Roku Airplay Not Working? Try These Easy Solutions

It’s infuriating when AirPlay doesn’t operate properly on your Roku. The best part is that most problems are only transitory, and they are usually networking or software-related.

You may simply troubleshoot your Roku Airplay connection by using simple, easy ways. Make sure that Roku and the device are both linked to an identical connection.

Continue reading if you are still experiencing problems.

Here is the answer. Why isn’t Roku Airplay functioning, and how can you cure Roku Airplay issues; each step is critical for you. So please do not miss a single sentence in this article!

Solutions to Fix Roku Airplay Not Working

If AirPlay isn’t functioning on your Roku, try these solutions.

  1. Restart your Roku.
  2. Make sure your iOS device and Roku are connected to the same WiFi connection.
  3. Enable AirPlay.
  4. Disable the Firewall.
  5. Update Roku Operating system.
  6. Use the Roku remote rather than the app.
  7. Restart your router.
  8. Reboot your wifi network.
  9. Reset paired systems.
  10. Subsequently, conduct a factory reset.

It’s also conceivable that your Roku and/or Apple phones may not handle AirPlay on Roku. This is generally just a problem with outdated models and versions. But more on it later.

First, let’s go through each solution in depth.

1. Reboot Your Roku TV

I understand it seems simple, but disconnecting your TV and Roku streaming device (if you own any) is the easiest method to reactivate AirPlay. If the TV has Roku integrated into it, simply disconnect it.

The goal here is to wait the whole 1 minute. Be patient and wait at least one minute before connecting to the TV and the Roku again.

Find the power button and hold it down for around 30 seconds however while doing this the TV must be off. Verify that you’re using the TV’s power button, not the remote

This helps to deplete any remaining power in the TV and enables it to soft reset automatically. It isn’t the same as simply switching on and off the remote!

After 1 minute, reconnect the TV and Roku devices, turn on the TV, and Apple AirPlay must be operational again.

You may also reboot the Roku TV as well as Roku Streaming Stick from the Settings menu options.

To restart Roku, click on the Home button, then go through Settings, System, and after that, System Restart.

After rebooting the streaming stick or Roku TV, try out the AirPlay options.

Reopening the Roku device will usually resolve any system failures that are stopping AirPlay from operating properly.

While you are at it, reboot your Apple device as well!

2. Confirm That All Devices Are Connected to the Same Network

AirPlay is only functional when all devices are linked to a single network.

Just about all routers now support “dual-band” radio communications. This enables you to link devices in your house to two distinct networks (either the 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHz network).

The use of two independent networks provides for higher speeds and more adaptability. Dual bands eliminate connection difficulties and disruptions, resulting in greater security and stability.

However, if your Roku is linked to the 2.4 GHz network and your Apple system is linked to the 5.0 GHz network, this might create problems using AirPlay on Roku (for instance).

It just requires a few seconds, so keep in mind that Roku and the Apple device are both linked within the same WiFi network!

3. Verify that AirPlay is Turned On

Verify that AirPlay is turned on

AirPlay on your Roku might well be blocked in certain instances!

To try, just click on the Home key on the Roku remote controller, then navigate to Settings, Apple AirPlay, and HomeKit, and ensure that the AirPlay is enabled.

If you fully restored the TV to factory settings, AirPlay may have been disabled.

Note: If you can’t find the Apple and AirPlay options, you might need to reinstall the software on the Roku TV.

4. Disable the Device’s Firewall

Any running system’s Firewall might create connection issues with other devices.

Mostly in the case of Airplay, the firewall protection on the MacBook (iOS) might well be preventing the hosting device from linking to the TV.

In this case, you should modify your firewall settings to enable incoming inbound connections from your television. You may either deactivate inbound connection blocking or turn off the Firewall altogether.turn off the Firewall

To do this, 

  1. Just go to the System Preferences
  2. Then Security and Privacy and choose Firewall.
  3. You may turn off the Firewall or locate and disable the other option, which says Deny All Inbound Connections.

5. Update Roku to the Latest Version

Roku OS Update

If your Roku software is out of date, it might cause a slew of problems. Simply check the settings menu for any new Roku OS upgrades to resolve this issue.

To Update Roku to the Latest Version, follow the steps below.

Step 1: On your Remote, Click on Home Button.

Roku Remote Home Button

Step 2: Scroll down all the way and select Settings.

Roku Settings

Step 3: In Settings, Scroll down and select System.

System in Roku

Step 4: In System, Scroll down and Select System Update.

Roku System Update

Step 5: In System Update, Click on Check Now.

Roku Checking Update

Once you click on Check Now, it will start looking for any available new updates.

Roku Checking Update

6. Don’t Use Your Phone as a Remote Control

Most Roku devices can be controlled through the Roku App on your smartphone.

Some users have reported that AirPlay will not function if you are also managing the TV using the Roku app on your smartphone.

To alter the settings, avoid using the application as a remote and instead employ the control that comes with your Roku.

Exit the Roku app on the iOS device before trying to reconnect with AirPlay.

7. Restart Your WiFi Router

Your router might potentially be the source of the issue. I recommend immediately restarting your router; it frequently resolves network difficulties and may enhance your overall connection.

To Restart your WiFi Router,

  1. Simply disconnect your router from the electrical outlet, wait 1 minute, and then rejoin it. Each device on your router will rejoin immediately; ideally, AirPlay will function.
  2. If your router is far more than five years old, then you definitely consider upgrading it.

