what to know
- Screen mirror to TV: Open Control Center > Select Screen Mirroring > Select TV > Enter password (if necessary).
- In an app such as Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, or Apple TV, look for the AirPlay audio or display icon.
- AirPlay works on most Macs 2011 and later and compatible smart TVs and speakers.
This article explains how to turn on AirPlay on Mac. You can use this feature to stream video or audio, or extend or mirror your Mac's display.
You can turn on AirPlay on your Mac from Control Center in the menu bar or from certain apps.
To extend or mirror your Mac's display to an Apple or compatible smart TV, follow these steps to set up AirPlay.
Before connecting to your TV, make sure it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.
Click the Control Center icon in the menu bar.
Select Screen Mirroring .
Click on your Apple or AirPlay compatible smart TV.
When you connect for the first time, you may be asked to enter a password.
Select the arrow next to the connected TV to control mirroring or separate display options.
To turn off AirPlay on your Mac, open Control Center > Select Screen Mirroring > and click the icon to the left of your TV or display to deselect it. On your iPad or iPhone, click the Screen Mirroring icon in Control Center.
If you just want to stream audio from your Mac, you can use AirPlay to do that.
Open an AirPlay-enabled app, such as Apple Music or Podcasts.
Navigate to the item you want to play and look for the Apple AirPlay icon.
The AirPlay icon for audio streaming is different from the icon for screen mirroring.
Select the device you want to cast audio to by checking the box next to it. After you make your selection, the track should play automatically.
All newer Macs (running macOS Mojave 10.14.5) as well as newer and older models (released in 2011 and later) have AirPlay built-in. Devices you can stream with AirPlay include:
- Apple TV (4K, HD, and second- and third-generation models)
- AirPlay compatible speakers
- AirPlay compatible smart TV
- family cabin
- Airport Express Speaker
Macs running macOS Catalina (10.15), macOS Mojave (10.14.5), or iTunes 12.8 and later have an upgraded version of AirPlay called AirPlay 2 that is compatible with:
- AirPlay 2 compatible smart TVs
- Apple TV with tvOS 11.4 and above
- HomePod running iOS 11.4 and later
- Speakers connected to Airport Express (2nd generation)
Devices that meet these system requirements can stream audio to multiple AirPlay 2-compatible speakers or smart TVs simultaneously.
First, make sure Apple supports the device you want to use for AirPlay streaming. If you don't have an Apple TV, find information about AirPlay 2 support from your TV manufacturer. Some products may have a special "Works with AirPlay" label on the packaging.
If you've confirmed compatibility, there may be an issue with your connection or AirPlay settings. Try the following fixes:
- Move your Mac closer to the device you want to stream.
- Restart your Mac and smart TV or speakers.
- If necessary, update your macOS operating system.
- Double check that you have connected both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Check for restrictions on your Apple TV or HomePod that may be preventing AirPlay from working.
To turn on AirPlay on iPad, swipe down from the top right corner (or swipe up from the bottom edge) to access Control Center, then tap Screen Mirroring . You'll see a menu with all the devices available for AirPlay. Click on the device you want to connect to the iPad and you will see the mirrored content of the iPad.
To turn on AirPlay on iPhone, swipe to open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring or AirPlay Mirroring , depending on your version of iOS. Select your compatible device, such as Apple TV, and you'll see content showing your iPhone.
Press the V button or the Home button on your Vizio TV remote and select the Extras menu from the top of the screen. Highlight and select AirPlay to enable the feature.
