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In this step by step guide, we will explain how to cast google pixel phone to roku. Roku streaming players and Roku-powered smart televisions natively support thousands of apps or “channels.” However, some apps and streaming services may not be available as native Roku channels, which is where the “screen mirroring” feature comes in. The terms “Casting” and “Mirroring” are often mixed up, but they’re two very different things.
When you cast a stream from your phone to Roku, you can only do so from one app to an equivalent, native Roku app. For instance, to watch a Disney+ show, you can simply cast it from the mobile app to the Disney+ channel installed on your Roku device. You can also lock your phone and still enjoy the content on the big screen.
In contrast, mirroring means replicating the phone or tablet’s screen on Roku. For example, you can watch content from streaming apps that are otherwise unavailable on Roku, show images, or play videos on your phone or tablet while your friends and family see it on the TV. The caveat is that it requires the device’s screen to stay turned on for the duration of playback.
So if you own a Google Pixel, it’s relatively simple to cast streams or mirror its screen to a compatible Roku model. Through this guide, we’ll show you the way to casting your Google Pixel phone to Roku.
Cast Google Pixel Phone to Roku
Casting from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac is a straightforward process, assuming you have an AirPlay-compatible Roku model. Fortunately, you don’t need one of those when using an Android device, such as your Google Pixel phone. Still, there are a few things you need to make sure of:
- Your Roku device must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Pixel phone.
- The streaming app you’re casting content from must be installed on your Pixel device and Roku. You can install it on your Pixel from the Play Store and add the matching channel on your Roku from the Channel Store.
- The app/channel must support the casting feature. Many popular streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube offer this option.
If you meet the requirements, follow these steps to cast content from your Pixel phone to Roku:
- Start with launching the supported streaming app from your Pixel’s app drawer. You don’t have to do the same on your Roku.
- Find and tap the Casting icon () in the app. Usually, you’ll see the option at the top, but with some apps, it may not appear until you start playing a title.
- Select your Roku model name from the list of devices on the network. If you’ve multiple Roku devices in your house, ensure you choose the correct model.
Immediately, you should see the matching channel auto-launch on your Roku and begin the playback. During playback, you can use your Pixel phone for media controls, discover other titles, do something else, or lock the screen without interrupting your binge session.
For channels that support profiles (e.g., Netflix, Disney+), you’ll need to choose your profile with your Roku remote first, after which the casted content will start playing.
Mirror your Google Pixel’s Screen to Roku
For screen mirroring, you need to turn on the feature on your Pixel phone first, then request a connection to your Roku. Once you accept the request and let your phone establish a link, you’ll be able to see your Pixel’s screen displayed on your TV in real-time. But before that, you must check these prerequisites:
- Confirm your Roku device is running Roku OS 7.7 or a newer version. You can verify the OS version from Settings > System > About.
- If your Roku’s running on older software, connect it to Wi-Fi with an active internet connection, navigate to Settings > System > System update, and select Check Now to manually check for updates.
- Current-gen Roku players and TVs have screen mirroring support. If you own a Roku Express model 3700 or Roku Express+ model 3710, then it won’t work.
- The screen mirroring feature is auto-enabled on Roku by default. Still, we recommend going to Settings > System > Screen mirroring on your Roku to ensure that Screen mirroring mode is on “Prompt” or “Always allow.” Setting it to “Never allow” will essentially disable the feature.
Assuming everything seems alright, perform the following to mirror your Google Pixel’s screen to Roku:
- On your Pixel, open the Settings app, then tap Connected devices. Next, go to Connection preferences and find the Cast option.
Alternatively, swipe down twice from the home screen to open the Quick Settings bar, then find and tap Screen Cast. If you don’t see it, tap the Pencil icon and drag and drop the “Screen Cast” tile to the active QS section.
- In the Cast menu, look for and tap your Roku model name. A dialog box will ask you whether you want to “Start recording or casting.” Tap Start now to proceed.
- On your Roku, you’ll get a notification about your Pixel device trying to “cast video to your TV.” Select Accept or Always accept to continue.
As your Roku establishes a connection, your TV may blackout for a split second. After that, you should see your Pixel phone’s screen replicated on your Roku. To stop mirroring your Pixel’s screen, swipe down from the top and tap Disconnect on the “Cast” notification.
When playing videos or music, you’ll need to use your phone for playback controls (e.g., play, pause, rewind, skip) instead of the Roku remote. Since you can’t lock your phone’s screen, we recommend lowering the screen brightness to the minimum to conserve battery. It won’t affect the mirrored feed.
It’s important to note that we’ve performed these steps with a Pixel 6 running Android 13, but the instructions will also apply to older Pixel models as long as they’re running up-to-date software.
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Cast Google Pixel Phone to Roku using the Roku Mobile App
If you wish to cast your photos, videos, and music stored on your Google Pixel phone to a Roku, you’ll find the “Play on Roku” functionality built into the Roku mobile app helpful.
To use it, download the most recent version of the Roku mobile app from the Play Store on your Pixel device, connect it to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku, and use these steps:
- Open the Roku app from the app drawer on your Pixel.
- Link your Roku device to the mobile if you haven’t done it already.
- Tap the Devices tab in the bottom navigation bar.
- Choose your Roku model.
- Perform the rest of the on-screen instructions.
- Once you successfully connect your Roku device to the mobile app, tap the Media icon on the app’s main screen.
- Choose between Photos, Videos, and Music, and allow the Roku mobile app to access your local media library when prompted.
- Finally, select the photos, videos, or music file you’d like to cast to your Roku.
The “Play on Roku” feature works only with specific file types: JPG and PNG for photos, MP4, M4V, and MOV for videos, and MP3 and M4A for music files.
Bottom Line
That’s how you cast your Google Pixel phone to Roku. We’ve given proper instructions to help you cast streaming content, mirror the screen, and play local media from a Pixel phone to a compatible Roku device. Should you have any further queries, drop them in the comments section so we can help you out.