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Nothing is more frustrating than trying to show someone a video and having the AirPlay connection cut out constantly. But is the problem with your Roku TV, Apple device, or the internet?
In this article, we’ll walk you through why your AirPlay keeps disconnecting from your Roku TV and seven ways you can solve the problem.
Table of Contents
Reasons Why AirPlay Keeps Disconnecting From Roku TV
There are several reasons why your AirPlay may frequently disconnect from your Roku TV. The two main reasons are:
- Your internet connection
- Operating system requirements
Internet Connection
The main source of most AirPlay and Roku connection problems is WiFi. For AirPlay to work, you need WiFi. Without it, your devices will not connect.
If your AirPlay connects for about 10 to 20 seconds before disconnecting, it’s likely a network error. The internet could be unstable, or you have your devices connected to two different networks.
The two devices must be on the same network. If you have multiple routers nearby, there will be interference, resulting in a weaker signal.
Roku and AirPlay OS/iOS Requirements
In 2022, Apple released AirPlay 2- which is what most of their new iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers utilize. You cannot connect an older Roku TV to AirPlay with one of these newer Apple devices.
Aside from the update to AirPlay 2, not all Roku devices support the first generation of AirPlay. To function with AirPlay, your Roku TV must have Roku OS 9.4 or higher.
If you want to run AirPlay 2 with your Roku TV, it has to have Roku OS 10.0 or higher to support it.
It is also possible that your Roku has AirPlay 2 capabilities, but your Apple device does not. Apple mobile devices, such as iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, that run iOS 12.3 or any later rendition can run AirPlay 2. Mac computers with macOS 10.14.5 or later are also compatible.
If you know that your operating systems are compatible with AirPlay on Roku, then it’s time to start troubleshooting to solve the problem.
How to Fix AirPlay Connection Problems on Roku (7 ways)
1. Place Devices Closer Together
Interference can occur between devices when they are too far away or blocked by something else.
Keep your devices close to each other. They should be in the same room.
Avoid letting anything block the device you are trying to AirPlay with from the TV. Keep it from sitting behind any furniture. Even being placed in your back pocket can disrupt the connection.
2. Restart WiFi
If you are having connectivity issues, a good step is to temporarily reset your WiFi router to fix any problems with your home network. It allows your network to cool off and reboot cleanly.
Do not press any button on your modem or router labeled “Restart” or “Reset.” These buttons will likely start a factory reset process, and you want to avoid that.
Instead, follow these steps to restart your router and modem properly:
- First, unplug the router and modem.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds. The 30 seconds will allow your router to cool down. It will also tell your devices that the network is offline.
- Plug the modem back in. If it does not turn back on after a few seconds, press the power button.
- Wait 60 seconds more before plugging in the router.
Once both devices are back up and running, turn on your Roku and your Apple device to see if you can successfully use AirPlay.
3. Restart Roku
A simple restart on your Roku TV can wipe it clean of any bugs, glitches, or viruses that may cause connection interference.
To restart your Roku, follow these steps:
- With your Roku TV turned on, press the Home button on the remote.
- Scroll on the menu bar to the left until you find Settings.
- Scroll and choose System.
- Once in the System menu, you may find an option titled Power. Click on that to open a submenu that will lead you to System Restart. If you do not have a Power submenu, continue to scroll until you find System Restart.
- Wait for your Roku TV to turn off and on again.
You will have to reestablish your internet connection after restarting. Once everything is up and running again, try pairing your devices with AirPlay.
4. Check Screen Mirroring Set Up
Most of the time, you will use AirPlay to mirror your screen. However, some will use the app for listening to audio. For some users, AirPlay works better when used in conjunction with screen mirroring rather than just playing audio.
Ensuring proper setup for mirroring can help improve faulty connections.
Follow these steps to ensure your Roku TV is set up for AirPlay screen mirroring:
- Open the Systems tab in the Settings menu on your Roku TV.
- Scroll until you find Screen Mirroring.
- Select Screen Mirroring Mode to verify its settings.
- Ensure that either Prompt or Always Allow is selected.
- Using your Apple device, download the Roku app.
- The Roku app will search for a receiver. Once it finds your TV, you can connect.
Your Roku TV is now ready for screen mirroring.
Here is how to start the screen mirroring process between your Roku TV and Apple device:
- On your iOS device, open the Control Center.
- Find and select the Screen Mirroring button.
- Scroll through the options until you find your Roku TV.
- Follow the prompt on your TV. Type the code on your Roku screen into your iOS device and press OK.
After following these steps, you can start screen mirroring.
5. Check Devices for Updates
Ensure that your Roku TV and iOS devices are up-to-date on their operating systems.
Bugs can frequently get into software, and tech teams are always working to solve those problems. Recent updates work to remove bugs and could solve your connection issues.
Both devices will probably update automatically, but you can always check to see if you’ve missed an important update.
To check for updates on your Roku TV, go to the System tab under the Settings menu and select System Update.
To manually update your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings. Open up the General menu under Settings and select Software Update.
6. System Reset for Roku
While it can fix multiple problems inside your Roku software, resetting your Roku is a last-resort method for troubleshooting.
Resetting will erase your personal preferences and remove the connection to your Roku account. Your TV will function like when you first took it out of the box.
If you want to try resetting your Roku TV, follow these steps:
- With the TV on, push the Home button on your remote.
- Scroll on the left side menu until you find Settings.
- Search through the Settings menu and select Advanced System Settings.
- Choose Factory Reset.
- Confirm your decision by entering the four-digit code provided when prompted.
After your reset, you will have to turn the TV back on and set everything up again. Once it’s on, log back into your WiFi network and set up your AirPlay screen mirroring preferences.
7. Contact Apple or Roku Support
When all else fails, it’s time to call on the professionals. There is a chance that your problem is unique or that something is defective.
Start by choosing one company to contact first. Do not try to talk to both simultaneously, as that can get frustrating and confusing for you. Contact Roku support if you believe the problem is with your Roku TV. Chat with one of their representatives to see if they can help.
If they cannot help and believe the problem could reside with your iOS device, reach out to Apple support next.
Conclusion
Always check your internet connection when AirPlay stops functioning between your Roku TV and Apple device. You might solve the frustrating problem easily by restarting your modem and router, but sometimes extra troubleshooting is required.