How to Connect an Android to Your Roku

Roku devices have a comprehensive catalog of TV series, movies, and streaming content. But many users want to display local audio files or different apps on their TVs. So, how can you connect an Android device to your Roku TV or device?

The easiest way is to use the Roku App on Android. You can cast media from supported apps like YouTube or Spotify. The screen mirroring feature can be used to cast your Android display on your TV. For screen mirroring, both devices must be on the same WiFi, and the feature must be enabled on Roku.

Don’t worry if you want to cast your Android screen to your TV through your Roku TV. The process is straightforward, and there are several methods you can use. Let’s look at all the ways you can connect an Android device to your Roku.

Can You Pair a Roku With an Android Device?

Yes, it is possible to pair an Android device with a Roku TV or compatible Roku model. One of the easiest methods is to use the Roku App. You can cast content from supported apps on your Android device to your Roku TV.

Alternatively, you can use the screen mirroring feature to display anything on your Android device to your Roku. Each option is straightforward and has best-use cases. These methods also work if you would like to watch Roku on your computer. Let’s look at the methods in more detail below.

How to Enable Screen Mirroring on Your Roku

Android has a built-in Smart View feature that allows users to mirror their screen to a compatible Roku TV. The feature is accessible on Android devices with Android 4 or newer installed. Use the following instructions to get started:

Enable Screen Mirroring on your Roku:

1. First, be sure to enable Screen Mirroring on your Roku. From the Home Screen, navigate to ‘Settings.’
   
   
2. Select ‘System’ and then choose ‘Screen Mirroring.’ Enable the feature by selecting ‘Always Allow.’
   
   

Enable Smart View on Android

1. To use the Smart View feature on Android, swipe down on the Home Screen to use the Control Center.
   
   
2. Now that the Control Center is visible, scroll to the right to locate the Smart View button.
   
   
3. Click the Smart View button to turn the feature on.
   
   
4. Accept the Location and Storage prompts to access the Smart View option. Afterward, click Continue.
   
   
5. Now, the Smart View option will launch and display all nearby Roku devices connected to the same WiFi network.
   
   
6. Select the Roku model to begin mirroring your Android screen.
   
   

Now you can browse the web, access unsupported apps, or display local files. Keep in mind that some functionality may be lost with the screen mirroring feature.

What Are Some Alternatives to Screen Mirroring?

The screen mirroring feature allows you to display your Android screen directly on your TV via your Roku. It’s helpful in accessing unsupported apps, browsing the web, or showcasing local files.

That said, you can also cast content from supported apps, use the Roku App as a virtual remote, or connect physically. Let’s look at the different options in more detail below.

Cast Video or Audio via Android

Another way you can connect to your Roku TV or Roku model is to cast supported apps from your Android device. Popular apps include YouTube, Spotify, Netflix, and Crunchyroll. The exact instructions will vary depending on the app, but here are a few examples to give you a better idea of the process:

1. Let’s say you want to cast a YouTube video on your Android to your Roku TV. From any video on the YouTube App, click the Cast button to display all nearby devices on the same WiFi network you can cast to.
   
   
2. Your Roku TV or device must be connected to the same WiFi network as your Android. It will appear in the list of nearby devices. You can click the Roku model to connect and cast content from your smartphone.
   
   
3. If you want to cast a song from Spotify, select the Devices button at the bottom of the Spotify App.
   
   
4. Spotify will locate nearby devices on the same WiFi network you can cast to. Once your Roku model appears, tap it to begin casting.
   
   

You can find out more information about the services and apps that support casting to Roku devices by visiting the Roku Setup Page. If you encounter any issues, you can also contact Roku Customer Support for additional assistance.

Connect Using the Roku App

One of the easiest methods to connect your Android device to your Roku TV is through the Roku mobile app. You’ll need to download and install the app from the Google Play Store before beginning. Both devices must also be on the same WiFi network.

Afterward, use the following instructions to get started:

1. First, open the Roku App on your Android device.
   
   
2. Click Devices at the bottom of the app.
   
   
3. The app will locate and list nearby devices you can connect to.
   
   
4. After locating your Roku device, tap it. The Roku App will start a connection and will display ‘Connected’ in green.
   
   
5. Next, click the Media Button to view all of the possible casting options.
   
   
6. Choose the type of media you wish to cast to your Roku device.
   
   
7. Depending on your selection, you’ll see a list of compatible services and applications on your smartphone.
   
   
8. Choose the Remote feature at the bottom of the app to link your Android device to your Roku TV.
   
   
9. You can now use the Android device as a virtual remote and control your Roku.
   
   

You can control your Roku with the app in several ways. You can access different content, control the volume, and rewind or fast forward. Otherwise, you can connect your Android device using one of the methods below.

Connect Using HDMI

Some Android devices can connect to Roku models via HDMI. Other devices require an adapter to convert a separate cable to HDMI. Either way, you will need an HDMI cable or adapter to begin. Use the following instructions to get started:

1. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to your Roku device and the other end to your Android device.
   
   
2. Adjust the input on your Roku to HDMI input. To do so, use the Roku remote and press the Input or Source button until you see the HDMI option.
   
   
3. Depending on your Android device, you may need to adjust the output settings. Launch the Settings and click ‘Display.’
   
   
4. Afterward, click ‘Cast Screen’ or ‘Wireless Display.’ Your Android device will begin looking for nearby devices to cast the display.
   
   
5. Once your Roku model appears, tap on it to connect.
   
   
6. Afterward, your Android display should be visible on your TV via Roku.
   
   

Note: The exact steps will vary depending on your Android device, but the general process will be similar.

Connect Using USB

It is possible to connect select Roku models to an external USB drive to play local photos, audio, and video files. You can view this content through the Roku Media Player in the Channel Store, which is pre-installed on some devices.

To determine if your Roku model supports USB connections, inspect the hardware or use the official comparison chart online. To connect a USB drive to your Roku, use the following steps:

1. Insert the USB flash drive or device into the USB port on the Roku.
   
   
2. If you do not have Roku Media Player installed, you will see a prompt to download it from the Roku Channel Store.
   
   
3. If Roku Media Player is installed, you will see a prompt to launch the application.
   
   
4. Once you launch the Roku Media Player, you will see a USB Drive icon that you can select and play content.
   
   

Can You Browse the Internet on Roku Using an Android?

Yes, with the screen mirroring feature, you can cast your Android smartphone or tablet’s display directly to your Roku. This means whatever you do on your Android device will appear on your TV through a connection with Roku. You can use web browsers, access apps, or view locally stored files.

Alternatively, you can use the cast feature on supported apps to cast content from your Android device to your TV via Roku. That said, the apps must be compatible, and you may need to use the screen mirroring feature to get a comprehensive web browsing experience.

Can You Connect an iPhone to a Roku?

Yes, it is possible to connect an iPhone to compatible Roku models. The process is similar to Android devices—you must have screen mirroring enabled on your Roku, and both devices must be on the same WiFi network.

How to Screen Mirror iPhone to Roku

You can use the screen mirroring feature to cast content from your iPhone or iOS device to a compatible Roku. Here’s how:

1. Launch the Control Center on your iPhone.
   
   
2. Next, choose ‘Screen Mirroring.’
   
   
3. Select your Roku model from the list of nearby devices.
   
   
4. A code will appear on the TV that’s linked to your Roku device. Type the code on your iPhone and select ‘OK.’
   
   

You can end screen mirroring by clicking the Home Button on the Roku Remote. Alternatively, you can end the process by selecting ‘Stop Mirroring’ from the Control Center on your iPhone.