It’s actually just as easy to mirror without WiFi.
And if you haven’t tried doing it before…
I’d be glad to assist you.
Continue reading to find out:
- 9 effective fixes if you can’t mirror your iPhone to your Roku TV.
- 5 easy steps to mirror your iPhone to Roku TV even without an internet connection.
- The type of adapter and cable you’ll need to mirror your iPhone to Roku TV without WiFi.
- And a lot more…
How to mirror iPhone to Roku TV without WiFi – 5 steps
Before proceeding with the steps…
Yes, you can mirror your iPhone to your Roku TV without WiFi.
However, to make it work, you’d need the following:
As you can probably tell by now…
The way to mirror an iPhone to a Roku TV without WiFi is by physically connecting the phone to the TV.
Now, the adapter I linked above is an original one made by Apple. And it costs $49.
But you’ll also find non-Apple adapters at a much lower price. Here are a few examples:
All of those adapters are under $20. And based on thousands of reviews, they all work about as well as the original.
But if you already have an adapter and an HDMI cable with you…
You may proceed with these steps to mirror your iPhone to your Roku TV:
#1: Plug the Lightning to Digital AV adapter into your iPhone
Ensure that you plug the adapter firmly and securely into your iPhone.
#2: Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the adapter
#3: Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to your Roku TV
Take note of the HDMI port number. There should be a label directly above it. You’ll need to know it to switch your Roku TV to the correct input.
#4: Switch your Roku TV to the correct input source
Change the input of your Roku TV to the HDMI port where you plugged the adapter.
How to change your Roku TV’s input
- Press your Roku remote’s Home button.
- Press the right arrow button to go to the Channels section.
- Look for the correct HDMI input from there and click it.
“What if I couldn’t find the right HDMI input on the Channels section?”
Well, it means you’ve probably never used that HDMI port before. So you need to set it up first for it to appear on the Channels tab.
How to set up an HDMI input source on Roku TV
- Click the Home button on your Roku remote.
- Scroll down and select Settings.
- Select TV inputs.
- Select the HDMI port that you’re setting up.
- Select Set up input.
After this, go back to your Roku TV’s home screen. You should now see the HDMI input under the Channels section. So just click it.
“Can I still change the input without a remote?”
Yes, you can. And the steps are easy to follow.
How to change your Roku TV’s input without a remote
- Press the button directly under your TV.
- Use the same button to scroll down.
- Highlight the correct input source.
- Press the button again to select it.
Here’s a quick video demonstrating how to switch a Roku TV input without a remote:
#5: Begin playing any media file from your iPhone
At this point, you should now see your entire iPhone screen on your Roku TV.
You may start playing any video or audio from your phone. And you should be able to watch or listen through your Roku TV.
Why can’t I mirror my iPhone to Roku TV?
You can’t mirror your iPhone to Roku TV because your cable or adapter is defective. Or you weren’t able to plug them properly. Now, if you’re mirroring using WiFi, you may have network connection issues. Furthermore, a glitch in your iPhone or Roku TV may prevent the mirroring.
There are several possible reasons why you can’t mirror your iPhone to your Roku TV.
And I’ll discuss them in detail. As well as include easy fixes that you can do to resolve them.
#1: Your iPhone or Roku TV is glitching
Whether you’re trying to mirror with or without WiFi…
If it isn’t working, the most common cause is a glitch in your iPhone or Roku TV. Or both.
These temporary malfunctions are, of course, normal with any electronic device.
And the quickest way to fix those glitches is by performing a power cycle. In other words, just restart your phone and TV.
How to power cycle a Roku TV
- While the TV’s still on, unplug it from the outlet.
- Press and hold the TV’s power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Wait for 30 seconds up to a minute.
- Plug the TV back into the power source.
Pro tip: There’s actually a remote shortcut to restart a Roku TV. Just press the Home button 5 times. Followed by the Up arrow once. Then the Rewind button twice. And Fast Forward twice.
How to power cycle an iPhone
- Press and hold the right-side and Volume Down button.
- When a slider appears, drag it to the right to power off.
- Wait for about a minute or 2.
- Press the right-side button again to turn it back on.
And after both devices power back on, you may try to mirror again.
#2: There are problems with your adapter or HDMI cable
Now, if you’re trying to mirror offline using an adapter and an HDMI cable…
There are likely issues with those devices. Hence, you’re not able to mirror.
One possible issue is the connections aren’t firm and secure.
So check the Lightning plug that you connected to your iPhone. And the HDMI cable you connected to the adapter and the TV.
Ensure that you plug them all properly. You may even try to reseat them. Meaning unplug them and plug them back again.
It’s also possible that the Roku TV HDMI port you’re using is defective.
