Roku mobile app

[4Rissa]

I've downloaded the Roku app on my chromecast laptop and I can't stream anything to the TV. The TV screen briefly shows the title of an app labelled "Play on Roku" before closing and nothing happens.

Sometimes I'm left with a black screen after the app title disappears, during which I can hear feedback from pressing buttons on the remote but can't see anything until about 5 seconds pass after the first button press.

I can't find an app called "Play on Roku" when browsing my Roku apps, nor in the search bar.

I've tried using a third party app on my laptop, "Cast web video" which also connects successfully but produces the same results.

I've tried restarting the laptop app, the Roku, the router, and checking for software updates.

Please help! Thanks!

[RokuKarla]

Hello @4Rissa

Thanks for reaching out here in the Community!

Roku devices are designed for video streaming and don't support web browsers at this time. You might try using the Screen Mirroring feature to mirror a supported device onto your Roku device as an alternate option. More info on this link: How to screen mirror your Android™ or Windows® phone to your Roku® streaming device 

I hope this helps.

 

Regards,
Karla

[4Rissa]

Hello RokuKarla

Thanks for the answer. Unfortunately I'm a bit confused, I'm using the official Roku app, selecting the "Devices" tab, and then the "Media" button. Even a simple photo refuses to cast to the screen.

[AvsGunnar]

@4Rissa 

May be a couple of different issues going on for you here.

First, "Play on Roku" is basically the default media player and also a protocol for the Roku OS.  It is not really a channel/app, per se so you will not find in the Roku Channel Store.  When dealing with casting, the Roku mobile app will use the Play on Roku player/protocol.

With the introduction of Roku OS 11.5, 3rd party casting apps can no longer use the Play on Roku protocol (they are blocked so you will likely get a flash of Play on Roku and then nothing).  Any casting app will need to support the "Roku Channel" casting protocol.  The ones I know that have been updated to use the Roku Channel protocol include Web Video Caster, Tubio, Castify, and XCast.  All these will allow you to cast both web content to your Roku devices as well as local storage from media servers and phone files (pictures, videos, etc.). 

----

As for the Roku mobile app, you should be able to cast any files (video, audio, and photo) from the device that the Roku mobile app is installed on to your Roku devices.  Now, I have had what you described when using the Roku mobile app and using the Media tab for casting local storage to my Roku devices or RokuTV (Play on Roku will show - sometimes it will actually get stuck there, othertimes gets stuck on black screen.)  Basically, once you select the photo/media file, the Play on Roku should fade into the photo/media file.  When this does not happen (gets stuck between Play on Roku and black screen), I usually just close the mobile app, restart the phone/tablet, and then relaunch the app.

[4Rissa]

Ahh okay that explains a bit.

I think it's an issue specific with the Chromebook because I tested it on my phone and that works fine. Restarting it didn't fix anything unfortunately.

Hopefully Roku will fix the compatibility issues sometime soon. I'll be using my phone until then.

Thanks so much for the help!

For diagnostics, here's my Chromebook's info:
ChromeOS Version 109.0.5414.125 (Official Build) (32-bit)
Acer Chromebook Spin 513
CP513-2H Series

[AvsGunnar]

@4Rissa 

Try disabling the firewall on the Chromebook. (Menu/Administration/Firewall).

Then see if that helps to resolve the issue.  If so, then will need to track down the port number that is blocking the connection or selecting a less strict setting that allows connection.

Since the mobile app is primarily designed for iOS and Android, may be a bit more difficult to run on the Chromebook. 

As for any third party casting apps, they will need to specifically use the Roku Channel casting protocol.  

[DavidMiller]

If you're experiencing issues with the "Play on Roku" feature closing immediately or being unable to cast content to your TV, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try: Restart your Roku device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches. Unplug your Roku device from the power source, wait for a few seconds, and then plug it back in. After the device restarts, try using the "Play on Roku" feature again. Update the Roku app: Make sure you have the latest version of the Roku mobile app installed on your smartphone or tablet. Check your device's app store for any available updates and install them if necessary. A newer version of the app may include bug fixes and improvements.loklok apk