Chromecast on Roku: Everything you need to know

Navigating the world of streaming devices can be tricky. In this guide, we’ll decipher the compatibility between Chromecast, Roku, and Roku TV in a simplified yet professional manner.

From exploring Chromecast usage on Roku TV to utilizing Roku to Chromecast, we’ve got you covered.

Related: How to Cast to Roku from Any device

It’s important to note that some individuals mistakenly believe “Chromecast” refers to a built-in feature of streaming devices like Roku or Firestick. In reality, Chromecast is a distinct device produced by Google, with specific models such as the Roku Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra.

Paul Michael, Mediapeanut.com

Whether you’re a streaming pro or a beginner, this straightforward guide will help you understand everything you need to know about using Chromecast with Roku.

Key Takeaways: Chromecast on Roku

Roku devices do not have built-in Chromecast but supports Apple’s Airplay, the Roku Mobile App, and the DIAL protocol (created by Netflix and YouTube for direct casting). Additionally, it’s compatible with devices supporting Miracast, such as Android and Windows PCs.

However, there is very powerful (and affordable) streaming device from Google called Chromecast with Google TV, which rivals the Roku: Roku Stick 4K vs Chromecast with Google TV (see the comparison)

Is there a Chromecast App for Roku & Roku TV?

Yes, Chromecast can work on Roku TVs, but not Roku streaming players like the Roku Streaming Stick 4K or Roku Ultra… It’s important to note that Roku’s operating system is not directly compatible with Chromecast, as they are two different platforms.

Chromecast is a Google-owned technology, while Roku runs on a Linux-based operating system. This means that you can’t directly cast from your smartphone or tablet using the Google Home app to your Roku device or TV.

However, there’s a workaround. Roku supports “Discovery and Launch” (DIAL) protocols, which enable casting. This means that you can cast content from certain apps like Netflix and YouTube from your device to your Roku TV. Additionally, Roku is also compatible with Apple’s AirPlay, allowing you to cast from your iPhone or iPad.

Casting Options and Procedures

Procedure/Option	Steps/Description
Using Chromecast on Roku TV	1. Plug Chromecast into Roku TV’s HDMI port. 2. Connect to power. 3. Use Google Home app for setup. 4. Cast content.
Using Roku like Chromecast	1. Connect Roku TV and device to the same Wi-Fi. 2. Open desired app. 3. Tap Cast button. 4. Select Roku TV.
Roku Casting Options	DIAL protocol, Screen Mirroring (Android, Windows, Apple AirPlay), Roku Mobile App’s “Play on Roku”, Miracast.
Chromecast on TCL Roku TV	Connect Chromecast to TCL Roku TV’s HDMI port and follow Google Home app instructions. TCL Roku TVs also have built-in Roku features.
Chromecast from PC to Roku TV	1. Connect Chromecast to Roku TV. 2. Use Google Chrome browser on PC. 3. Select “Cast” and choose Chromecast.

Additional important information:

1. To use Chromecast on Roku, you need to connect the Google Chromecast to an available HDMI port and follow the setup guide.
2. Casting and mirroring are two different concepts; casting launches streaming apps directly on your TV while screen mirroring simply mirrors the display of one device to another.
3. Some Roku devices do not support direct casting without a specific app.

Also see: How to Fix Screen Mirroring and Casting Not Working on Roku

Can Chromecast be used on Roku TV?

Yes, you can use Chromecast on a Roku TV. To do this, you will need to physically connect a Chromecast device to your Roku TV.

This is done by plugging the Chromecast into an available HDMI port on the Roku TV.

Once connected, you can then cast content from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to the TV using the Google Home app.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Plug the Chromecast into an available HDMI port on your Roku TV.
2. Connect the Chromecast to a power source.
3. On your smartphone or tablet, open the Google Home app.
4. Follow the prompts to set up the Chromecast.
5. Once set up, you can start casting content from your device to the Roku TV.

