It’s frustrating when AirPlay isn’t working on your Roku! This is a common issue with many potential causes, but most are resolvable. Let’s go through the troubleshooting steps from simple to more advanced.

1. Verify Basic Requirements & Settings:

• Roku OS Version: Your Roku device needs to be running Roku OS 9.4 or later for AirPlay 2 support.
  • On your Roku remote, press Home.
  • Go to Settings > System > About. Check the version.
• Apple Device OS: Your iPhone/iPad needs iOS 12.3 or later, and your Mac needs macOS Mojave 10.14.5 or later. Ensure your Apple device is also updated.
  • iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • Mac: Click the Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences) > General > Software Update.
• Same Wi-Fi Network: This is CRUCIAL. Both your Apple device and your Roku must be connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network (and ideally the same band, 2.4GHz or 5GHz, if your router offers both).
  • On Roku: Settings > Network > About. Note the network name.
  • On iPhone/iPad: Settings > Wi-Fi.
  • On Mac: Check the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
• AirPlay Enabled on Roku:
  • On your Roku remote, press Home.
  • Go to Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.
  • Ensure AirPlay is set to On.
  • While here, check the “Require Code” setting. “First Time Only” is usually the least cumbersome.
• Screen Mirroring Permissions (if applicable):
  • On Roku: Settings > System > Screen mirroring. Ensure it’s set to Prompt or Always allow.

2. Basic Troubleshooting (The Power Cycle Trio):

These steps resolve a surprising number of temporary glitches.

• Restart Your Roku:
  • Press Home on your Roku remote.
  • Go to Settings > System > Power > System Restart. (If you don’t see a “Power” submenu, look for “System Restart” directly under “System”).
  • Alternatively, unplug your Roku device from power for at least 60 seconds, then plug it back in.
• Restart Your Apple Device: Turn off your iPhone/iPad/Mac completely and then turn it back on.
• Restart Your Wi-Fi Router: Unplug your internet router/modem from power for about 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait a few minutes for it to fully boot up and for your devices to reconnect.

3. Network & Roku Settings Checks:

• Fast TV Start (Roku TV models): If you have a Roku TV (not just a Roku streaming stick/box), enabling “Fast TV Start” can sometimes help with network stability and AirPlay.
  • Go to Settings > System > Power > Fast TV start and ensure it’s enabled.
• Reset Paired Devices on Roku: This clears any old AirPlay connections that might be causing conflicts.
  • Go to Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit > About AirPlay.
  • Select Reset Paired Devices.
• Network Connection Reset on Roku: This forces your Roku to forget its Wi-Fi connection and reconnect from scratch. You’ll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password.
  • Go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Network connection reset > Reset connection.
  • After it reboots, go to Settings > Network > Set up connection to reconnect to your Wi-Fi.
• Move Devices Closer: Ensure your Roku and Apple device are reasonably close to each other and to your Wi-Fi router. Physical distance and interference can degrade the connection.
• Try 2.4GHz vs. 5GHz: If your router has both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands, try connecting both your Roku and your Apple device to the 2.4GHz band. While 5GHz is faster, 2.4GHz often has better range and can sometimes be more stable for AirPlay on certain devices.

4. Advanced/Specific Issues:

• Disable IPv6 (Advanced Roku Secret Menu – Use with Caution): Some users have reported success by disabling IPv6 on their Roku. This is a bit more involved:
  • On your Roku remote, press Home 5 times.
  • Then press Fast Forward 3 times.
  • Then press Rewind 2 times.
  • This should bring up a secret menu. Look for an IPv6 option and disable it. Restart your Roku afterward. Only do this if comfortable, and revert if it causes other issues.
• Router Firewall/Port Blocking: Less common for home networks, but a firewall on your router could be blocking ports AirPlay uses (e.g., TCP 7000-7002, 7100, 7110, UDP 1900). You’d need to access your router’s settings to check and potentially adjust this.
• Screen Time/Restrictions (iOS): If you have Screen Time enabled on your iPhone, ensure it’s not blocking AirPlay or specific apps.
  • On iPhone: Settings > Screen Time. Check “Content & Privacy Restrictions” and ensure AirPlay/Screen Recording isn’t restricted.
• Factory Reset Roku (Last Resort): This will erase all your settings, channels, and linked accounts, requiring you to set up your Roku again from scratch. Only do this if all other options fail.
  • Go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset. Follow the prompts.

If you’ve gone through these steps and AirPlay still isn’t working, it might indicate a more specific compatibility issue or a hardware problem with either your Roku or your Apple device. In such cases, contacting Roku Support or Apple Support would be the next step.