AirPlay is Apple's wireless technology for streaming content from your iPhone, iPad or Mac to your TV. With AirPlay you can watch videos, share photos, play music and mirror your screen on the big screen. In this guide we explain in detail how to set up and use AirPlay for the best experience.

What is AirPlay and how does it work?

AirPlay is a protocol developed by Apple that lets you stream content wirelessly between Apple devices and compatible TVs or speakers. The latest version, AirPlay 2, offers improved performance and multi-room support, and is built into many modern smart TVs.

There are two ways to use AirPlay:

  • Streaming content: Send specific content such as videos or music to your TV while you use your iPhone for other things
  • Screen mirroring: Show exactly what is on your iPhone screen on your TV

Compatible devices and TVs

To use AirPlay you need:

Apple devices

  • iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with iOS 12.3 or later
  • Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14.5 or later

Receiving devices

  • Apple TV (4th generation or later) with tvOS 12.3 or later
  • Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K
  • Smart TVs with built-in AirPlay 2 (Samsung 2018+, LG 2019+, Sony 2019+, Philips, Vizio)

Check your TV's specifications to see whether AirPlay 2 is supported. Most smart TVs from 2019 onward have this feature built in.

Setting up AirPlay on your TV

On Apple TV

AirPlay is turned on by default on Apple TV. To check the settings:

  1. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit
  2. Make sure AirPlay is turned on
  3. Under 'Allow Access', choose who can connect
  4. Optional: set a passcode for extra security

On a Samsung Smart TV

  1. Press the Home button on your remote
  2. Go to Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings
  3. Turn on AirPlay
  4. Choose the access settings you want

On an LG Smart TV

  1. Press the Home button
  2. Go to Home Dashboard > AirPlay
  3. Or navigate to Settings > Connection > AirPlay Settings
  4. Turn on AirPlay and configure the access options

On a Sony Smart TV

  1. Press the Home button
  2. Go to Settings > Apps > AirPlay & HomeKit
  3. Turn on AirPlay
  4. Configure the settings you want

Screen mirroring from iPhone to TV

Follow these steps to mirror your entire iPhone screen:

Step 1: Connect to the same network

Make sure your iPhone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is essential for AirPlay to work.

Step 2: Open Control Center

On an iPhone with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner. On an iPhone with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge.

Step 3: Tap Screen Mirroring

Find the icon that looks like two overlapping rectangles and tap it. Your iPhone now searches for available AirPlay devices.

Step 4: Select your TV

Tap the name of your Apple TV or smart TV in the list. If your TV does not appear, check that AirPlay is turned on on the TV and that both devices are on the same network.

Step 5: Enter the code (if asked)

If your TV shows a security code, enter it on your iPhone to confirm the connection.

Step 6: Your screen is mirrored

Everything you do on your iPhone is now visible on your TV. Turn your iPhone sideways for a fuller picture when watching videos.

Stop mirroring

Open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring and select 'Stop Mirroring'.

Streaming videos and photos with AirPlay

Instead of mirroring your whole screen, you can also stream specific content. This is more efficient because you can use your iPhone for other things in the meantime.

Streaming videos

  1. Open a video in the Photos app, YouTube or another supported app
  2. Tap the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with a small triangle) or the share icon
  3. Select AirPlay and choose your TV
  4. The video now plays on your TV

Sharing photos

  1. Open the Photos app
  2. Select a photo or start a slideshow
  3. Tap the share icon and select AirPlay
  4. Choose your TV to show the photos on the big screen

Streaming music with AirPlay

AirPlay 2 also supports audio streaming to compatible speakers and TVs:

  1. Open the Music app, Spotify or another music app
  2. Start a song
  3. Tap the AirPlay icon (it looks like concentric circles)
  4. Select your TV, Apple TV or AirPlay 2 speaker
  5. You can select multiple devices for multi-room audio

Using AirPlay from a Mac

You can also use AirPlay from your Mac for screen mirroring or to extend your display:

  1. Click the Control Center icon in the menu bar
  2. Click 'Screen Mirroring'
  3. Select your TV from the list
  4. Choose between 'Mirror Built-in Display' and 'Use As Separate Display'

The 'separate display' option is handy for presentations or for extending your desktop to the TV.

AirPlay settings and privacy

Access control

On your Apple TV or smart TV you can choose who is allowed to connect through AirPlay:

  • Everyone: Any device on your network can connect
  • Anyone on the Same Network: Only devices on your Wi-Fi
  • Only People Sharing This Home: Only people you share your Home with
  • Require Password: Always ask for a code

HomeKit integration

If you add your TV to HomeKit, you can control it with Siri and set up automations. For example, say "Hey Siri, turn on the living room TV" or have the TV turn on automatically when you get home.

Troubleshooting common problems

TV does not appear in the list: Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your iPhone and TV. Check that AirPlay is turned on in the TV settings. Make sure the latest software is installed.

Connection keeps dropping: This usually points to Wi-Fi problems. Make sure you have a stable connection and avoid large distances between the devices and the router.

No sound: Check the volume on both your iPhone and the TV. Make sure the TV is not muted. Some apps only send video through AirPlay; in that case, use screen mirroring.

Delay between picture and sound: Try reconnecting. On Apple TV you can adjust Wireless Audio Sync under Settings > Video and Audio.

Certain apps do not work: Netflix, Disney+ and some other apps block AirPlay mirroring because of DRM. In that case, use the app directly on your smart TV or Apple TV.

Tips for the best AirPlay experience

  • Use a 5GHz Wi-Fi network for faster and more stable connections
  • Keep your devices up to date with the latest software
  • If possible, connect your Apple TV via Ethernet for the best performance
  • Turn on 'Do Not Disturb' on your iPhone during presentations to hide notifications
  • Use 'streaming content' instead of 'Screen Mirroring' for better video quality in streaming apps

Conclusion

AirPlay is one of the most user-friendly ways to send content from your Apple devices to your TV. Whether you want to share your vacation snapshots, give a presentation or simply enjoy videos on the big screen, AirPlay makes it effortless. With the broad support in modern smart TVs, you no longer even need an Apple TV to benefit from this technology. Follow the steps in this guide and enjoy seamless wireless streaming.

Frequently asked questions

Does AirPlay work without an Apple TV?

Yes, many modern smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips and Vizio have built-in AirPlay 2 support. Check your TV's specifications or look in the settings to see whether AirPlay is available. TVs from 2019 onward often support it out of the box.

Can I use AirPlay without Wi-Fi?

No, AirPlay requires both devices to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Without Wi-Fi, you can use a wired connection instead, with a Lightning to HDMI adapter to connect your iPhone to the TV.

Why can't I send Netflix to my TV with AirPlay?

Netflix has disabled AirPlay support for reasons of quality control and copy protection. Instead, use the Netflix app directly on your smart TV, Apple TV or another streaming stick. These often offer better quality too.

Can I keep using my iPhone normally during AirPlay?

With screen mirroring, everything you do is shown on the TV. When you stream specific content (video, music), you can use your iPhone for other things while the media plays on your TV. Choose the right method for your situation.

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