The Google Photos app is not available for direct installation on the Roku Channel Store. So you have to screen mirror or AirPlay the photos and videos to your Roku TV from your smartphone. Alternatively, you can download the PhotoView app and sync your Google account to view the media files on your Roku TV. The following guide explains both the procedure in detail.
How to Screen Mirror Google Photos on Roku
Before proceeding with the screen mirroring process, ensure that the following parameters are met.
- Connect Roku to a stable WiFi. Also, connect your Android or PC to the same WiFi.
- Enable the Screen Mirroring on Roku, launch Settings → Tap System → Hit Screen Mirroring → Select Screen Mirroring mode → Click the Prompt Always Allow.
From Android
Open your Android device’s Notification panel and tap the Cast option. Select your Roku device. Now, the entire phone screen will appear on the TV. Open the Google Photos app and see the photos one by one. The photos will appear on the TV.
From Windows PC
Google Photos has a web version too. Launch your PC’s web browser and open the web page of Google Photos. Sign in to your Google Account. Now, press the Windows+ K key on the keyboard in parallel. In the appearing new window, select your Roku device name. That’s how you can watch Google Photos content on your Roku device.
How to AirPlay Google Photos on Roku
To AirPlay, you must ensure that your Roku and Apple devices meet the following factors.
- Connect your Roku device and iPhone or Mac to the same WiFi.
- Enable the AirPlay on Roku, go to Settings → Click on AirPlay and Homekit → Hit the AirPlay → Turn it ON.
From iPhone
Google Photos application doesn’t come default on iPhone. So, first of all, get the Google Photos on your iPhone from the App Store. Launch the app and log in. Go to Control Center on your iPhone, tap the Screen Mirroring option, and select your Roku device from the list of available devices. Now, you can see that the Google Photo app on your iPhone is mirrored on your Roku.
From Mac
To screen mirror the Google Photos website on Roku, launch the browser on your Mac and visit Google Photos’ official website. Sign in to your Google account. Open the Control Center and hit the Screen Mirroring option. Choose your Roku device from the list. That’s it you can now view Google Photos on your Roku TV.
How to Access Google Photos Using PhotoView App
Besides screen mirroring, you can use a third-party app called PhotoView for Google Photos to sync your Google account and access the media files stored on your account.
1. Turn on your Roku device and ensure it has a stable internet connection.
2. From your Roku device home screen, go to the Streaming Channels option and select Search Channels.
3. Search for PhotoView for the Google Photos channel and click the Add Channel button to install it from the Roku Channel Store.
4. Now, launch the PhotoView for Google Photos channel and note the code on the screen.
5. Then, visit the activation website (https://www.photoviewapp.com/link/) from your phone web browser to connect with your Google Account.
6. Enter the noted authentication code on the website and click the Link Device button below.
7. Then, sign in with your Google account to connect with the PhotoView for Google Photos app.
8. Now, the channel will refresh and display the images you have saved on the Google Photos app.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the WiFi signal is unstable, you can connect your smartphone to Roku TV using a USB cable. This will mirror your entire device screen on the TV. Open the Google Photos app on your smartphone and view the album on your Roku TV without WiFi.