How to use Roku like a Chromecast

Roku has its own native casting technology, allowing you to cast content from your device to the Roku TV. To use your Roku like a Chromecast, follow these steps:

1. Ensure your Roku TV and your device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the app you want to cast from on your device.
3. Tap the Cast button, usually represented by a screen and Wi-Fi symbol.
4. From the list of available devices, select your Roku TV.
5. The content should now start playing on your Roku TV.

Also see: How to use Google Chrome on Roku & Roku TV

Options Roku provides for casting besides Chromecast

Roku provides several options for casting content from your device to your Roku TV without needing a Chromecast. These include:

1. DIAL: This is a protocol developed by Netflix and YouTube that allows you to cast content from these apps directly to your Roku TV.
2. Screen Mirroring: This allows you to mirror your device’s screen onto the Roku TV. It’s supported on Android devices, Windows computers, and Apple devices using AirPlay.
3. Roku Mobile App: The Roku mobile app has a “Play on Roku” feature that lets you share photos, music, and videos from your phone to your Roku device.
4. Miracast: If another device supports miracast, you can cast/mirror that devices content to your Roku (examples include Android or Windows based PCs)

If you’re considering other casting methods, see the Best screen casting apps for Roku.

How to use Chromecast on a TLC Roku TV

Using Chromecast on a TCL Roku TV is the same as using it on any other Roku TV. You simply need to connect the Chromecast to an available HDMI port on the TV and follow the setup instructions on the Google Home app.

It’s important to note that TCL, along with other brands like Hisense, have Roku TVs that come with built-in Roku features. This means that while you can use a Chromecast with these TVs, you also have access to Roku’s own casting and streaming capabilities like the mirroring/casting options mentioned previously in this article.

Dive deeper into the Best Roku TV brands including TCL and Hisense for a comprehensive understanding.

How to Chromecast from a PC to a Roku TV

To Chromecast from a PC to a Roku TV, you will need to use a Chromecast device. Here’s how:

1. Plug the Chromecast into an available HDMI port on the Roku TV.
2. Connect the Chromecast to a power source.
3. On your PC, open the Google Chrome browser.
4. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select “Cast”.
5. From the list of available devices, select your Chromecast.
6. Your PC’s screen should now be mirrored on your Roku TV.

Compatibility of Chromecast with Roku TV

Chromecast and Roku Compatibility Overview

Topic	Description
Chromecast on Roku Devices	Chromecast can’t be used with standalone Roku streaming devices like the Roku stick or Roku ultra.
Chromecast on Roku TV	Chromecast can be used on Roku TV with an HDMI port. Roku TV also supports casting from Android and iOS devices.
Misconceptions	Some believe “Chromecast” is a built-in feature of streaming devices like Roku or Firestick. In reality, Chromecast is a distinct device by Google.

Chromecast is compatible with Roku TV, but not natively. This means you can’t cast directly from your device using the Google Home app to your Roku TV.

However, by connecting a Chromecast device to your Roku TV, you can cast content from your device to the TV.

Steps to connect Chromecast to Roku TV

1. Plug the Chromecast into an available HDMI port on your Roku TV.
2. Connect the Chromecast to a power source.
3. On your smartphone or tablet, open the Google Home app.
4. Follow the prompts to set up the Chromecast.
5. Once set up, you can start casting content from your device to the Roku TV.

If you have connect chromecast to a Roku TV, you could cast/screen mirror your devices web browser over the Roku. There’s many ways you can get a web browser on roku.

Differences between Casting and Mirroring

Casting and mirroring are two different ways of displaying content from one device onto another. Casting sends a video or audio file from your device to the TV, allowing you to continue using your device for other tasks.

Mirroring, on the other hand, displays your device’s screen exactly as it is on the TV. This means that whatever you do on your device, such as scrolling through apps or changing settings, will be shown on the TV.

Discover the best screen casting apps for Roku in our blog post.

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