Using AirPlay has been super handy for sharing stuff from your iPhone, iPad, and Mac to your TV. AirPlay makes it super easy to watch videos, stream music, present slides, mirror your screen, and play mobile games. Still, there are some problems that AirPlay has like your TV isn’t showing anything, audio isn’t syncing with the video, there are significant delays, or just the standard compatibility issues.
This guide will discuss AirPlay in depth. Related topics like compatibility, setup, and settings will be discussed as will alternate methods and troubleshooting. By the time you finish, you will be able to stream or mirror any Apple product with most televisions that support AirPlay.
What Is AirPlay and How Does It Work?
AirPlay is an Apple product that offers seamless streaming for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It offers streaming to other Apple products. AirPlay must be used with other Apple devices, such as, TVs and speakers. They also must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
AirPlay 2 vs AirPlay 2
AirPlay 2 came out in 2018, and there were some pretty sweet new features added:
- Support for multiroom audio
- Streaming is more stable and there’s less lag
- You’re able to manage groups of speakers
- Smoother and faster screen mirroring
- Support for more smart TVs
- Now, Samsung, Sony, LG, Vizio, Roku, and TCL TVs have AirPlay 2. If you have an older TV, you might still need an apple TV box.
Compatible Devices and Requirements
Before you can start using AirPlay, you need to make sure all your devices are compatible.
AirPlay works on:
- iPhones or iPod Touches that are 5s or later
- iPads on iOS 11 or later
- Macs that have macOS High Sierra or later (MacBook, Mac Mini, iMac, Mac Pro)
Compatible TVs and Streaming Devices
AirPlay 2 is built into most new smart TVs, including:
- Samsung Smart TVs (newer than 2018)
- LG Smart TVs (newer than 2019)
- Sony Android TVs or Google TVs (newer than 2018)
- Vizio Smart TVs that have SmartCast (newer than 2016)
- Roku TVs and some streaming sticks
- Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K
- Some newer Hisense and TCL TVs
Network Requirements
- Both devices have to be connected to the same
- Wi-Fi than can be stable, preferably 5GHz, to reduce lag.
- You want your routers to be AirPlay friendly and not have any isolation settings for clients.
P2P AirPlay
If there’s no wi-fi, AirPlay can communicate through:
- Bluetooth and Wifi Direct
- Apple TV or any AirPlay Enabled TV
- An iPhone or iPad on iOS 11 or newer
They are perfect for hotel rooms or places without wi-fi.
Using AirPlay from iPhone or iPad to TV
From all the devices, AirPlay is the most used on the iPhones and iPads. The procedure is very easy and does not differ from device to device.
How to Mirror the Whole Screen?
- First, ensure that your iPhone or iPad is connected to the same wi-fi is the TV.
- You would then open the control center.
- On Face ID devices, slide down from the top right.
- On home button devices, slide from the bottom upwards.
- Then, click on Screen Mirroring.
- You would then pick your Apple TV or TV from the list.
- If the TV shows a passcode, you should type it into your iPhone.
- From that, your device screen is displayed on the TV.
How to Stop Mirroring?
- You would open the control center.
- Click on Screen Mirroring.
- Then select Stop Mirroring.
How to Use AirPlay to Stream Video and Not Mirror?
- This one does not mirror the screen. It only streams the video.
- Simply open a video from the Photos App, Youtube, Apple TV, or Safari.
- Hit the AirPlay icon (the rectangle with the upwards arrow) or hit the share icon.
- Select the TV.
- The video plays directly onto the TV while the phone can be used as normal.
Using AirPlay From Your Mac To TV
Using AirPlay on Mac is just as easy and it works for both screen mirroring and streaming content.
Display Your Mac Screen On Your TV
- Click the Control Center icon on the menu bar.
- Tap Screen Mirroring.
- Then, select the TV.
- Your Mac screen will then appear on the TV.
AirPlay A Specific App Window Or Video
Lots of apps have built-in support for AirPlay.
- Open the app or video you want to AirPlay.
- Click the AirPlay icon.
- Then select the TV.
Using this method is less resource taxing on the system than screen mirroring in full.
Using Your Mac As An AirPlay Receiver
The latest Mac os version lets your Mac act as a monitor for other Apple devices.
- Open System preferences.
- Go to AirPlay and Handoff.
- Choose who can AirPlay to your Mac.
How To Configure AirPlay On Different Brands Of TVs?
Every TV brand has a little different menus and AirPlay settings.
How To Configure AirPlay On Samsung TVs?
- Select Settings.
- Then General.
- Open Apple AirPlay Settings.
- Turn AirPlay On.
Then, you can also decide if AirPlay requires a passcode.
How To Configure AirPlay On Sony TVs (Android/Google TV)?
- Select Settings.
- Then System.
- Select Apple AirPlay and HomeKit
- Turn AirPlay on.
Confirm that your Sony TV is running the latest software update.
LG TVs
- Hit Home on the remote.
- Go to Home Dashboard.
- Click on AirPlay.
- Turn the option on.
Vizio SmartCast TVs
AirPlay is typically on by default. Just confirm that:
- Your TV is updated.
- Your iPhone and TV are connected to the same network.
Roku TVs and Roku Devices
- Go to Settings.
- Click Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.
- Turn on AirPlay.
AirPlay Troubleshooting: Solve the Most Common Issues
Sometimes, AirPlay doesn’t function the way it’s supposed to work, which can be quite crazy. Here are the best ways to cope with the problem.
Why AirPlay TV says Not Found?
This is among the main issues, and it’s pretty common, yet there’s a simple settlement.
Adjustments
- Confirm your TV model can support AirPlay 2.
- Confirm that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Restart both the TV and the iPhone.