8. Reset the Network Connection on Your Roku TV

Is your Roku still unable to connect to AirPlay? Another alternative solution is to just reset your Roku’s network connectivity.

Follow the steps below to reset the network connection on your Roku TV.

Step 1: On your Remote, Click on Home Button.

Roku Remote Home Button

Step 2: Scroll down all the way and select Settings.

Roku Settings

Step 3: In Settings, Scroll down and select System.

System in Roku

Step 4: In Settings, Scroll down and Select Advanced System Settings.

Advance System Settings in Roku TV

Step 5: In Advanced System Settings, Select Network Connection Reset and then Reset Connection.

Reset Connection

Once you select Reset Connection, it will start resetting and your TV will restart. 

Resetting Network Connection

9. Reboot Paired Devices

Now we’ll attempt to reset the associated devices.

To do so,

Step 1: On your Remote, Click on Home Button.

Roku Remote Home Button

Step 2: Scroll down all the way and select Settings.

Roku Settings

Step 3: In Settings, Scroll down and Select Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.

Apple AirPlay and HomeKit

Step 4: In AirPlay Settings, Select Require Code.

Roku Required Code

Step 5: In Require Code, Scroll down and select Reset Paired Devices.

Reset Paired Devices

When you reset the systems, all formerly linked devices are erased, and you must pair them again. When you’re experiencing problems with AirPlay, it might occasionally be useful.

10. Reset the Roku TV to Factory Settings

As a final option, a factory reset of the TV may resolve the problem. When you reset a Roku TV, everything is reset to factory settings, and you have to reinstall applications.

I suggest attempting all the other solutions mentioned above because downloading and re-signing into all of your applications might be inconvenient. However, a factory reset might resolve the AirPlay not functioning problem.

To Reset Roku TV to Factory Settings, Follow the steps below.

Step 1: On your Remote, Click on Home Button.

Roku Remote Home Button

Step 2: Scroll down all the way and select Settings.

Roku Settings

Step 3: In Settings, Scroll down and select System.

System in Roku

Step 4: In Settings, Scroll down and Select Advanced System Settings.

Advance System Settings in Roku TV

Step 5: In Advanced System Settings, Select Factory Reset.

Factory Reset Roku

Step 6: In Factory Settings, Select Factory Reset Everything.

Factory Reset Everything Roku TV

Step 7: Enter Code. You can find the code below the number box. 

Enter Code to Reset Roku TV

Once you have entered the code, your Roku TV will be factory reset. 

11. Maybe Your Roku TV Does Not Support AirPlay

Despite the most recent Roku OS upgrades, if the Roku is over a few years old, it may not feature AirPlay. Most Roku systems that support 4K have AirPlay.

The Roku TV series 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 all enable AirPlay to run, however, the firmware might need to be updated. Roku TVs and Roku devices must be operating Roku Operating system 9.4 (or 10, based on the device model) or above, and iOS must be at least 12.3.

If you do not see an AirPlay button in your Roku TV settings, it’s possible that your Roku doesn’t really support AirPlay.

I’d check the Roku website for your TV’s model number to determine whether AirPlay is a permitted function.

Next, hit the OK button on the remote control after entering the four-digit pin that is displayed on the screen. Your television will switch off and then back on, showing the first setup screen.

If you cannot find it on the remote, look for a reset button on the side or back of the TV. This function is not available on all models, however, if it is, click and hold it for around 15 seconds.

Conclusion

When AirPlay isn’t functioning on Roku, it’s annoying, but you can usually get everything working again by attempting the following fixes:

  1. Reboot Your Roku TV
  2. Confirm that all devices are connected to the same network
  3. Verify that AirPlay is turned on
  4. Disable the device’s Firewall
  5. Update Roku OS to the Latest Version
  6. Don’t Use Your Phone as a Remote Control
  7. Restart Your Router
  8. Reset the Network Connection on your Roku
  9. Reboot Paired Devices
  10. Reset The Roku TV to Factory Settings
  11. Your Roku does not support AirPlay

The simplest approach to get AirPlay running on the Roku is to reset it through the settings or by disconnecting it from the power supply.

If you still do not see the AirPlay option after going through all of these troubleshooting procedures, it’s possible that your Roku isn’t AirPlay-supported. If this is the case, you might think about purchasing the latest Roku streaming stick.

FAQ

How can I set up AirPlay on the Roku TV?

From the Roku start menu, go to the Settings option, then choose Apple AirPlay and HomeKit option, and after that, activate AirPlay. Once all are linked to a common Wi-Fi network, whenever you hit the AirPlay icon on an iPad, Mac, or iPhone, the Roku device will now appear.

Why am I unable to AirPlay from my iPhone to the Roku TV?

Rebooting or resetting the Roku device may help. Make sure that both devices are paired with a single internet connection. Ensure that you have AirPlay enabled on all of your devices. Reboot your modem or router.

After restarting the router. How do I enable AirPlay?

Troubleshoot. Ensure that AirPlay has been enabled: On the remote control, click (Input Select) and then tap (AirPlay). Following to choose AirPlay and HomeKit settings option, turn on AirPlay.

Last Updated on January 15, 2024 by Shabarish Balaji

Shabarish Balaji
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