I don’t have to tell you how many great features Apple devices have. Apple AirPlay is one such feature that allows you to wirelessly play audio or video content from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your Apple tv or Mac computer.
You just need an AirPlay-compatible device to precisely mirror the content from the small to the big screen. Usually, the process of connecting the devices is pretty easy, and it works without any interruption. But you might face minor issues sometimes that interrupt the seamless flow of the audio or video.
So, how to solve your ‘AirPlay not working‘ issues? Shrug off your concerns about all the lagging and freezing problems as I got your back. Here I’ll discuss everything you need to know to use AirPlay and resolve all the related problems. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What Can You Use AirPlay for?
AirPlay works for any iOS device or other Apple devices. You can use it to share your videos and photos during a gathering of friends and family. Due to the dual-screen viewing feature, AirPlay is a great option for gamers.
It allows you to turn your personal device into a controller and play your preferred game on a big TV screen, providing an epic gaming experience.
Apart from that, you can use AirPlay to watch a movie or tv series on a big screen and get the pleasure of an optimal viewing experience.
And guess what? It also allows you to directly connect to a streaming platform like Netflix or Disney plus.
AirPlay is also used for streaming music from your Apple device to an AirPlay-compatible external speaker. You just have to use a Wi-Fi network to enjoy your favorite tunes in full volume.
How to Enable AirPlay in Apple Devices?
What I love about AirPlay is that it doesn’t need any additional software to run. You only need your AirPlay-compatible Apple devices and connect them using the same Wi-Fi network. You’ll find the AirPlay option in almost all your apps, including Photos, Music, and Safari.
Besides, it will appear automatically on the share menu of your devices. As for your Mac, the AirPlay button will appear in the Control Center of your computer’s menu bar.
Here’s how to use AirPlay to send any content to Your Apple TV –
- Choose a content (Photo, music, video) from your Apple device that you want to share using AirPlay
- Then simply tap on the AirPlay icon; if you fail to find the icon, use the Share button of your device to find it easily
- Pick an Apple device like Apple TV or Mac to stream your chosen content
How to Mirror Your iOS Devices Using AirPlay?
The AirPlay feature allows for screen mirroring from your iPhone or iPad to other devices like Mac, Smart TV, or Apple TV. Here’s how to mirror any content from your iOS devices to other compatible device screens –
- Swipe down from the middle of your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad screen to open the control center
- Tap on the option ‘AirPlay Mirroring’ and select an AirPlay device like Apple TV
- Now, a passcode might appear on your Apple TV screen; enter it on the iOS device to successfully connect both the devices
How to Mirror Your Mac Using AirPlay?
The process of screen mirroring is slightly different for your Mac computer, as you might expect. Follow the steps given below to enable screen mirroring from your Mac to Apple TV –
- Go to the ‘Menu’ bar on your Mac computer and click on the AirPlay icon
- Now, a drop-down menu will pop up with available devices for connection; choose your preferred Apple TV or another AirPlay device from the menu
- A passcode might appear on the screen of your Apple TV; type the code on your Mac to build the connection
How to Fix Your AirPlay Problems?
AirPlay might not work for your device for a bunch of reasons. The problem can be in the internet connection, device iOS version, third-party apps, device software, etc.
I have covered all the possibilities and included effective solutions for each problem to fix AirPlay on your devices. Let’s check all the troubleshooting steps out.
Check for AirPlay Compatibility
Of course, if you want to use the AirPlay feature, you have to use a device compatible with AirPlay, be it your source device or destination Mac. AirPlay to Mac will work well for iPhone 7 and above devices. If your iPhone has a running iOS 14, you’ll be able to use AirPlay.
As for the destination Mac, the device should be from 2018 or later. This will be enough for streaming via AirPlay from iPhone or iPad. So, check out the compatibility of your device first before you use AirPlay.
Enable AirPlay to Mac
Usually, AirPlay becomes available automatically if you connect the devices correctly. However, the AirPlay to Mac feature might not be enabled on your Mac.
In that case, you need to enable it first to use AirPlay. Here’s how you can do it –
- Click on the Apple menu first; then select the ‘System Preferences’ option
- Choose the ‘Sharing’ option; check out whether the ‘AirPlay Receiver’ is turned on or off
- If it’s turned off, click on it and check the box beside the ‘AirPlay Receiver’ option
- Now it’s time to set AirPlay visibility; you’ll see three visibility settings there, including –
1. Current User
This will allow AirPlay from your Apple devices only. No one else will be able to connect to your Mac if you choose this setting.
2. Anyone Using the Same Network
It’s a great option to AirPlay from the iOS devices of your family and friends. If you choose this, anyone using the same Wi-Fi network as yours will be able to connect with your Mac.
3. Everyone
With this option selected, any nearby person will see your Mac computer as a target device for AirPlay.
Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Network
As you already know, the target device (Mac) and source (iPhone or iPad) should share the same Wifi network to enable AirPlay. Make sure you have turned on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices to enjoy uninterrupted service.
If you have already connected the networks and still facing problems, try turning on and off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to solve the issues.
Keep Both Target Device and AirPlay Device Nearby
It’s not fixed how far the target and source devices should be placed and what’s the maximum distance for AirPlay connectivity, and it’s not necessary to keep them face to face or a few inches apart. But, as a thumb rule, you need to keep both devices in the same room to fix lagging or freezing issues.
Restart the Related Devices and Wi-Fi Router
Sometimes the solution is simple. If AirPlay stops working all of a sudden, try restarting your Mac or iPhone using the volume button. In case it doesn’t solve the problem, restart your Wi-Fi router. Also, make sure you have an up-to-date router’s firmware.
Turn Off Firewall
To turn off the ‘Firewall’ on your Mac, choose ‘System Preferences’ from the menu. Then click on ‘Security & Privacy’ and select ‘Firewall.’ If it’s enabled, uncheck the box next to the ‘Block incoming connections’ option.
Next, enable the option ‘Allow automatically built-in software to accept incoming connections’ from the same tab. Once it’s done, you’ll be able to use AirPlay without any problem at all.
Update Your Source and Target Device
If you’re not using the latest version of iOS or macOS Monterey, your AirPlay might not work properly due to bugs. So, you need to update both your Mac and iPhone to enjoy a superior experience with AirPlay. And here’s how you do it –
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to the ‘Settings app’ and choose ‘General.’ Then tap on ‘Software Updates’ and check if the latest iOS version is available.
- As for your macOS update, go to the Apple menu and choose ‘System Preferences.’ Look for the ‘Software Update’ option and click on it to get instructions for getting the latest software version.
Uninstall Third-Party Apps
Some third-party apps like Duet and AirParro work similarly to AirPlay. This type of app might interfere while AirPlay is sending photos or videos to the target device. Uninstall all such apps to fix AirPlay issues and ensure smooth performance.
Wrapping Up!
So, there you have it all. If you ever face AirPlay not working, freezing, or stopping issues, follow all the tips and tricks I have shared to ensure a smooth AirPlay connection.
Try all the techniques I have mentioned and enjoy every bit of life on the big screen.
