The fastest way to connect your phone
Your phone connects to Roku in two separate ways, and you'll likely use both. The Roku mobile app lets you control your Roku device like a remote and cast photos, music, or videos from your phone to your TV. To set this up, download the Roku app (available free on iOS and Android), open it, and tap the device icon at the bottom. The app will search for Roku devices on your home network and show you a list. Tap the one you want to connect to, and you're done — no pairing code needed if your phone and Roku are on the same Wi-Fi network.
The second connection method is screen mirroring (also called casting or screencasting), which sends everything on your phone's display to your TV. This works differently depending on whether you have an iPhone or Android phone, and not all Roku models support it. If your Roku supports it, you'll find the option in your phone's settings under Display or Screen Mirroring, or you can use the Roku app itself to initiate the cast.
Key Takeaways
- The Roku mobile app is the easiest way to control your Roku and cast individual photos, videos, or music from your phone — download it free and connect on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Screen mirroring sends your entire phone display to the TV and works on most newer Roku devices, but the steps differ between iPhone and Android.
- Both your phone and Roku must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for either method to work.
- If the app doesn't find your Roku, restart both devices and check that they're on the same network, not on a guest network.
Setting up the Roku app on your phone
Start by going to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for "Roku." Download the official app made by Roku, Inc. — it's free. Open the app and sign in with your Roku account. If you don't have one, you can create it during setup with an email address and password. This account is separate from your TV provider account and is only used to manage your Roku devices.
Once you're signed in, the app will automatically search your home Wi-Fi network for Roku devices. You should see your Roku listed by name (like "Living Room" or "Bedroom TV"). Tap it to connect. The app will confirm the connection and you're ready to use it as a remote. If you see multiple Roku devices, tap the one connected to the TV you want to control.
Using your phone as a Roku remote
Once the app is connected, you'll see a remote interface with directional buttons, a select button in the center, and buttons for Home, Back, and other functions. Use the directional pad to navigate menus on your TV, and tap Select to choose an option. The app also includes a keyboard at the bottom — tap it to type in search boxes or enter passwords without using the physical remote.
The app has additional features beyond remote control. Swipe up from the bottom to see quick shortcuts to apps like Netflix or YouTube. You can also use the app to launch a specific app directly on your TV without navigating through menus. If you lose your physical remote, the app works as a complete replacement.
Casting photos, music, and videos from your phone
To send a photo, song, or video from your phone to your TV, open the file in its app (Photos, Music, or your video app). Look for a cast icon — it usually looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner. Tap it and select your Roku device from the list. The content will start playing on your TV within a few seconds.
Not every app supports casting. Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and most major streaming apps do. Your phone's built-in photo and music apps usually support it too. If you don't see a cast icon in an app, that app doesn't support casting to Roku. Some apps require you to be signed in before the cast option appears.
Setting up screen mirroring on Android
Screen mirroring sends everything on your Android phone's screen to your Roku TV. First, check that your Roku supports it — most models made in 2019 or later do, but older Roku devices may not. Open your Android phone's Settings, go to Display, and look for Screen Mirroring, Cast, or Wireless Display (the exact name varies by phone brand). Tap it and select your Roku device from the list.
Your phone's screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. Everything you do on your phone — opening apps, typing, scrolling — shows up on the TV in real time. To stop mirroring, go back to the same settings menu and tap Disconnect, or swipe down from the top of your phone and tap the cast notification to stop.
Setting up screen mirroring on iPhone
iPhones use a feature called AirPlay for screen mirroring, but Roku devices do not support AirPlay directly. Instead, you'll need to use the Roku app to initiate the screen share. Open the Roku app, tap the device you want to mirror to, then look for a screen mirroring or cast option in the app menu. Some Roku models also support AirPlay through a software update — check your Roku's settings under System to see if AirPlay is listed as an option.
If your Roku doesn't support AirPlay and you want to mirror your iPhone, your other option is to cast individual content (photos, videos, music) using the cast button in each app, rather than mirroring your entire screen. This works with most major apps and is often more practical anyway, since it lets you use your phone for other things while content plays on the TV.
Troubleshooting connection problems
If the Roku app doesn't find your device, the most common cause is that your phone and Roku are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both are connected to the same network name (SSID). If you have a guest network, make sure both devices are on the main network, not the guest one. Restart both your phone and Roku — unplug the Roku for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and restart your phone.
If the app connects but casting doesn't work, check that both devices are still on the same network and that your Wi-Fi signal is strong. Move your phone closer to the Roku or router if the signal is weak. If screen mirroring starts but the picture is choppy or keeps disconnecting, this usually means your Wi-Fi is overloaded — try moving other devices off the network or moving your phone closer to the router.
If you're trying to cast from an app and the cast button doesn't appear, the app may not support casting, or you may need to sign in first. Try signing out and back into the app, or restart the app completely. Some apps only show the cast button when content is actually playing, not just when the app is open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to create a Roku account to use the app?
Yes, you need a Roku account to sign into the mobile app. You can create one free during setup with just an email and password. This is different from your TV provider account and is only used to manage your Roku devices.
Can I use the Roku app if my phone is on a different Wi-Fi network than my Roku?
No, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If your phone is on a guest network and your Roku is on the main network, they won't see each other. Connect both to the same network and try again.
What's the difference between casting and screen mirroring?
Casting sends specific content (a video, photo, or song) from an app to your TV. Screen mirroring sends your entire phone display to the TV. Casting is more efficient and lets you keep using your phone while content plays. Screen mirroring is useful when you want to show everything on your phone, like browsing the web or using an app that doesn't support casting.
Why does screen mirroring keep disconnecting?
This usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your network is congested. Move your phone closer to the router, or disconnect other devices from Wi-Fi to reduce congestion. If it keeps happening, restart both your phone and Roku.
Can I cast to my Roku from outside my home?
No, your phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku. You can't cast over the internet from a different location. However, you can use the Roku app to control your Roku remotely if you're signed into your Roku account, though this only works for navigating menus, not for casting content.