Roku Ultras are wonderful streaming devices. However, sometimes casting from another device like a phone or computer can come in handy. Having a streaming device that supports this function is a great addition.

The Roku Ultra is one such streaming device as it allows you to cast to it from other devices.

We’ll discuss how you can cast from your mobile or computer to Roku Ultra. Also, we will look at the differences between casting and screen mirroring, as they are often mixed up for each other.

Can You Cast to Roku Ultra?

One useful feature of streaming devices and televisions is the ability to allow screen mirroring or casting. These two allow you to view stuff on your larger television.

The Roku Ultra, being a top-line streaming device, would be expected to have this feature, and it doesn’t disappoint. It allows you to cast from whatever device you want. You only need to know how to. That is the topic of the next section, as knowing the ultra allows casting is different and knowing how to utilize the feature is another.

How to Cast to Roku Ultra

The first time connecting your Roku Ultra to the device you want to cast from is always the hardest. After this first time, it is very easy to connect, and it will often be as simple as just a few clicks.

Different operating systems like Android, iOS, and Windows OS do the process of connecting for casting differently. Therefore, we’ll look at each OS and how to connect your device that runs on it to Roku ultra.

The first thing to note is that you must have the app to be streamed installed on both your Roku ultra and the device you are casting from. Also, both devices have to be connected to the same network.

Cast to Roku Ultra from Android

Here’s how to cast from Android:

  • Tap the cast icon. This can be found in the quick settings that are always hidden at the top of your android screen. Alternatively, you could just go to settings and go to “Cast” in the connected devices section. Select your Roku Ultra in the devices shown in the pop-up.

It will then be connected.

Cast to Roku Ultra from iPhone

Here’s how to cast from iPhone:

  • Tap on the Cast icon in the app you want to cast to your Roku.You will see a pop-up that prompts you to select the device to cast to. Select Roku Ultra from the list of options.Afterward, you will see “Connecting”. Wait for the connection to finalize.You will see the app cast on your TV screen when the connection is made.

You can control the contents of the app from your iOS device. Also, you can do certain actions like pause and play with your TV remote. If you want to disconnect the devices, you only need to tap the cast icon on your mobile and then tap disconnect in the pop-up.

Cast to Roku Ultra From Windows

You can also cast to your Roku from a Windows computer.

  • On your computer, go to SettingsGo to Network and Sharing CenterGo to Advanced Sharing Settings Enable both “Network Discovery” and “File and Printer Sharing“Afterward, go to the app or media file you want to cast to the TVRight-click or click the cast icon and select your Roku Ultra.

Of course, this will only work if that app you are casting supports the feature. Otherwise, you would have to settle for screen mirroring if you deem it necessary.

Differences Between Casting and Screen Mirroring

It is not uncommon for people to mistake casting for screen mirroring and vice versa. For good reason, of course. This is because the end product of both is getting content from a phone or computer to your TV. However, there are subtle but very important differences between them.

Casting involves projecting online content from your phone or computer to the television. On the other hand, screen mirroring involves showing the same thing that is on your phone or computer screen to the television. Of course, both casting and mirroring don’t have to be on the television alone, nor do they have to be on a larger screen. You can also cast from a phone to a computer.

One important difference between them is that you can leave the casted app or even power off your phone while casting without affecting the content shown on the TV. With screen mirroring, leaving the app will change what’s on the screen to what’s on your phone, and powering off your phone disconnects the two devices.

Conclusion

You can cast to your Roku ultra from any phone or computer. The method to do this is quite simple, as shown in the previous sections. It is important to note that Casting is different from Screen mirroring, and the differences were discussed above.