A trench roller lifting adapter is for inserting/removing a trench roller into/from a trench absent intervention with the trench roller within the trench by a worker and saves time required for compacting dirt in the trench. The adapter has an upper portion configured for interaction with a hook attached to a cable dangling from a crane, excavator, tractor, or other type of construction equipment used to insert/remove the trench roller into/from a trench. The upper portion has a front portion and an opposed back portion with a pin and gap extending therebetween. Each of the front and back portions include respective guide members adapted for guiding the hook toward and into engagement with the pin. The adapter also has a lower portion depending from the upper portion that is configured for secure coupling to the trench roller to be moved into or out of the trench.