What AirPlay is and which TVs support it

AirPlay is Apple's wireless system for sending video, audio, or your entire screen from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to a TV or speaker. It works over your home WiFi network — you don't need cables or adapters.

Not all TVs have AirPlay built in. Apple TV boxes (the small black device you plug into HDMI) have had AirPlay since 2007 and work with any TV. Newer smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio added AirPlay support starting around 2018 to 2019, but older models don't have it. If your TV is more than five or six years old, it almost certainly doesn't have AirPlay unless it's a high-end model.

The easiest way to check: look in your TV's settings menu for AirPlay, or search your TV's model number plus "AirPlay support" online. If your TV doesn't have it, an Apple TV device (starting at $99 for the basic model) adds AirPlay to any TV with an HDMI port.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and your TV must be on the same WiFi network for AirPlay to work.
  • On an iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your TV from the list.
  • On a Mac, click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner, select Screen Mirroring, and choose your TV.
  • If your TV doesn't appear in the list, restart both devices and make sure they're connected to the same WiFi network.
  • An Apple TV device adds AirPlay to any TV with an HDMI port if your TV doesn't have it built in.

Connecting from an iPhone or iPad

Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen (or swiping up from the bottom if you have an older iPhone). Look for the Screen Mirroring tile — it shows a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom.

Tap Screen Mirroring. A list of available devices appears. Select your TV's name. If your TV has a password for AirPlay, you'll be asked to enter it — check your TV's settings or manual for this code.

Your iPhone or iPad screen now appears on your TV. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

Connecting from a Mac

Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your menu bar (it looks like a grid of squares). Select Screen Mirroring from the dropdown menu.

A list of available devices appears. Click your TV's name. If prompted, enter your TV's AirPlay password. Your Mac screen now appears on your TV.

To disconnect, click the Control Center icon again, select Screen Mirroring, and choose Stop Mirroring.

Why your TV doesn't appear in the list

The most common reason is that your device and TV are on different WiFi networks. Check that both are connected to the same network — look at your WiFi settings on your phone or Mac and compare the network name to the one your TV is using.

If they're on the same network, restart both devices. Turn off your TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This clears temporary connection problems that prevent AirPlay from finding the TV.

If your TV still doesn't appear, check whether AirPlay is turned on in your TV's settings. Some TVs have an AirPlay toggle that can be disabled. Look in your TV's settings menu under AirPlay, AirPlay and HomeKit, or Connectivity, depending on the brand.

Sending audio only instead of video

If you want to play music or podcasts on your TV's speakers without mirroring your screen, use AirPlay audio instead. Open Control Center on your iPhone or iPad and look for the audio player card at the top — it shows the song or podcast title.

Tap the AirPlay icon (a triangle with a circle at the bottom) in the corner of the audio card. Select your TV from the list. Audio now plays through your TV's speakers, but your screen stays private on your device.

This works with Apple Music, Podcasts, Spotify, and most other audio apps. To switch back to your device's speaker, open the audio card again and tap the AirPlay icon, then select your device's name.

Using AirPlay with an Apple TV device

If you bought an Apple TV box, plug it into your TV's HDMI port and connect it to power. During setup, choose your WiFi network and sign in with your Apple ID. Once it's on the same network as your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, AirPlay works the same way — open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select the Apple TV.

Apple TV devices also let you use AirPlay to send video from apps like YouTube, Netflix, or Apple TV+ to your TV without mirroring your entire screen. Open the app, tap the AirPlay icon (usually in the video player), and select your Apple TV. This uses less battery on your device than full screen mirroring.

Troubleshooting when AirPlay connects but cuts out

If AirPlay connects but the video freezes, lags, or disconnects after a few minutes, your WiFi signal is probably weak. Move closer to your router, or move your router closer to your TV. Walls, metal objects, and distance all weaken WiFi signals.

If you have many devices on your network, other devices downloading large files can interfere with AirPlay. Pause downloads on computers or other phones while you're using AirPlay. If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.

Some older routers don't handle AirPlay well even on a strong signal. If restarting doesn't help and you're using a router more than five years old, upgrading to a newer WiFi 6 router often solves the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay if I don't have an Apple TV?

Yes, if your TV has AirPlay built in. Most Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio TVs made after 2018 support it. Check your TV's manual or settings menu. If your TV doesn't have AirPlay, you need an Apple TV device.

Does AirPlay work over cellular data or only WiFi?

AirPlay only works over WiFi. Both your device and TV must be on the same WiFi network. You can't use AirPlay over cellular data or a mobile hotspot.

Can I mirror my Mac to a TV that doesn't have AirPlay?

Not with AirPlay. You would need an Apple TV device, or use an HDMI cable to connect your Mac directly to the TV. Some Macs also support other wireless casting systems depending on the TV brand.

Why does my TV show an AirPlay code when I try to connect?

Your TV is asking you to confirm the connection for security. This code appears on your TV screen and sometimes on your device. You usually just need to tap Confirm or Allow on your device — you don't need to type the code.

Can multiple people AirPlay to the same TV at the same time?

No. Only one device can mirror to a TV at a time. If someone else tries to connect while you're mirroring, their device will ask if they want to stop your connection and start theirs. On Apple TV, you can queue up AirPlay audio from multiple people, but only one video stream works at a time.