How to Turn On and Use AirPlay on Mac?

Apple AirPlay is a proprietary wireless streaming technology that allows the transmission of audio and video content from devices to other compatible devices such as iOS, macOS, and Apple TV.

In this article, we will discuss the ins and outs of AirPlay on Mac, including the meaning, setup process, and various ways to enhance your multimedia experience.

1. How to AirPlay from Mac?

You can use AirPlay to stream content from Mac to other AirPlay-enabled devices, including AirPlay-enabled TVs, iPhone, or iPad.

1.1 How to AirPlay from Mac to TV?

Using Apple AirPlay, you can use your TV as an extra screen or mirror the entire display of your Mac. Here is how to AirPlay from a Mac to a TV. Ensure that your Smart TV is compatible with AirPlay by reviewing AirPlay-Enabled TVs and Video Accessories.

1.2 How to AirPlay from Mac to iPhone/iPad?

It's possible to AirPlay from Mac to another AirPlay-compatible device, like iPhone or iPad. Expanding or mirroring your screen is optimal for the sharing of files, presenting and entertainment, etc. In this section, we will also go over how to mirror your Mac to your iPad or iPhone.

To connect your Mac to your iPhone or iPad, both devices must be using the same WiFi and Apple ID. For easy connection, follow the steps:

To end your AirPlay cast from your Mac to TV, click the Screen Mirroring icon and your TV display name again. Now your Mac screen is no longer cast to your TV.

2. How to AirPlay to Mac (Mac as Receiver)?

You can also use your Mac as an AirPlay receiver and AirPlay to your Mac from iPhone, iPad, or another Mac.

2.1 How to AirPlay to Mac from iPhone/iPad?

Some of you may be wondering: how to AirPlay from iPhone to Mac? All Apple devices support AirPlay so it is easy to connect your iOS devices to your Mac. However, Android needs special arrangements for AirPlay with Mac as it does not support the AirPlay feature.

Once you have installed macOS Monterey on a supported Mac, there's not much you need to AirPlay from an iOS device to your computer. Here is how to AirPlay from iPhone or iPad.

Alternatively, you can also stream the photos, audio, or videos from iPhone/iPad to Mac using the AirPlay-enabled applications, such as Apple Photos, Apple Music, and Apple TV app. Simply play the content on your iPhone/iPad, and find the "AirPlay" option to start streaming.

2.2 How to AirPlay to Mac from Another Mac?

There is a new features of macOS Monterey, which is the ability to one Mac to another Mac. That is to say, if your MacBook runs macOS Monterey 12 or later, you can AirPlay another Mac to this Mac. Here's how to do it:

3. How to Turn On AirPlay on Mac?

Basically, AirPlay should be enabled by default on your MacBook. But if you are not sure of it or trying to configure more settings for AirPlay, try the steps below.

Steps to turn on AirPlay on Mac for macOS Ventura 13 and macOS Sonoma 14:

Steps to turn on AirPlay on Mac for macOS Monterey 12 and earlier:

4. AirPlay Mac for Cross-platform (Android and Windows)

Since AirPlay is working for certain devices, Sometimes it is annoying if you want to connect your Mac with devices of different operating system, such as your Android device, Windows computer, or smart TV that uses Miracast or Chromecast. Don't worry. You can still screen mirror your MacBook using an all-in-one screen mirroring program like AirDroid Cast.

AirDroid Cast works on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and smart TVs, so you don't have to worry about your system version to support AirPlay, you don't have to worry about the operating system for the two devices, and you don't have to check the screen mirroring technology your device uses.

4.1 How to Mirror Android to Mac with AirDroid Cast:

4.2 How to Mirror Mac to Windows/Smart TV with AirDroid Cast:

Another way to mirror your Mac screen is using the AirDroid Cast Web version. In this way, you can screen mirror from Mac to Samsung TV, Google TV, and even a Windows PC/laptop.

5. Devices Can Support AirPlay

In this part, we will share the information about how AirPlay works and the supported devices.

