What AirPlay does and when you'd use it

AirPlay is Apple's wireless system for sending video, audio, or your entire screen from a Mac to another device — usually a TV, speaker, or iPad. Instead of plugging in cables, your Mac finds compatible devices on the same Wi-Fi network and streams to them. You control what appears on the other screen from your Mac itself.

You might use AirPlay to show a presentation on a conference room TV without walking up to plug in a cable, play music through wireless speakers in another room, or mirror your Mac's screen so everyone can see what you're working on. The connection stays active as long as both devices are on the same network and within range.

AirPlay works with Apple TVs, AirPlay 2-compatible speakers, iPads, iPhones, and some third-party devices that support the standard. Not all TVs have AirPlay built in — you may need an Apple TV box connected to the TV to make it work.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Control Center on your Mac, click Screen Mirroring or Audio, and select the device you want to stream to from the list.
  • Both your Mac and the receiving device must be on the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to find and connect to them.
  • You can mirror your entire screen, stream audio only, or use AirPlay with specific apps depending on what you're trying to do.
  • If a device doesn't appear in the list, restart both the Mac and the receiving device, then check that Wi-Fi is on for both.

How to mirror your Mac screen to a TV or iPad

On any recent Mac, open Control Center by clicking the icon in the top-right corner of your screen (it looks like a rectangle with lines). Look for the option labeled "Screen Mirroring" and click it. A list of available devices appears — select the Apple TV, iPad, or compatible device you want to stream to.

Your Mac's screen now appears on the other device. Everything you do on your Mac shows up there in real time. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, click Screen Mirroring, and select "Stop Mirroring."

If the device you want doesn't show up in the list, make sure both your Mac and the receiving device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices if they still don't find each other. Some older Macs may need to use System Preferences instead of Control Center — click the Apple menu, select System Preferences, then Displays, then AirPlay Display.

Streaming audio to speakers and other devices

To send sound from your Mac to wireless speakers or an AirPlay 2-compatible device, open Control Center and click the volume icon. A menu appears showing audio output options. Select the speaker or device you want to use. Audio now plays through that device instead of your Mac's built-in speakers.

You can also control audio output from individual apps. Open an app like Spotify, Apple Music, or a web browser, look for the AirPlay icon (usually a triangle with sound waves), and select your speaker from the menu. This sends only that app's audio to the device, leaving other sounds on your Mac.

To switch back to your Mac's speakers, open Control Center, click the volume icon, and select "Mac" or "Internal Speakers" from the list.

Why a device might not appear in your AirPlay list

The most common reason a device doesn't show up is that it's not on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. Check that both are connected to the same network name — if your home has a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with different names, make sure both devices are on the same one. Some devices work better on one band than the other.

If both devices are on the same network, restart your Mac and the receiving device. Wait about 30 seconds after restarting before trying again. Sometimes the Wi-Fi connection needs to refresh before devices can find each other.

Check that AirPlay is actually turned on for the receiving device. Apple TVs have an AirPlay setting in their menu. iPads and iPhones need AirPlay Receiver turned on in Settings under AirPlay and Handoff. If you're using a third-party speaker, check its manual or app to confirm AirPlay is enabled.

What to do if the connection drops or lags

AirPlay works best when your Mac and the receiving device are close to your Wi-Fi router. If the connection keeps dropping, move the devices closer to the router or away from obstacles like walls and metal objects that can block the signal.

If video or audio is choppy or delayed, close other apps on your Mac that might be using your internet connection — streaming video, large downloads, or video calls can interfere with AirPlay. Restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.

For Apple TV specifically, make sure it's running the latest software. Go to Settings on the Apple TV, select System, then Software Updates, and install any available updates. Older software versions sometimes have connection problems that newer versions fix.

Using AirPlay with specific apps instead of your whole screen

Not every app supports AirPlay, but many do — including Apple TV, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, and most video streaming services. When an app supports AirPlay, you'll see the AirPlay icon somewhere in its controls, usually near the volume or playback buttons. Click it and select your device.

Using AirPlay within an app instead of mirroring your whole screen uses less Wi-Fi bandwidth and lets you keep working on your Mac while video or music plays on the other device. You can browse the web, check email, or open other apps without affecting what's streaming.

If you don't see an AirPlay icon in an app you're using, that app doesn't support AirPlay. In that case, screen mirroring is your only option — mirror your entire screen and then open the app on your Mac.

Connecting to an older TV without built-in AirPlay

Most TVs made before 2018 don't have AirPlay built in. To use AirPlay with an older TV, you need an Apple TV box connected to it via HDMI cable. Apple TV acts as the AirPlay receiver — your Mac sends the signal to the Apple TV, which then displays it on the TV screen.

Apple TV models come in different versions. The current model is the Apple TV 4K, but older models like Apple TV HD still work with AirPlay. You can find used Apple TV boxes online if you don't want to buy new. Once connected and on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac, the Apple TV appears in your AirPlay list just like any other device.

Some newer TVs have AirPlay 2 built in directly, so you don't need an Apple TV box. Check your TV's manual or settings to see if AirPlay is available. If it is, make sure it's turned on in the TV's settings menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay if I'm not on Wi-Fi?

No. AirPlay requires both your Mac and the receiving device to be on the same Wi-Fi network. It doesn't work over cellular data or Bluetooth alone. Make sure both devices are connected to the same network before trying to set up AirPlay.

Does AirPlay work with non-Apple devices?

Some third-party devices support AirPlay, but not all. Speakers, TVs, and streaming devices made by other manufacturers may have AirPlay 2 support — check the product specs or manual. Devices without AirPlay support won't appear in your Mac's AirPlay list.

Will AirPlay work if my Mac and TV are on different floors?

It depends on your Wi-Fi signal strength. If both devices are connected to the same network and the signal reaches both locations, AirPlay should work. If the signal is weak on one floor, the connection may drop. Moving your router to a central location or using a Wi-Fi extender can help.

Can I mirror my Mac to multiple devices at the same time?

No. You can only mirror to one device at a time. However, you can stream audio to multiple AirPlay 2-compatible speakers simultaneously using Control Center or within apps that support multi-room audio.

What if I want to use AirPlay but keep my Mac's screen private?

Use app-specific AirPlay instead of screen mirroring. Open the app you want to stream from, click its AirPlay icon, and select your device. Your Mac's screen stays private while only that app's content appears on the other device.