If you own a Roku device, it’s hard to imagine life without one. Well, as long as you’re not dealing with a “Roku AirPlay not working” issue.
One of Roku’s best features is AirPlay, which allows you to stream media from your Apple products. But it can be a real headache when AirPlay stops working on your Roku. So, if you need a quick way to fix this problem, you’re in the right place!
In this article, we’re going to go through all the potential causes and how to fix it when AirPlay is not working on Roku. No stone will be left unturned!
Roku AirPlay Not Working
If AirPlay is not working on your Roku, you need to restart your Roku device and make sure your Apple device and Roku are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You’ll also want to make sure to enable AirPlay, disable your firewall, and update Roku to the latest OS.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, we’ve got more fixes you can try to troubleshoot your Roku AirPlay not working problem. Let’s get to it.
- Restart Your Roku and Check Cords
- Perform a System Restart on Your Roku
- Make Sure All Devices Are on the Same Network
- Restart Your Wi-Fi Router
- Enable Airplay on Your Roku
- Check for Roku and Apple Updates
- Use the Roku Remote (Not Your Phone)
- Disable Your MacBook’s Firewall
- Reset Paired Devices
- Reset Roku Network Connection
- Don’t Use a VPN
- Factory Reset Your Roku
- Contact Roku and Apple for Assistance
Restart Your Roku and Check Cords
The first step for a malfunctioning Roku is to turn it off and unplug it. Sometimes your device just needs a simple reset to catch its breath.
Keep your Roku unplugged for a full 60 seconds and hold down the power button to use up any remaining energy. Also restart the Apple product you are using.
Now would also be a good time to check your device’s cords. If any part of a cable appears damaged, exposed, or frayed, it could be preventing AirPlay from working properly. You can find replacement cords at stores like Walmart or Amazon.
After 60 seconds, plug in your Roku device, turn it on, and AirPlay will hopefully begin working again.
Perform a System Restart on Your Roku
Another way to do a system restart is through your Roku device.
Instructions:
- Click the Home button.
- Find Settings.
- Select System.
- Select System Restart.
Once the device has completed its system reset, any potential software issues should be taken care of.
Make Sure All Devices Are on the Same Network
In order for AirPlay to work, your Apple and Roku devices need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Most routers use dual-band technology which transmits a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network. You need to make sure that your Apple and Roku are set to the same network. If they are not, AirPlay won’t work.
Restart Your Wi-Fi Router
If you double-checked that your devices are connected to the same network, try restarting your Wi-Fi router.
Make sure to give everyone in the house a warning because turning off the router will disconnect everyone from the internet.
To restart your router, simply unplug it from the outlet. Let it rest for at least 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Easy as that! When the connection is back on, give AirPlay another shot.
Contact your service provider if you still have internet issues after restarting the router. A representative should be able to do an additional reset over the phone.
Enable Airplay on Your Roku
AirPlay might not be enabled on your Roku. Whoops! Even if you remember enabling the feature, it won’t hurt to double-check. Sometimes a TV that was reset or unplugged will disable AirPlay – don’t ask us why!
Follow these quick steps to change your settings:
- Click Settings on your remote.
- Select AirPlay Settings.
- Switch the AirPlay feature on.
Your AirPlay should be good to go! That wasn’t so bad, was it?
Check for Roku and Apple Updates
Once software becomes outdated, it can cause all kinds of problems. The Roku is no different. You’ll want to check your Roku and Apple device to ensure everything is up to date.
How to check for updates on a Roku device:
- Click Home on the remote.
- Select System.
- Find System Update.
- Choose Check Now (It will then inform you if there are any updates).
- Install any updates.
How to check for updates on an Apple device:
- Go to Settings.
- Select General.
- Click Software Update.
- Install any updates.
If both of your devices are updated, and AirPlay isn’t working on your Roku, don’t worry! We’re not done yet.
Use the Roku Remote (Not Your Phone)
One of the niftiest things about Roku devices is that you can download the Roku app and use your phone as a remote.
However, it appears that AirPlay won’t work if you use your phone to control the TV. To fix this, simply switch to the main remote whenever you want to connect to AirPlay.
It can be a little inconvenient if you are used to only using your phone, but at least there is a solution, right?
Disable Your MacBook’s Firewall
For one reason or another, the firewall on your MacBook can cause AirPlay connection issues with your Roku device.