5.1 What Is AirPlay & How Does It Work?

AirPlay, first originated from AirTunes in 2004, is a wireless streaming technology developed by Apple, which allows you to stream audio and videos and mirror what's on your screen to another device. Note that AirPlay only works for certain devices, such as smart speakers, iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Apple TV.

A common question that arises is: does AirPlay require WiFi? Yes, AirPlay requires a WiFi connection. It streams the real-time content over the local network, including WiFi and Ethernet, and two devices should connect to the same WiFi.

Some may also ask: does AirPlay require Bluetooth? No, AirPlay doesn't require Bluetooth. Both AirPlay and Bluetooth can send audio wirelessly, but AirPlay can work over a longer range within the network coverage and supports lossless audio and video transmission while Bluetooth usually has a shorter ranges (up to 33 feet) and may compress the audio files.

Although it's unnecessary, it's recommended turning on Bluetooth on your devices for a better streaming experience.

5.2 What Devices Can Support AirPlay?

Because AirPlay is restricted to Apple devices, let us determine which devices are supported by AirPlay.

There are a variety of different Apple devices, but not every Apple device is AirPlay compatible.

• iPhone 7 or later
• iPad Pro 2nd generation or later
• iPad 6th generation or later
• iPad Air 3rd generation or later
• iPad Mini 5th generation or later
• MacBook 2018 or later
• MacBook Pro 2018 or later
• MacBook Air 2018 or later
• Mac Mini 2020 or later
• iMac 2019 or later
• iMac Pro

AirPlay is supported on a variety of Smart TVs. Most TV brands have started to support AirPlay (Apple TV is no exception), such as Samsung, Sony, Roku TV, and VIZIO. If you are not sure whether your smart TV supports AirPlay, you can check your TV brand and model in AirPlay-Enabled TVs and Video Accessories. Another approach is to confirm this with the TV manufacturer.

If your Smart TV is not compatible with Apple's AirPlay, you must use a 3rd-party screen mirroring software such as AirDroid Cast.

6. AirPlay vs Miracast vs Chromecast vs Screen Mirroring. What Are Differences?

To put it simple, screen mirroring is a generic term used to describe the process of mirroring or duplicating the screen of one device onto another. It can refer to various technologies, including AirPlay, Miracast, or Google Chromecast.

Here are the differences of AirPlay, Miracast, Chromecast, and Screen Mirroring:

7. Troubleshooting AirPlay Not Working on Mac

AirPlay is a handy way to wirelessly stream media from one device to another. However, what happens when you experience issues with AirPlay not working on your Mac? Don't worry, we have several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the most common AirPlay problems.

7.1 Common Problems When AirPlay Not Working

If you're struggling with AirPlay not working, you're not alone. We compiled a few simple troubleshooting steps to help resolve common AirPlay issues.

AirPlay Icon Not Showing on Mac: where is the AirPlay icon on Mac? You may be asking this question when you find AirPlay not showing up on Mac. This problem happens when you try to AirPlay Mac to TV or other devices, but you don't see the AirPlay icon on the menu bar of your screen. So you can't find AirPlay on Mac.

Can't Turn on AirPlay on Mac: Why can't I turn on AirPlay on Mac even if you have already selected to turn on AirPlay?

AirPlay Not Connecting: Some people may find AirPlay not connecting to the mirroring devices, even if the AirPlay is showing on the menu and AirPlay is turned on.

Don't worry. These AirPlay not working issues can be fixed with the troubleshooting solutions below.

7.2 Troubleshooting Solutions for AirPlay Not Working

Still experiencing AirPlay issues? Follow these useful steps to get back to streaming media with AirPlay.

Fix 1: Make Sure to Connect to the Same WiFi Network

AirPlay requires that both your Mac and receiving device are on the same network. To view your Mac's WiFi network, click the WiFi icon in the menu bar.

The network on your receiving device should match.

Fix 2: Make Sure it's AirPlay-Compatible Device

AirPlay is only supported for Mac computers with macOS 12 or later. Verify that your Mac is compatible with AirPlay by reviewing AirPlay-Enabled TVs and Video Accessories.

