When it comes to Android phones, mirroring your screen to a Roku TV is as straightforward as activating the cast feature and selecting the device to cast to. However,
on the Google Pixel range of phones, you need to take a few more steps to cast to a Roku TV.
Here’s how to mirror your Google Pixel screen to a Roku TV:
- Use a Chromecast device.
- Cast from supported apps like Netflix and Youtube.
- Mirror your screen through a mobile app.
The best method to use depends on what you’re trying to mirror.
For example, you might want to cast media from a few streaming apps or mirror your screen across various applications.
This article will go over the three methods, explaining what you need for each.
1. Use a Chromecast Device
The most reliable way to mirror your Google Pixel screen on your Roku TV is with a Chromecast device.
Chromecast is a Google product that you plug into your television via its HDMI port.
Once you plug it in and set it up, you can replicate everything on your phone screen on the television screen.
Even if your Android phone isn’t manufactured by Google (like Samsung devices), you can screen the mirror without having to buy an extra device.
That said, even with a Google Pixel, you can get away with not buying the Chromecast.
When using apps like YouTube, you can mirror them to your Roku TV using the cast feature, which has become a must-have in modern phones.
In the next item on my list, I’ll show you how to cast from supported apps on your Google Pixel.
For now, if you only want to cast from supported apps, you don’t have to buy a Chromecast.
If you want to screen mirror, your best option is to buy the Chromecast.
Be aware that the terms casting and mirroring are often used interchangeably.
However, they’re completely different.
What Is the Difference Between Casting and Screen Mirroring?
Casting involves relaying the contents of a supported app to a television screen, while screen mirroring involves replicating everything you see on the phone screen to the television screen. In mirroring, if you swipe down on the phone, the television screen will show your actions.
Conversely, if you perform the same action of swiping down while casting, media from the app will continue to play on the television screen without any distractions.
You can even perform other tasks like texting while the media plays on the television screen.
Now that the difference between those two terms is clear, let’s look at the steps you should take to mirror your Google Pixel screen on Roku TV using a Chromecast device.
How To Use a Chromecast Device To Screen Mirror a Google Pixel to Roku TV
Though it can be annoying to have to buy the Chromecast because you use a Google Pixel phone, it’s a pretty handy device.
For example, this affordable Google Chromecast on Amazon.com lets you mirror both your phone and laptop. It offers flawless mirroring and, as you’ll see below, is easy to install.
Here’s how to install a Chromecast device on your Roku TV:
- Plug the Chromecast into your TV using an HDMI cable.
- Use a power adapter cable or the USB cable on your TV to power the device.
- Use your TV remote to switch to the HDMI input where you plugged the device.
- Download and open the Google Home app on your phone.
- Allow the app to find and connect to devices on your local network.
- Follow the prompts on the app until it indicates that “Setup here is finished.”
- Follow the prompts on your TV until it shows that “Chromecast remote is ready.”
As long as you have the Chromecast and have set it up properly, you should have no problem mirroring your Google Pixel screen to your Roku TV.
2. Cast From Supported Apps Like Netflix and YouTube
If you’re using an app like Netflix and you want to access it on your Roku TV, you have the following options:
- Launch the app on your Roku TV.
- Cast it from your mobile device to your Roku TV.
It may be easier to launch an app like Netflix on your Roku TV and watch it directly from there.
This also applies to other apps Roku TV supports.
However, you might need to mirror content from an app you’re using on your phone.
In this case, as long as the app is supported, you can use the built-in casting feature on your phone.
How To Mirror Supported Apps to Roku TV Using the Cast Feature
Usually, unless you have a Chromecast device connected to your Roku TV, you can’t mirror your Google Pixel screen to the television screen.
But with supported apps, you can bypass this limitation.
By the way, when I say “supported app,” I mean one you can install on both your Roku TV and Google Pixel phone.
Here’s how to cast supported apps to Roku TV:
- Ensure that both your Roku device and the phone you want to cast from are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Ensure the app you want to cast from is a supported app.
- Ensure the supported app is installed on both your Google Pixel device and Roku TV.
- Launch the app on your Google Pixel phone and tap on the cast icon.
- Select the Roku TV you want to cast to.
3. Mirror Your Screen Through a Mobile App
If you want to cast content from unsupported apps and you don’t want to buy a Chromecast device, your only option is a mobile app.
When you install the Roku mobile app on your Google Pixel device, you can cast your photos and music to your Roku TV. However, you have to be in the app for this to work.
There’s also a range of web video caster apps on the Google Play Store that allows you to mirror to Roku devices. They include AllCast and Web Video Cast.
However, you should be aware that such apps don’t always work.
When they do, they may have annoying issues such as problems with image and sound synchronization.
You may also have to buy the premium version if you don’t want to have your patience constantly tested by ads.
How To Screen Mirror a Google Pixel to a Roku TV: Final Thoughts
If you plan to stream a lot, your best bet is the Chromecast device.
If you only want to cast from apps such as Netflix and YouTube, you don’t have to buy a Chromecast device or install an app.
If you don’t want to spend an extra dime to make the connection, mobile apps are the way for you. Still, you may have to endure performance issues and inconveniences like ads.
Are You Still Struggling With Your device?
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