YouTube Kids offers a tailored environment that filters out content not suited for young viewers. It empowers parents to select content that is both engaging and age-appropriate for their children. This feature ensures a balance between fun and safety, adhering to the app’s default video age limits.
Having your child watch YouTube Kids on your TV is a practical solution for supervision. While you’re busy with household tasks, a quick glance at the TV screen keeps you informed about what they’re viewing.
The YouTube Kids app is easily accessible on various Android devices and Smart TVs.
However, Roku users might face some challenges in accessing it.
If you’re a Roku user seeking to enable YouTube Kids on your device, this guide is for you. Follow these steps to get started.
After setting up YouTube Kids on Roku, don’t forget to check out our additional guides on YouTube for more insights and tips.”
While Roku devices don’t directly support the YouTube Kids app, there’s a workaround available.
Activating Screen Mirroring on Roku
Roku devices allow you to mirror screens from your mobile device or PC. This feature lets you display whatever is on your mobile device onto your Roku TV’s larger screen. Here’s how to set up your Roku for screen mirroring:
Connect your Roku device to your TV using an HDMI cable.
Turn on both your Roku and Smart TV.
Ensure that your Smart TV and the mobile device (Android or iOS) or PC you’ll be mirroring are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Go to the ‘Settings’ menu on your Roku, then select ‘System.’
Choose the ‘Screen mirroring’ option.
Select ‘Screen mirroring mode’ and opt for ‘Always allow.’ This setting ensures your TV notifies you when a device is connecting to your Roku, allowing automatic connection and streaming.
Now that your Roku is ready for screen mirroring, the next step is to prepare your mobile device for connection to Roku.
Streaming YouTube Kids on Roku: A Step-by-Step Guide
While Roku doesn’t directly support the YouTube Kids app, you can still enjoy its content on your Roku TV by casting from your mobile device or computer. This guide provides detailed steps for both Android and iOS devices, as well as using a PC, ensuring you can stream your favorite YouTube Kids videos with ease.
For Android Users:
Wi-Fi Connection: Begin by connecting your Android device to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku TV.
App Installation: If you haven’t already, download and install the YouTube Kids app on your Android device.
Video Selection: Open the YouTube Kids app and pick a video you’d like to watch.
Casting to Roku: As the video plays, tap the casting icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol) at the top of your screen to start casting to your Roku TV.
Screen Mirroring: Once casting starts, your Android device’s display will mirror on the Roku TV. For the best viewing experience, switch your Android phone to landscape mode.
Stopping Casting: To stop casting, simply tap the casting icon again and choose to disconnect.
If the casting icon isn’t visible in the YouTube Kids app, you can still cast your screen by:
a. Going to your device’s ‘Settings’ and finding the ‘Cast’ option. b. Selecting your Roku device from the available options. c. Once connected, any content played on the YouTube Kids app will mirror on your Roku TV.
For iOS Devices:
iOS users have two options for casting: using Apple AirPlay or a third-party app.
Using Apple AirPlay:
Network Connection: Ensure your iOS device and Roku TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Enabling AirPlay: On your Roku, go to ‘Settings,’ select ‘Apple AirPlay and HomeKit,’ and turn ‘Airplay’ on.
Starting AirPlay: Open YouTube Kids on your iOS device and tap the AirPlay icon.
Select Roku TV: Choose your Roku device from the list of AirPlay options to start streaming.
If AirPlay isn’t compatible with your devices, use the ‘Mirror for Roku’ app:
App Download: On your iOS device, download ‘Mirror for Roku’ from the Apple App Store.
Connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Launching the App: Open the app and select your Roku TV from the list, then tap ‘Connect.’
Installing Screen Mirror Channel: Tap ‘Install’ in the app to add the Screen Mirror channel to your Roku.
Adding the Channel on Roku: On your Roku TV, select ‘Add channel,’ wait for the installation, and press ‘OK.’
Completing Setup: On your iOS device, select ‘Done’ to exit setup.
Starting Broadcast: Tap the screen recording icon in the app and select ‘Start Broadcast’ to mirror your iOS screen on your Roku TV.
By following these steps, you can effortlessly cast and enjoy YouTube Kids content on your Roku TV, regardless of whether you’re using an Android or iOS device.
Streaming YouTube Kids to Roku TV from Windows 10 PCs
Establish a Common Wireless Connection: Begin by ensuring that your Windows 10 PC and Roku TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This step is crucial for successful streaming.
Accessing YouTube Kids: On your PC, launch any web browser and navigate to the YouTube Kids webpage.
Projection Options: To view your projection options, use the shortcut ‘Windows key + P’ on your keyboard.
Wireless Display Connection: In the projection menu, select ‘Connect to a Wireless Display’ found at the bottom.
Selecting Roku TV: From the list of devices, choose your Roku TV. This action will mirror your PC’s screen onto your Roku TV.
Alternative Method via Google Chrome: If you’re using Google Chrome, you can click the ‘Share this page’ icon in the address bar. From the drop-down menu, select ‘Cast,’ then choose your Roku TV. This method allows you to stream browser content directly to your Roku device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why can’t I find my Roku device from the list of available devices?
If your Roku device doesn’t appear in the list of available devices, ensure that both your Roku device and your computer or mobile device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Why is my Roku TV not appearing in AirPlay?
If you encounter this issue, verify that both your Roku and iOS device meet the necessary compatibility requirements listed on the Roku website.
Final Words:
To facilitate monitoring of your child’s viewing habits, streaming YouTube Kids to your Roku TV is a practical solution.
Even in the absence of a native YouTube Kids app on Roku, mirroring your device’s screen provides a seamless workaround.
For further enhancing the safety of YouTube Kids for your child, consider reading additional resources on content blocking within the app and reporting inappropriate content, thus contributing to a safer online environment for children.