Fix 3: Check Firewall Settings on your Mac

To be certain that your Mac's firewall is not blocking your AirPlay connections, you may need to turn off your firewall temporarily.

To disable your Mac firewall, navigate to System Settings. Click on Network > Firewall.

Click the slider to disable your Mac's firewall.

Fix 4: Enable AirPlay Again

Try toggling AirPlay on and off on your Mac. This would work like a magic sometimes. Simply go to System Preferences > Displays > AirPlay.

Fix 5: Restart Both Devices

Reboot your Mac and the receiving device to reset your connection. To reboot your Mac, click the Apple logo and select Restart in the drop-down.

Fix 6: Update Latest OS Software

If you still can't turn on AirPlay, check that your Mac is updated with the latest software.

To update your Mac, navigate to System Settings > Software Update. If your Mac needs to update, the update appears under Updates Available.

Click "Restart Now" to apply the update.

8. Tips to Improve AirPlay Quality

There is nothing more frustrating than experiencing constant buffering and choppy video on AirPlay. Poor video and sound quality can put a damper on your favorite show or movie. Luckily, with just a few simple tweaks, you can drastically improve your AirPlay streaming experience.

Your WiFi network is important. Make sure your WiFi network is strong and stable enough to support AirPlay streaming. Move your devices closer to your router or access point.

Don't overload your network with other traffic. Close any unused apps that may be using your WiFi network to reduce congestion and improve the AirPlay streaming quality.

Lastly, most AirPlay streaming issues are resolved by disabling Bluetooth on your Mac. Bluetooth has been known to interfere with the AirPlay streaming quality.

9. A Set of Circumstances to Use AirPlay on Mac

Whether you are casting to or from your Mac, you can enhance your experience while sharing presentations, watching videos, playing music, gaming, and photo sharing.

AirPlay Photos on Mac

AirPlay is a convenient way to share a collection of photos with friends and family on a larger screen. You can relive special moments with friends and loved ones by sharing family vacations, weddings, or other event photos.

AirPlay Audio & Music on Mac

Listening to your favorite tunes or watching movies on your Mac does not always give you the best audio experience. AirPlay allows you to stream audio and music to your compatible speakers or similar devices wirelessly so you can feel like you're at a concert or in a theater.

AirPlay Video Content on Mac

Online videos and movies are always better on a big screen. AirPlay quickly lets you experience better resolution and audio on your TV or projector, so the whole family can watch videos or movies from your Mac on the living room TV.

10. Conclusion and FAQs About AirPlay

AirPlay is an Apple-built protocol that allows streaming, extending, or mirroring screens between devices on the same local area network. Through the AirPlay feature, you can stream the entire screen of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac or you can stream just an application's display to a TV screen wirelessly. But if you want to mirror an Android phone to other devices, you can use AirDroid Cast, that's a wonderful software for screen sharing and mirroring.

FAQs About AirPlay

What is AirPlay mode on Mac?

Elsa

AirPlay mode on your Mac is when you are using another display to extend or duplicate your Mac’s screen. AirPlay mode comes in handy when you need a little extra workspace or want to share photos, videos, or music with others nearby.

How do I AirPlay from my Mac to my LG TV?

Elsa

First, make sure your LG TV is compatible with AirPlay. Next, make sure your LG TV is on the same network as your Mac. It does not need internet access but should be on the same WiFi. Then, you can simply click the AirPlay button on your Mac, enter the AirPlay code, and you are connected!

Can you AirPlay anything on Mac?

Elsa

Not all content can be streamed from your Mac using AirPlay. AirPlay is used to stream media such as presentations, videos, photos, music, web browsers, and some games. But, some applications are not supported by AirPlay.

Does AirPlay lose quality?

Elsa

It depends. AirPlay can lose quality depending on the compatibility and quality of your AirPlay receiver, the media content you are streaming, and the quality of the WiFi network between your devices. It is also possible that quality can be reduced due to compression issues during streaming.