AirPlay is not working on your Roku because there’s an issue with your internet connection, device settings, or firmware. To get AirPlay working again, you’ll need to address the underlying issue. This could be as simple as restarting your device, or as complex as performing a factory reset.
Unfortunately, it’s not always apparent what’s causing AirPlay and your Roku to malfunction.
To diagnose the issue, you’ll have to try a series of fixes and see what works.
Here are nine ways to fix AirPlay when it won’t work with your Roku.
Table of Contents
1. Power Cycle Your Roku
The simplest fix is to power cycle your Roku.
Note that this isn’t the same as turning it off and turning it back on.
To properly power cycle your device, you need to completely disconnect it from power.
This means turning it off, removing the power cord from the back, and waiting for at least 10 seconds.
Then, plug the cord back in and see if your TV or streaming stick works.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
If a reset doesn’t fix the problem, you might have an issue with your WiFi connection.
Since AirPlay relies on WiFi, a bad connection means you can’t stream.
Thankfully, this is easy to diagnose:
- From your Roku’s main menu, select “Settings.” Then navigate to “Network,” followed by “About.”
- This will bring up a screen showing your connection status. Make sure the status says “Connected.”
- Look near the bottom where it says “Signal Strength.” The strength should display as either “Good” or “Excellent.” If you have a marginal connection, you may need to move your router closer or install a WiFi network extender.
- Assuming your signal is good, scroll down and click “Check Connection.” Wait for the check to run, and you should see two green check marks. If you don’t, it’s time to troubleshoot your router.
3. Restart Your Router
Routers sometimes lock up and stop recognizing devices.
Even if your internet connection works on one device, it stops working on another.
Fortunately, there’s a simple fix; all you have to do is reset your router.
You reset your router the same way you reset your Roku.
Unplug it from the wall, and leave it unplugged for at least 10 seconds.
Plug it back in, and wait for around a minute for all the lights to come on.
Now see if your Roku has started working.
4. Make Sure Your Content Isn’t Paused
AirPlay has a weird quirk when you use it on a Roku device.
If your video is paused, you won’t see a still image on your screen.
Instead, you’ll see the main AirPlay screen, which makes it look like there’s an error.
If all you see is an AirPlay logo, double-check that your video is playing.
This sounds like a silly fix, but it’s an issue many people have struggled with.
5. Update Your Roku Firmware
Your Roku firmware is another reason AirPlay might not be working.
The firmware updates regularly whenever you’re connected to the internet.
That said, a glitch may have caused your Roku not to update.
To make sure your Roku’s firmware is up to date, follow these steps:
- From the main menu, select “Settings.” Then navigate through “System” and “About” to “System Update.”
- Click “Check now,” and your TV or streaming stick will check for the latest firmware.
- If the firmware needs to be updated, you’ll see an option to “Continue.” Click it. Your new firmware will download, which can take a few minutes. When it’s done, your device will restart, and you should be good to go.
Keep in mind that some Roku devices aren’t compatible with AirPlay.
If you’re struggling to make it work, check Roku’s compatibility list.
6. Restart Your Apple Device
If nothing else has worked, try restarting your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook.
If any process has locked up, a reboot will fix it, potentially resolving your streaming issue.
7. Double-Check Your Phone Settings
If you’re trying to mirror your screen, double-check that you’ve set your phone up correctly.
- Open your iPhone’s Control Center. Swipe down from the upper right on the iPhone X and later. If you have an iPhone 8 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom.
- Tap “Screen Mirroring” to bring up a list of devices, and select your Roku.
- A code will appear on your Roku TV. Enter the code into the field on your phone, and tap “OK.”
8. Perform a Factory Reset
A factory reset will fix many Roku issues, but you should only do it as a last resort.
Along with restoring your factory settings, it will also unlink your device and remove all your personal data.
This means you’ll have to log back into each app the next time you use it.
That said, a reset may be your only option.
To perform a factory reset, follow these steps:
- Press the Home button on your remote control.
- Choose “Settings,” then “System,” then “Advanced System Settings.”
- Within this menu, choose “Factory Reset.” If you’re using a TV and not a stick, choose “Factory Reset Everything” on the next screen.
- Follow the instructions to complete the process.
Some Roku devices have a physical reset button on the top or bottom of the housing.
Press and hold it for 10 seconds, and an LED light will blink to notify you that the reset was successful.
9. Contact Customer Support
If all else fails, you’ll have to reach out to Roku or Apple for support.
You may have a rare issue, or you may be experiencing a new bug.
Fortunately, both companies are well-known for their excellent customer service.
In Summary
As you can see, there are many reasons AirPlay can stop working on your Roku.
Diagnosing the issue can take patience since you have to work through several steps.
But most of the time, the solution is simple.
You can probably get your Roku working in less than 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my iPhone screen mirror to my Roku TV?
There are several possible reasons.
You may have incorrectly configured your phone.
It sometimes helps to re-pair your phone with your Roku device.
How do I enable AirPlay on Roku?
To enable AirPlay on Roku, open the Settings menu.
Select “System,” then “Screen Mirroring.”
Scroll down to “Screen mirroring mode,” and make sure that it’s set to “Prompt” or “Always allow.”
If your iPhone still can’t connect, select “Screen mirroring devices,” and look under “Always blocked devices.”
If you accidentally blocked your iPhone in the past, it will appear here.
Remove it from the list, and you should be able to connect.
Does Roku TV have AirPlay
Almost all new Roku TVs and sticks are compatible with AirPlay.
That said, there are some exceptions, especially for older devices.
Double-check Roku’s compatibility list if you’re not sure.
