Screen mirroring lets you display everything from your Android phone apps, videos, photos, or games directly on your Roku TV. But with the latest Android and Roku OS updates in 2025, the process has changed slightly.
Whether you’re trying to stream a movie, share a presentation, or play mobile games on a big screen, this guide explains exactly how to mirror Android to Roku, what works best, and how to fix common connection issues.
What Is Screen Mirroring on Roku?
Screen mirroring (also known as casting or screencasting) allows your Android device to send its screen content wirelessly to your TV through Roku.
Unlike Chromecast, which uses app-based casting, Roku relies on the Miracast protocol, a technology built into most Android phones since Android 5.0 (Lollipop).
Key Difference Between Casting and Mirroring
Feature |
Casting |
Mirroring |
---|---|---|
What it does |
Plays media through supported apps (e.g., YouTube, Netflix) |
Shows your entire screen in real time |
Internet required |
Yes |
Not always |
Battery usage |
Low |
Higher |
Best for |
Streaming videos |
Presentations, gaming, showing apps |
In 2025, newer Roku models (running Roku OS 13.0 or later) support both Miracast and Google Cast, giving users more flexibility depending on their phone brand.
Check Compatibility Before You Start
Before mirroring, confirm your Roku and Android are compatible and connected correctly.
Requirements (as of 2025)
-
Android version: 9.0 (Pie) or higher
-
Roku OS: Version 10.5 or higher (preferably Roku OS 13.0 for best stability)
-
Network: Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network
-
Miracast support: Enabled by default on most Android phones (Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, Google Pixel, etc.)
Expert Tip: Some budget Android phones disable Miracast to save power or licensing costs. If “Cast” or “Smart View” doesn’t appear, install a third-party mirroring app (see below).
Step-by-Step: How to Mirror Android to Roku
Follow these updated 2025 steps for smooth screen mirroring:
Step 1: Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku
-
Go to Settings on your Roku home screen.
-
Select System → Screen mirroring → Screen mirroring mode.
-
Choose Prompt (recommended for security) or Always allow.
Step 2: Open Cast Settings on Android
Depending on your phone brand:
-
Samsung: Swipe down → Tap Smart View or SmartThings → Select your Roku device.
-
Google Pixel / Motorola: Swipe down → Tap Screen Cast → Choose Roku.
-
Xiaomi / OnePlus: Go to Settings → Connection & sharing → Cast → Enable Wireless Display.
Step 3: Approve Connection on Roku
-
Your Roku will display a prompt select Allow.
-
After 2–5 seconds, your Android screen should appear on the TV.
Troubleshooting: When Screen Mirroring Doesn’t Work
Even in 2025, connectivity issues remain the most common problem. Here’s how to fix them:
Problem |
Possible Cause |
Solution |
---|---|---|
Roku not showing on phone |
Devices not on same Wi-Fi |
Connect both to same network (2.4GHz or 5GHz) |
Mirroring lag or freezing |
Weak Wi-Fi or low RAM |
Close background apps, move closer to router |
“Connection failed” message |
Outdated OS or firmware |
Update both Android and Roku |
No audio on TV |
Audio format mismatch |
Enable “System Audio” in Roku Settings |
Keeps disconnecting |
Power-saving mode on Android |
Disable battery optimization during casting |
Expert Tip (2025): Some Wi-Fi routers block peer-to-peer (P2P) connections used by Miracast. Enabling “Allow P2P” in router settings can stabilize your connection.
Alternative: Mirror Android to Roku Using Apps
If built-in mirroring fails, you can use third-party apps that connect through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
App |
Best Feature |
Free Version |
Rating (2025) |
---|---|---|---|
AirDroid Cast |
Cross-platform mirroring (Android, iOS, Windows) |
✅ |
⭐ 4.6 |
Screen Mirroring Pro for Roku |
HD video streaming |
✅ |
⭐ 4.5 |
ApowerMirror |
Supports USB mirroring + audio |
❌ (Trial only) |
⭐ 4.4 |
LetsView |
Wireless + QR code connection |
✅ |
⭐ 4.3 |
Opinion: For stability and latency-free streaming, AirDroid Cast currently performs best in 2025, thanks to improved compatibility with Roku OS 13.0 and Android 14.