A firewall’s main purpose is to ensure that threatening traffic is unable to breach and attack your network. It’s an important feature. However, try disabling it on your computer to see if your AirPlay starts working.
Follow these steps to disable the firewall on a MacBook:
- Open System Preferences.
- Choose Security and Privacy.
- Select the Firewall section.
- Click the lock at the bottom left and enter your password.
- Select Turn Off Firewall.
With the firewall turned off, try using AirPlay with your MacBook and Roku again. If it starts to work, great! Make sure to turn your computer’s firewall back on when you are finished using AirPlay.
If it didn’t work, keep reading for more solutions – we will solve this!
Reset Paired Devices
Another easy way to troubleshoot your Roku’s AirPlay is to reset the paired devices. Sometimes software bugs can occur, but doing this will clean everything up.
Follow these easy steps:
- Click the Home button on the remote.
- Select Settings.
- Find and select AirPlay Settings.
- Click Require Code.
- Select Reset Paired Devices.
Once you hit reset, you will have to reconnect your device and any previously connected devices. However, it will hopefully be the solution to your AirPlay problem.
Reset Roku Network Connection
If Roku is still not connecting to AirPlay, another option is to reset your Roku’s network connection. It’s quick and easy to do so.
The steps might be slightly different depending on your Roku model.
- Open the Settings menu.
- Go to System.
- Select Advanced System Settings.
- Then Network Connection Reset.
Your Roku will restart when you complete the network connection reset, and you’ll need to re-join your Wi-Fi or wired network. This should help fix your AirPlay-Roku connection issues.
You may want to reset your iPhone network settings as well. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Hopefully, resetting the network connection on your Roku and your Apple device can fix the AirPlay issue.
Don’t Use a VPN
Your Roku will not work with AirPlay if you use a VPN on your Apple device. For your Roku and Apple device to connect, they need to have the same IP address.
If you have a VPN turned on, your IP address will change. So, you need to turn it off whenever you want to use AirPlay.
Factory Reset Your Roku
After trying all the other solutions, you may need to factory reset your Roku. Remember that this will erase everything from your device.
So, before you go through with it, try the other solutions one more time. You can follow the instructions below when you are 100% sure that a factory reset is the appropriate next step.
Factory Reset Roku with a Remote:
- Click Home.
- Select Settings.
- Select Advanced Settings.
- Click Factory Reset.
Enter the four-digit code that appears on the screen, and then click OK on your remote. Your TV will restart, and you’ll have to go through the initial Roku setup again.
Factory Reset Roku with Physical Reset Button:
You also have the option to do a factory reset by using the hardware reset button. All Roku devices have a reset button on the bottom or back.
Some devices have a physical button (as seen in the image below), while others have a pinhole button. If your Roku has a pinhole reset button, you’ll need a paperclip in order to reset it.
- On the back or bottom of your Roku device, you will find the Reset button.
- Press and hold the button for 10 seconds if it is a touch button. If it is a pinhole, insert a paperclip and press for 10 seconds.
- The indicator light will begin blinking when the reset is complete.
Once the factory reset is done, you will have to set up the Roku as if it’s a new device. When everything is ready to go, try using the AirPlay feature.
Contact Roku and Apple for Assistance
Never forget that Roku and Apple customer support are just a call away. Try contacting Roku first since its device is likely the reason AirPlay isn’t working. Ask about your warranty if the representative doesn’t have any additional solutions to try.
Final Thoughts: Roku AirPlay Not Working
Using AirPlay on your Roku is one of the device’s best features. It can be a hassle when it stops working, but luckily, it’s rarely due to a serious problem.
Let’s quickly review all the steps you can take to fix Roku AirPlay:
- Restart the Roku device and check for damaged cords.
- Do a system restart on your Roku.
- Connect your devices to the same network.
- Restart your Wi-Fi router.
- Enable AirPlay on your Roku device.
- Update your Apple and Roku devices.
- Don’t use your phone as a remote.
- Disable your MacBook’s firewall.
- Restart Paired Devices setting.
- Turn off your VPN.
- Do a factory reset.
- Call Roku and Apple support.
If you did everything on the list, try going through each solution one or two more times. When nothing else can be done, it might be time to consider getting a new Roku.
The good thing is that there is a large selection and they are reasonably priced. You can’t go wrong choosing the Roku Streaming Stick or Roku 4K Plus Express. Whichever one you choose, you’ll get excellent performance and affordable pricing.
