This article explains how to use your Roku to mirror your iPhone to your TV screen without purchasing an additional dongle or an expensive Apple TV.

What to Know

  • On Roku, go to Settings > System > Screen Mirroring. Next, on iPhone, open Control Center > Screen Mirroring > select Roku device. Enter code from TV.Your Roku receiver and your iPhone must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

How to Set Up Mirroring on Roku

You need to make sure mirroring is already set up and allowed on your Roku receiver. These instructions apply to all current iOS/iPadOS devices and all current Roku devices that support wireless incoming connections.

  • On your Roku, go to Settings > System > Screen Mirroring.
  • Under Screen mirroring mode, verify that either Prompt or Always allow is selected, indicated by a check mark.
  • Check Screen mirroring devices for a possible blocked device if your iPhone can’t connect. Review the list under the Always blocked devices section.
  • Download the Roku app from the App Store. Launch the app after it’s installed and accept the Terms and Services to continue setup. The Roku app then searches for a receiver.
  • When a device is found, select it to connect.

How to Mirror Your iPhone to Your Roku

You can mirror your iPhone or iOS device to a Roku from the Control Center.

On your Roku, go to Settings > System > Screen Mirroring.

Under Screen mirroring mode, verify that either Prompt or Always allow is selected, indicated by a check mark.

Check Screen mirroring devices for a possible blocked device if your iPhone can’t connect. Review the list under the Always blocked devices section.

Download the Roku app from the App Store. Launch the app after it’s installed and accept the Terms and Services to continue setup. The Roku app then searches for a receiver.

When a device is found, select it to connect.

  • Open the Control Center on your iOS device.
  • iPhone X and later: Swipe down from the upper-right corner.iPhone 8 and earlier: Swipe up from the bottom.
  • Select Screen Mirroring.
  • Choose your Roku device.
  • A code appears on the TV that’s connected to the Roku device you selected. Enter the code on your iOS device, then choose OK.
  • Once mirroring, you can stop by selecting the Home button on your Roku remote, or, on your iPhone, open Control Center and select Screen Mirroring > Stop Mirroring.

Mirror iPhone to Roku Using Screensaver

One of the mirroring features in the Roku app is Screensaver, which you can use to add your photos to a screensaver slideshow to play on your TV.

Open the Control Center on your iOS device.

  • iPhone X and later: Swipe down from the upper-right corner.iPhone 8 and earlier: Swipe up from the bottom.

Select Screen Mirroring.

Choose your Roku device.

A code appears on the TV that’s connected to the Roku device you selected. Enter the code on your iOS device, then choose OK.

Once mirroring, you can stop by selecting the Home button on your Roku remote, or, on your iPhone, open Control Center and select Screen Mirroring > Stop Mirroring.

  • Choose Screensaver on the media selection screen, then select Screensaver.
  • Using the drop-down menu, select the source you want to use for your screensaver photos.
  • Tap each photo you want to add. You’ll see a check mark on the photos you selected.
  • When you’re finished adding photos, choose Next.
  • Tap Style and Speed to adjust how you want the photos to appear. Then choose Set Screensaver.
  • Select OK to set the screensaver or Cancel to start over.
  • Verify that the screensaver correctly displays on your TV.

Choose Screensaver on the media selection screen, then select Screensaver.

Using the drop-down menu, select the source you want to use for your screensaver photos.

Tap each photo you want to add. You’ll see a check mark on the photos you selected.

When you’re finished adding photos, choose Next.

Tap Style and Speed to adjust how you want the photos to appear. Then choose Set Screensaver.

Select OK to set the screensaver or Cancel to start over.

Verify that the screensaver correctly displays on your TV.

To mirror an iPhone to a TV, you’ll need an AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV. With your iPhone and TV on the same Wi-Fi network, open the iPhone’s Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring. Select your TV and enter a passcode if prompted.

To mirror an iPhone to a Mac, you’ll need a third-party app. For example, download the Reflector app to your Mac, and launch it on your Mac. Open the iPhone’s Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Mac. Enter a passcode if prompted.

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