You can connect an iPhone 13 to a Roku TV, but not with a cable — you'll use wireless casting instead

An iPhone 13 has no HDMI port or USB connector that works with TVs, so you cannot plug it directly into a Roku. Instead, you cast your screen wirelessly using AirPlay, which sends video and audio from your phone to the TV over your home WiFi network. This works on any Roku model made in the last several years, though the setup takes a few minutes the first time.

The practical result is the same as plugging in a cable: your iPhone screen appears on the TV, and you can play videos, photos, or apps on the big display. The main trade-off is that your phone and TV must be on the same WiFi network, and the connection can occasionally drop if you move too far from your router.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone 13 connects to Roku TV through AirPlay wireless casting, not a physical cable.
  • Both devices must be connected to the same WiFi network before you can cast.
  • You start the cast from your iPhone's Control Center, not from the Roku remote.
  • AirPlay works with Roku models from 2019 onward; older Rokus may not support it.
  • If casting fails, restart both devices and check that they are on the same network.

How to cast from iPhone 13 to Roku using AirPlay

Open Control Center on your iPhone 13 by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen. Look for the "Screen Mirroring" button — it shows a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom. Tap it, and your phone will search for nearby AirPlay devices.

Your Roku TV should appear in the list with its name (for example, "Living Room" or "Roku TV"). Tap it to connect. Your iPhone may ask you to enter a four-digit code that appears on the TV screen — type it into your phone to confirm the pairing. Once connected, everything on your iPhone screen will appear on the Roku TV.

To stop casting, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select "Stop Mirroring." The TV will return to its normal Roku home screen.

Which Roku models support AirPlay

Roku added AirPlay support starting with its 2019 models. If your Roku TV or Roku streaming device was made in 2019 or later, it should work. This includes Roku TV models from TCL, Hisense, and other manufacturers that run Roku's operating system.

If your Roku is older than 2019, AirPlay will not appear as an option. You can check your Roku's model year and software version by going to Settings > System > About on the Roku itself. If AirPlay is not listed under supported features, you will need a different method to connect your iPhone — such as using a separate streaming device or casting through an app that supports Roku's native casting protocol.

What to do if your iPhone and Roku are on different networks

AirPlay only works when both devices are on the same WiFi network. If your iPhone is on your main home network but your Roku is on a guest network, or vice versa, casting will fail.

Check which network your Roku is connected to by going to Settings > Network on the Roku. Then check your iPhone by going to Settings > WiFi and seeing which network it shows as connected. If they do not match, connect your iPhone to the same network as the Roku, wait a few seconds, and try casting again.

Troubleshooting when AirPlay casting fails

If Screen Mirroring does not find your Roku, or if the connection drops after a few seconds, restart both devices. Turn off your iPhone completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then unplug your Roku TV or streaming device for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot up.

If restarting does not work, forget the WiFi network on your iPhone and reconnect to it. Go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, select "Forget," then reconnect by entering your password again. This clears out any stale connection data that might be blocking AirPlay.

If your Roku still does not appear in the Screen Mirroring list, check that AirPlay is actually enabled on the Roku. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit on the Roku and make sure AirPlay is turned on. Some Roku devices ship with it disabled by default.

What you can and cannot do while casting

When you cast your iPhone screen to a Roku, the TV shows exactly what is on your phone — apps, videos, photos, web pages, and all. You can use your phone normally while casting; the TV will follow along with whatever you do.

One limitation: if you receive a phone call or text while casting, the TV will show your lock screen or notification. You can answer the call, and the casting will pause. Some apps, like Netflix and YouTube, also have their own casting buttons built in, which may give you better control than screen mirroring — for example, you can keep using your phone for other things while the video plays on the TV.

Alternatives if AirPlay does not work for you

If your Roku does not support AirPlay, or if wireless casting is unreliable in your home, you have other options. You can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter connected to a separate HDMI input on your TV, though this requires the adapter and a compatible cable. You can also cast through apps that support Roku's native protocol — many streaming apps like Hulu, Disney+, and Spotify have built-in Roku casting buttons that do not rely on AirPlay.

Another option is to use AirPlay to Mac if you have a Mac computer connected to your TV via HDMI, then use that Mac to cast to the Roku. This is more complicated but works if you already have the equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does iPhone 13 have an HDMI port?

No. iPhone 13 uses USB-C for charging and data, not HDMI. You cannot plug it directly into a TV. AirPlay wireless casting is the standard way to get iPhone content on a Roku TV.

Will AirPlay work if my Roku is on a different WiFi band (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz)?

Yes, as long as both devices are on the same network name. Most home WiFi networks broadcast both bands under one name, so your iPhone and Roku will connect to whichever band has the stronger signal. If your network has separate names for each band, connect both devices to the same one.

Can I cast to a Roku while someone else is watching cable on the same TV?

No. When you cast to a Roku TV, it switches away from whatever input it was on — cable, antenna, or HDMI — and shows your iPhone screen instead. The previous input will resume when you stop casting.

What if my Roku TV is a very old model?

If it was made before 2019, it does not support AirPlay. Check the model year in Settings > System > About. If it is too old, you can buy a separate Roku streaming device (like a Roku Stick or Roku Express) that supports AirPlay and plug it into an HDMI port on your TV.

Does casting drain my iPhone battery faster?

Yes, slightly. Screen mirroring uses WiFi and keeps your screen on, both of which consume more power than normal use. If you are casting for long periods, plug your iPhone into power.