How to Connect Your MacBook to a TV Wirelessly

The simplest way to get your MacBook screen on a TV

You can send your MacBook's display to a TV wirelessly using AirPlay, which is built into every Mac. AirPlay works with most modern TVs — either directly if your TV has AirPlay built in, or through a device like an Apple TV, Roku, or Fire Stick that supports it. The connection takes about 30 seconds to set up the first time, and after that your Mac will remember the TV and reconnect automatically when both are on the same WiFi network.

The catch is that your TV or streaming device must support AirPlay. If it does not, you will need a wired connection instead — a USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter. But if your TV is from the last five years and you have a streaming device, wireless is almost certainly available to you.

Key Takeaways

AirPlay is the wireless standard built into every MacBook and works with most TVs made after 2018, or with any TV that has an Apple TV, Roku, or Fire Stick connected.
To connect, open Control Center on your Mac, click Screen Mirroring, and select your TV from the list — no passwords or settings needed.
Your MacBook and TV must be on the same WiFi network for AirPlay to work.
If your TV does not support AirPlay, a USB-C to HDMI cable is the fastest alternative and costs between $15 and $40.
Once connected, you can mirror your entire screen or extend it to use the TV as a second display for different content on each screen.

Check whether your TV supports AirPlay

Before you start, learn about your TV can receive AirPlay. The easiest way is to look at what you have connected to your TV right now. If you own an Apple TV (any model), an AirPlay 2-compatible Roku, a Fire TV Stick, or a Samsung, LG, or Sony TV made after 2018, you have AirPlay support. Older TVs and budget models often do not.

If you are not sure, check your TV's manual or search the model number plus "AirPlay" online. The TV manufacturer's website will say clearly whether the model supports it. If your TV does not have AirPlay, skip to the wired connection section below.

Connect your MacBook to the TV using AirPlay

Make sure your MacBook and TV are on the same WiFi network. This is the most common reason the connection fails — if your Mac is on your home WiFi and the TV is on a guest network, they cannot see each other.

On your MacBook, open Control Center by clicking the icon in the top-right corner of your screen (it looks like a rectangle with sliders). Click Screen Mirroring. A list of available TVs and devices will appear. Select your TV from the list. Your MacBook will connect in a few seconds, and your screen will appear on the TV.

The first time you connect to a TV, your Mac may ask you to enter a four-digit code that appears on the TV screen. Type it into your MacBook and click Confirm. After that, your Mac will remember this TV and connect without asking for the code again.

Switch between mirroring and extending your display

By default, AirPlay mirrors your screen — whatever you see on your MacBook appears on the TV. If you want to use the TV as a second display instead (so you can have different content on each screen), go back to Control Center, click Screen Mirroring again, and look for an option that says Use as Separate Display or Extend Display. Click it, and your TV becomes a second workspace.

When you extend your display, you can drag windows from your MacBook to the TV or use the TV to show a presentation while you see your notes on the MacBook. To switch back to mirroring, return to Control Center and select Mirror Displays.

Troubleshooting when your TV does not appear in the list

If you do not see your TV in the Screen Mirroring list, the most likely cause is that your MacBook and TV are not on the same WiFi network. Check your MacBook's WiFi settings and make sure it is connected to the same network as your TV. If your TV has a separate guest WiFi option, switch to the main network.

If both devices are on the same network and the TV still does not appear, restart your TV and your MacBook. Turn off the TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your Mac. This clears temporary connection problems and usually solves the issue.

If you have an Apple TV or streaming device, make sure it is powered on and connected to WiFi. The device itself must be on for AirPlay to work — the TV being on is not enough.

Using a wired connection if your TV does not support AirPlay

If your TV does not have AirPlay, you will need a USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter. Most MacBooks made after 2016 have USB-C ports. Plug the USB-C end into your MacBook and the HDMI end into your TV's HDMI port. Your MacBook will detect the TV automatically and display its screen on the TV within a few seconds.

A basic USB-C to HDMI adapter costs between $15 and $40 and works with any TV that has an HDMI port. This is a one-time purchase — the same cable or adapter works with any TV you connect to. The downside is that you are tethered to the TV by a cable, so you cannot move your MacBook around the room while presenting or working.

If your MacBook has Thunderbolt ports instead of USB-C (older models), you will need a Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter instead. Check your MacBook's ports before buying — they look similar but are not interchangeable.

Disconnect from the TV

To stop mirroring or extending to your TV, open Control Center and click Screen Mirroring again. Select Disconnect or click the TV name a second time. Your MacBook will stop sending its display to the TV when ready, and you will see only your MacBook's screen again.

If you are using a wired connection, straightforward unplug the USB-C cable from your MacBook. There is no disconnection step needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay if my TV is not on the same WiFi network?

No. AirPlay requires both your MacBook and TV to be on the same WiFi network. If your TV is on a guest network or a different network entirely, they cannot communicate. Switch your MacBook to the same network as your TV and try again.

Why does my MacBook keep disconnecting from the TV?

Disconnections usually happen when your WiFi signal is weak or when your MacBook goes to sleep. Move closer to your WiFi router, or check your Mac's energy settings to prevent it from sleeping while connected. If the problem persists, restart both your MacBook and TV.

Can I use AirPlay while charging my MacBook?

Yes. AirPlay works whether your MacBook is plugged in or running on battery. However, wireless streaming uses more battery power than normal use, so charging while connected is a good idea if you plan to use it for a long time.

What if I want to show just one window on the TV, not my whole screen?

AirPlay mirrors or extends your entire display — it does not let you send a single window. However, you can minimize everything except the window you want to show, or use full-screen mode in an app to make it fill your MacBook's screen before mirroring.

Is there a delay between what I do on my MacBook and what appears on the TV?

AirPlay has a slight delay of about one-quarter to one-half second, which is usually not noticeable for watching videos or presentations. If you are playing fast-paced games, the delay may be more obvious, and a wired HDMI connection will feel more responsive.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.