Option B: Mirror Android via Roku App (Alternative Casting)
If you only need to cast videos, music, or photos (not mirror your full screen), use the Roku mobile app:
-
Download Roku Official App from Google Play.
-
Connect your phone and Roku to the same Wi-Fi network.
-
Tap Devices → Media → Photos/Videos/Music.
-
Choose a file to cast to your TV.
This method doesn’t duplicate your screen, but it’s perfect for battery-efficient media casting without lag.
Expert Insight: Mirroring vs. Casting: Which Is Better?
Use Case |
Choose Mirroring |
Choose Casting |
---|---|---|
Gaming / Presentations |
✅ Real-time feedback |
❌ Lag or delay possible |
Watching Netflix / YouTube |
❌ May not display DRM content |
✅ Supported by official apps |
Sharing Photos / Files |
✅ Any app, any format |
✅ Simpler but limited |
Battery Efficiency |
❌ More power use |
✅ Uses less energy |
Expert takeaway: As of 2025, casting is better for streaming apps, while mirroring excels for live interaction like gaming, browsing, or video calls.
2025 Update: Android 14 and Roku OS 13 Improvements
Both Android and Roku have optimized mirroring in recent updates:
Android 14 (2024–2025):
-
Improved Wi-Fi Direct stability
-
Faster Miracast handshake protocol
-
Enhanced privacy prompts for screen sharing
Roku OS 13 (2025):
-
Reduced latency for Miracast connections by 25%
-
New “Adaptive Resolution” mode auto-adjusts quality based on Wi-Fi speed
-
Compatibility with select Google Cast-enabled apps
Result: Mirroring in 2025 is noticeably smoother and more stable, especially on mid-range Android devices.
Security Tip: Use “Prompt” Mode for Screen Mirroring
Always keep your Roku’s mirroring mode set to Prompt, not “Always allow.”
This prevents unwanted connections for instance, if someone else in your home network tries to cast accidentally.
To adjust:
Roku Settings → System → Screen mirroring → Screen mirroring mode → Prompt
Comparison: Mirroring Android to Roku vs. Chromecast vs. Fire TV
Feature |
Roku |
Chromecast |
Fire TV |
---|---|---|---|
Protocol |
Miracast + Google Cast |
Google Cast only |
Miracast |
Works offline |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
Best with |
Android |
Android + Chrome browser |
Android |
Latency |
Low |
Very Low |
Moderate |
Price Range (2025) |
$29 – $99 |
$39 – $79 |
$30 – $100 |
Expert opinion: Roku offers the best balance between affordability and functionality, especially for Android users who want both Miracast and limited Google Cast support.
FAQs About Mirroring Android to Roku
1. Why can’t my Android find Roku?
Make sure both are on the same Wi-Fi frequency band (either 2.4GHz or 5GHz). Also, update your Roku firmware to the latest version.
2. Does Roku support Google Cast?
Yes, but only partially. Roku OS 13 supports limited casting from select Android apps, not full native Chromecast functionality.
3. Can I mirror Netflix or Prime Video?
Some apps block DRM-protected content in screen mirroring mode. Use official Roku or app casting instead.
4. Is there a lag when mirroring?
Minimal lag occurs depending on Wi-Fi speed. Using 5GHz Wi-Fi significantly reduces delay.
5. Does screen mirroring use data?
No, it uses local Wi-Fi, not internet data, unless you’re streaming online content.
Summary: How to Mirror Android to Roku in 2025
Here’s a quick recap:
-
Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku via Settings → System → Screen Mirroring.
-
Use Smart View / Cast / Miracast on your Android phone.
-
Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
-
Use third-party apps (like AirDroid Cast or ApowerMirror) if the built-in option doesn’t work.
-
Update to Roku OS 13 and Android 14 for best performance.