Table of contents(14)+
- 01The 30-Second Test: Can Your Roku TV Even Use AirPlay?
- 02Method 1: Turn On AirPlay in Your Roku TV's Settings
- 03Method 2: Mirror Your iPhone or iPad to the TV
- 04Method 3: AirPlay From a Mac to Your Roku TV
- 05Fix 1: Your Roku TV Doesn't Show Up in the AirPlay List
- 06Fix 2: AirPlay Keeps Disconnecting or Lagging
- 07Frequently Asked Questions
- 08Why isn't AirPlay showing up on my Roku TV?
- 09Does every Roku TV support AirPlay?
- 10Do I need Wi-Fi to connect AirPlay to a Roku TV?
- 11Can I AirPlay from a Mac to a Roku TV?
- 12What can I do if my Roku TV doesn't support AirPlay?
- 13Why does my AirPlay connection to Roku keep dropping?
- 14Related Guides
Hisense sells several Roku TV lines — the R6, R7, and R8 series — built right on the Roku platform. If you own one of these, or any other Roku-powered TV, the steps below follow the same general pattern. Menu wording shifts between software versions and TV brands, so treat exact labels as a guide, not an exact match.
The 30-Second Test: Can Your Roku TV Even Use AirPlay?
AirPlay is Apple's screen mirroring technology for sending video, photos, and audio to a compatible TV. See Apple's AirPlay overview for which devices support it. Before you touch any settings, confirm the basics below.
- Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is updated to a recent OS version.
- Your Roku TV has the latest software update installed.
- Both devices connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Your Roku TV's settings menu shows an option related to Apple AirPlay or screen mirroring.
If that last option is missing, your TV model likely doesn't support AirPlay. Check the FAQ below for a wired alternative.
If you also want quick power and volume control while mirroring, HiRemote turns your iPhone into a full remote for Hisense's Roku TV lineup. It's a separate tool from AirPlay — it won't mirror your screen — but it's handy for muting a notification without hunting for the physical remote.
Method 1: Turn On AirPlay in Your Roku TV's Settings
Most Roku TVs need AirPlay switched on before your phone can find them. Grab your Roku remote and open the TV's settings menu.
- Press Home on your Roku remote.
- Open Settings, then look for an option related to Apple AirPlay or screen mirroring. Exact wording varies by software version and TV brand.
- Turn that option on.
If you don't see any AirPlay-related setting, your TV model may not support it yet.
Method 2: Mirror Your iPhone or iPad to the TV
Once AirPlay is on at the TV, the rest happens on your phone.
- Open Control Center. Swipe down from the top-right corner on newer iPhones, or up from the bottom on older models.
- Tap Screen Mirroring.
- Select your Roku TV from the list of available devices.
- Wait a few seconds for your screen to appear on the TV.
If the connection doesn't complete within a few seconds, try again or check the fixes below. For more detail on every mirroring method across TV brands, see our iPhone screen mirroring guide.
Method 3: AirPlay From a Mac to Your Roku TV
Macs use the same AirPlay technology, so the steps are similar.
- Click the Control Center or Screen Mirroring icon in your Mac's menu bar.
- Select your Roku TV from the list.
- Choose whether to mirror your whole screen or extend your desktop onto the TV.
Both your Mac and Roku TV need to stay on the same Wi-Fi network for this to work.
Fix 1: Your Roku TV Doesn't Show Up in the AirPlay List
This is the most common problem, and it's usually one of a few causes.
- Different Wi-Fi networks: check both devices are on the exact same network, not just the same router with separate band names.
- Outdated software: update your Roku TV's software and your iPhone or iPad's OS, then restart both.
- AirPlay turned off: go back to Method 1 and confirm the setting is actually on.
- Unsupported model: some older or budget Roku TVs never got AirPlay support. Check Roku's support site for your exact model.
While you're troubleshooting Wi-Fi issues, it's worth knowing you don't need AirPlay just to operate the TV itself. Our browser-based Roku remote controls volume, power, and navigation straight from a web page — no app, no AirPlay, no pairing — and works on any Roku-powered TV, not just Hisense.
Fix 2: AirPlay Keeps Disconnecting or Lagging
Screen mirroring needs a steady Wi-Fi connection. A few things usually fix lag or random drops.
- Move your router closer to the TV, or move the TV closer to the router.
- Close other apps streaming video or downloading large files on the same network.
- Restart your router if the connection has been unstable for more than a day.
If mirroring still drops constantly, a wired connection skips Wi-Fi entirely. An HDMI cable from a Mac, or a Lightning or USB-C to HDMI adapter for an iPhone, won't lag. For Android phones or other options, see our guide to mirroring your phone to a Roku TV.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Try This |
|---|---|---|
| TV doesn't appear in Screen Mirroring list | Different Wi-Fi networks, outdated software, or AirPlay turned off | Match networks, update both devices, recheck TV settings |
| Video lags or freezes during mirroring | Weak Wi-Fi signal or network congestion | Move devices closer to the router, close other streaming apps |
| AirPlay option missing entirely | TV model doesn't support AirPlay | Check Roku's support site for your model, or use a wired adapter |
| Connection drops randomly | Unstable router or interference | Restart the router, switch to wired HDMI if it persists |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't AirPlay showing up on my Roku TV?
Mismatched Wi-Fi networks, outdated software, or AirPlay switched off in settings are the three usual causes — see Fix 1 above for the full checklist. If the AirPlay option is missing from the settings menu entirely, your TV model doesn't support it.
Does every Roku TV support AirPlay?
No, not every Roku TV supports AirPlay. Support depends on the TV's model and hardware, and some older or entry-level sets never received it. Check your TV's settings menu for an AirPlay or screen mirroring option — if it's missing, your model likely doesn't support the feature, and a wired HDMI connection is your best alternative.
Do I need Wi-Fi to connect AirPlay to a Roku TV?
Yes, AirPlay needs both devices on the same Wi-Fi network to connect. It doesn't work over cellular data or Bluetooth alone. If your TV isn't on Wi-Fi yet, connect it through the network settings first, then try mirroring again from your iPhone or iPad.
Can I AirPlay from a Mac to a Roku TV?
Yes, Macs support AirPlay to compatible Roku TVs the same way iPhones and iPads do. Click the Screen Mirroring or Control Center icon in your Mac's menu bar, select your TV, and choose to mirror your screen or extend your desktop onto it.
What can I do if my Roku TV doesn't support AirPlay?
A wired adapter is the fallback — see Fix 2 above for the HDMI cable option. It skips Wi-Fi and AirPlay entirely, so it works on any Roku TV regardless of software support.
Why does my AirPlay connection to Roku keep dropping?
Dropped connections are almost always a weak or congested Wi-Fi signal — see Fix 2 above for the router and network fixes. If Wi-Fi stays unreliable, a wired HDMI connection avoids the issue completely.