- Enable AirPlay manually in your TV’s settings.
- Disable your phone’s VPN temporarily.
- Restart the router.
- Update your TV’s firmware.
Only Audio AirPlaying
This is typically because of app and codec restrictions.
Some fixes
- Do screen mirroring and avoid in-app AirPlay usage.
- Confirm your TV can support the specific video format.
- Restart the app, like YouTube, Safari, and so on.
- Keep Your iOS and TV Up-to-Date
- Make sure you don’t have Low Power Mode or Low Data Mode on.
Make Sure Your AirPlay Service is Not Lagging or Stuttering
This service can get laggy and stutter if you have poor Wi-Fi.
Solutions
- Try and move closer to the Wi-Fi router.
- Try connecting to the 5-GHz Wi-Fi band.
- Make sure no other devices are plugged in, as they can also use a lot of bandwidth.
- Try restarting the router.
- If you are gaming or presenting, you can use an HDMI AirPlay instead.
If the TV Doesn’t Show the AirPlay Passcode
If the TV needs a passcode, but doesn’t show you anything, here’s how to fix it.
Solutions
- Set the AirPlay security level to ‘Every Time’ or ‘First Time Only.’
- Turn AirPlay off and on again.
- Make sure to restart the TV.
- Make sure the input source is on the right HDMI.
Did the Updates Cause AirPlay to Stop Working?
Sometimes the updates that you have on the devices can automatically reset settings like the network privacy settings.
Solutions
- Make sure to reconnect both devices to the Wi-Fi.
- Try resetting the networks on your iPhone.
- Try updating the TV’s firmware again if an update failed before.
- Try restarting both devices.
What Can I Use Instead of AirPlay?
AirPlay is wireless, but it is not always the best option. Sometimes, a wired connection is the best and most stable way to go.
iPhone or iPad to TV via HDMI
What you will need:
- A Lightning Digital AV Adapter if you have an older iPhone.
- A USB-C to HDMI Adapter if you have a newer (USB-C) iPhone.
- An HDMI cable.
- A TV that has an HDMI input.
Here’s how:
- First, plug the adapter into the iPhone.
- Next, connect the HDMI cable to the adapter, and plug it into the TV.
- Switching the TV Input to HDMI
- The display screen turns on right away.
Mac to TV using HDMI
- Just connect usb-c to HDMI at the same time HDMI is plugged in. (For older MacBook models).
- This removes lag.
More Advanced AirPlay Tips
Once the basics are okayed, AirPlay usage can be extended.
Using AirPlay in Presentation Mode
- Mirror your iPhone or Mac and control your Keynote/PowerPoint.
- For best performance, use the 5 GHz Wi-Fi and wired HDMI if you are presenting this professionally.
Gaming Using AirPlay
- This is fine for light games that have very simple graphics.
- For more intense games, go for HDMI to lower latency.
Using AirPlay with HomeKit
- Some TVs work with HomeKit. This allows you to put the TV in the Home app.
- Play control with Siri (Pause/Play).
- Set TV to automatically turn On/Off with HomeKit Scenes.
Stream Music to your TV or Soundbars
Using AirPlay 2, you can stream audio to multiple rooms at the same time to:
- Soundbars
- HomePods
- Smart speakers
- TVs with compatible speakers
Some AirPlay Settings You Should Know
AirPlay Access Control
You can select:
- Everyone
- Anyone on the same network
- Only People in your home sharing group
- Passcode Required
Subtitle and Caption Settings
You can AirPlay subtitles some apps, and audio to the TV.
Device Orientation
You can lock rotation orientation on your iPhone before mirroring.
Times when AirPlay Isn’t the Best Choice
By the heavens, AirPlay is great, but sometimes it’s not the best option.
When Wi-Fi is Weak
Wi-Fi congestion is likely to cause lag. In these cases, it’s best to go with HDMI.
When the TV is Incompatible
Consider using a device like a Roku, Chromecast, Fire TV, or Apple TV.
For Professional or Gaming Uses
Consider other options as HDMI is more stable and faster than wireless AirPlay.
Common Questions
Do I need an Apple TV to use AirPlay?
Most NFTs, Samsung, Sony, LG, Vizio, and Roku televisions support AirPlay 2 without the need for an Apple TV box.
Why is my TV not showing up to AirPlay?
Ensure the TV has AirPlay enabled, check Wi-Fi, restart the devices, and check for compatibility.
Can I use AirPlay without Wi-Fi?
With Peer-to-Peer AirPlay, the answer is yes! Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Direct are required.
Does AirPlay use the internet?
AirPlay does use local Wi-Fi, but not internet data, and only if streaming online content.
Can I mirror Netflix using AirPlay?
Please use the TV app for Netflix, as AirPlay does have screen mirroring restrictions.
Why is there a delay when I’m mirroring?
AirPlay does cause a delay, so for smoother playback, try using HDMI or 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
Can you use Android with AirPlay?
Nope – AirPlay isn’t acknowledged for Android users, making the service essentially useless unless you own an Apple device.
Final Thoughts
Because Apple devices can stream content to TVs using AirPlay, it’s a great service for Apple users. AirPlay supports virtually all smart TVs and, with all the new features Apple is adding, AirPlay is destined to be an even more useful service for Apple users. With a little research into AirPlay’s settings, devices, and compatible TVs, including a few common troubleshooting attempts, and users can be on their way to trouble-free and seamless pixels while streaming.
This guide is specifically for AirPlay, so if you ever want to mirror an iPhone’s screen to a TV, stream movies from an iPad app to a TV, stream a presentation to a TV, or use a Mac to play a video, you should be able to use all the hints and info contained here to best help you use AirPlay.