What to do when AirPlay is not working on Roku

⚡ Fast fix

• Same Wi-Fi matters. AirPlay won't work if your devices are on different networks.
• Restart both devices. It's still one of the fastest fixes we know.
• Check the settings. AirPlay, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth all need to be enabled.
• Older device? Compatibility can sometimes be the real issue.

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AirPlay® is one of those features that usually just works—which is exactly why it's so annoying when it doesn't.

One minute you're streaming a video from your iPhone® to your Roku®, and the next your TV has disappeared from the AirPlay menu like it was never there in the first place.

Asurion Experts help people troubleshoot streaming devices every day, and we've found that AirPlay problems are usually less dramatic than they look. Network issues, disabled settings, outdated software, and compatibility problems are all common causes. Most of them are pretty straightforward to fix, once you know where to look.

Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network

Sometimes an iPhone reconnects to a guest network. Other times, the Roku stays on one network while the Apple device jumps to another after a router restart. Before changing any settings, confirm that:

• Your Roku is connected to Wi-Fi.
• Your Apple device is connected to Wi-Fi.
• Both devices are using the same network.

Both devices must also be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work properly.

Restart the Roku and your Apple device

Temporary glitches happen. Apps get stuck. Devices get weird. Restarting both the Roku and your Apple device clears out those temporary hiccups and gives AirPlay a fresh start.

Check your AirPlay settings

Excellent question: is AirPlay actually turned on?

It sounds obvious, but settings get changed all the time—especially after updates, new device setups, or troubleshooting attempts.

On Roku:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.
3. Make sure AirPlay is turned on.

On your Apple device:

• Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled.
• Make sure Bluetooth is enabled.

AirPlay must be turned on in Roku settings, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth should be enabled on the Apple device.

Check for Roku and Apple device updates

Are compatibility issues a common cause? Absolutely. Older Roku models or outdated Apple devices may not fully support AirPlay. Keeping devices updated helps avoid these issues.

Check for:

• Roku software updates.
• iPhone or iPad software updates.
• Apple TV app updates, if applicable.

When should you suspect a device issue?

If you've confirmed the devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, restarted everything, verified the settings, and installed updates, but AirPlay still isn't working, then it's reasonable to start considering a device-specific issue.

Device issues are less common, but they can happen. At that point, additional troubleshooting may be needed to determine whether the Roku or Apple device is causing the problem.

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FAQ

Why is AirPlay not working on my Roku?

The most common causes are network issues, disabled AirPlay settings, outdated software, or compatibility problems between devices.

Does AirPlay require both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network?

Yes. Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work properly.

Why can't my iPhone find my Roku for AirPlay?

This is often caused by different Wi-Fi networks, disabled AirPlay settings, or outdated software.

Does restarting Roku help AirPlay problems?

Often, yes. Restarting both devices can clear temporary glitches and restore communication.

Do older Roku devices support AirPlay?

Some older Roku models may not fully support AirPlay or the latest AirPlay features. Keeping devices updated helps avoid compatibility issues.