Good thing most Roku TVs come with multiple HDMI ports. So just switch the adapter into another one. See if it fixes the issue.
And if you suspect the adapter’s already damaged…
Look for a replacement. You may go back to the How to mirror iPhone to Roku TV without WiFi section to see my recommendations.
#3: Your Roku TV’s on the wrong input
Now, here’s another possibility. You can’t see your iPhone on your Roku TV because your TV’s on the wrong input.
Check the back of your TV. And verify the number of the HDMI port you connected the adapter to.
Roku TVs’ HDMI ports usually have labels for every port.
With HDMI ports, you’ll see labels such as HDMI 1 or HMDI 2. Your TV input should then match that.
So see to it that you’re on the correct input.
You can easily switch input by going to the Home screen. And from there, select the correct source in the Channels section.
#4: The AirPlay setting is off on your Roku TV
Are you trying to mirror to Roku TV through your iPhone’s AirPlay?
If so, ensure that the AirPlay setting on your Roku TV is on.
It’s actually off by default. So you’ll have to enable it manually.
Here are the steps to turn on AirPlay on a Roku TV:
- Click your Roku remote’s Home button.
- Click Settings.
- Scroll down and select Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.
- Highlight AirPlay and switch it on.
Further reading: (9 Fixes) AirPlay Not Working On Roku TV
#5: Your Roku TV and iPhone aren’t using the same WiFi connection
When mirroring wirelessly, your iPhone and Roku TV should be using the same WiFi.
Otherwise, your phone won’t be able to connect to your TV.
You may check which WiFi connection your Roku TV’s using through the following:
- Press Home on your Roku remote.
- Select Settings.
- Select Network.
- Select About.
From there, you’ll see your TV’s WiFi network. And then, switch your iPhone to the same network if it’s using a different one.
#6: You have an unstable WiFi connection
A poor internet connection can also keep your iPhone from mirroring to your Roku TV.
To check your WiFi speed, just open a browser from your phone. And go to Speedtest.
If your download speed’s slower than normal, restart your modem and router. It’s a quick and easy fix to a laggy or unstable network connection.
Here’s how to restart your router and modem:
- Disconnect both devices from the outlet.
- Wait for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Plug both devices back.
Then, wait until your iPhone and Roku TV reconnects to WiFi. And try to mirror your phone’s screen again.
#7: Your Roku OS and iOS needs updating
Another way to fix your screen mirroring issue is to update your Roku OS and iOS.
One or both of those may very well be outdated. And that’s why you’re not able to mirror.
How to update iOS
- Tap Settings.
- Select General.
- Select Software Update.
- If there are available updates, click Download and Install.
How to update Roku OS
- Press your remote’s Home button.
- Select Settings.
- Select System.
- Click the System Update option.
- Click Check Now.
How to connect iPhone to Roku TV with Bluetooth
To connect iPhone to Roku TV with Bluetooth, you’d need to use a Bluetooth transmitter. That’s because Roku TVs don’t have a built-in Bluetooth function. Just plug the Bluetooth transmitter into your Roku TV’s headphone jack. And then pair your iPhone with the transmitter.
You can connect Bluetooth devices directly to Roku players, such as the Roku Express.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case with Roku TVs.
So if you want to connect your iPhone to your Roku TV via Bluetooth…
You’d need a 3rd party device.
One option is to use a Roku Wireless Speaker. Basically, you’d need to connect it to your Roku TV. And then pair your iPhone with the speaker.
How to connect your iPhone to a Roku TV via Roku Wireless Speakers
Step #1: Place the Roku Wireless Speaker within 30 feet of your Roku TV.
Step #2: Plug the speakers into an outlet.
Step #3: Press and hold your Roku remote’s Home button for 5 seconds.
Step #4: A setup screen should appear on your TV. From there, select Speaker.
Step #5: The pairing process should begin. It should be automatic. So just wait for it to finish.
Step #6: On your iPhone, go to Settings.
Step #7: Select Bluetooth. And from there, turn on your phone’s Bluetooth. Then wait until it discovers the Roku Wireless Speaker.
Step #8: Click the Roku speaker when it appears under Other Devices. This will then pair your iPhone with the Roku Wireless Speaker.
Now, if you’re curious…
The Roku Wireless Speaker costs $150.
That’s why using a Bluetooth transmitter’s a much cheaper alternative.
Here are a few good Bluetooth transmitters under $20:
How to connect your iPhone to a Roku TV via a Bluetooth transmitter
Step #1: Plug the Bluetooth transmitter into your Roku TV’s headphone jack.
Step #2: Go to your iPhone’s Settings menu.
Step #3: Select Bluetooth.
Step #4: Switch your iPhone’s Bluetooth on.
Step #5: When the Bluetooth transmitter appears under Other Devices, click it to pair.