How To Use Apple AirPlay: A Step-by-Step Guide

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6 min. read

Published on October 15, 2025

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AirPlay is Apple’s proprietary wireless streaming technology, allowing you to effortlessly share videos, photos, music, and more from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-enabled smart TV. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to start using AirPlay and unlock a world of seamless media sharing within your Apple ecosystem.

Whether you want to mirror your device’s screen for presentations, stream a movie from your phone to your TV, or simply listen to your favorite playlist on your home speakers, AirPlay makes it easy to connect and enjoy your content on a bigger and better display. Let’s dive into the details of how to use Apple AirPlay.

What Are the Steps to Use Apple AirPlay?

Connecting to AirPlay from Your iPhone or iPad

Ensure your devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Both your iPhone/iPad and your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible device need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Open Control Center. On iPhones with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen. On iPhones with a Home button or iPads, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
Tap the Screen Mirroring button. Look for the icon that resembles two overlapping rectangles.
Select your AirPlay device. A list of available AirPlay devices will appear. Tap the device you want to connect to (e.g., your Apple TV or smart TV).
Enter the AirPlay passcode (if prompted). If an AirPlay passcode appears on your TV screen, enter it on your iPhone or iPad.
Start streaming! Your iPhone or iPad’s screen will now be mirrored on your TV. To stop mirroring, repeat steps 2-4 and tap “Stop Mirroring.”

Connecting to AirPlay from Your Mac

Ensure your devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Both your Mac and your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible device need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Look for the AirPlay icon in the menu bar. It resembles a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom. If you don’t see it, go to System Preferences > Displays and check “Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available.”
Click the AirPlay icon. A list of available AirPlay devices will appear.
Select your AirPlay device. Click the device you want to connect to (e.g., your Apple TV or smart TV).
Choose your mirroring option. You can choose to mirror your Mac’s built-in display or use the TV as a separate extended display.
Enter the AirPlay passcode (if prompted). If an AirPlay passcode appears on your TV screen, enter it on your Mac.
Start streaming! Your Mac’s screen will now be mirrored on your TV. To stop mirroring, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar and select “Turn AirPlay Off.”

Streaming Audio with AirPlay

Open the app you want to stream from. This could be Apple Music, Spotify, or any other audio app.
Start playing your audio.
Look for the AirPlay icon within the app or in Control Center. The icon looks like a triangle pointing into a circle.
Select your AirPlay device. A list of available AirPlay devices will appear. Tap the device you want to stream to (e.g., your HomePod or AirPlay 2-compatible speakers).
Enjoy your music! The audio will now play through your selected AirPlay device.

Troubleshooting Common AirPlay Issues

Check your Wi-Fi connection: Ensure all devices are connected to the same stable Wi-Fi network.
Restart your devices: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues.
Update your software: Make sure your Apple devices and smart TV have the latest software updates.
Check AirPlay settings on your Apple TV: Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit to ensure AirPlay is enabled and properly configured.
Distance matters: Try bringing the devices closer together to rule out range issues.

Tips for Optimizing Your AirPlay Experience

Use a strong Wi-Fi signal: A weak Wi-Fi signal can lead to buffering and interruptions.
Close unnecessary apps: Closing background apps can free up resources and improve AirPlay performance.
Adjust video quality: If you’re experiencing buffering, try lowering the video quality in the app you’re streaming from.
Consider using a wired connection: For critical applications like presentations, a wired HDMI connection may provide a more stable and reliable connection.

AirPlay vs. Bluetooth: A Quick Comparison

Feature	AirPlay	Bluetooth
Connection Type	Wi-Fi	Bluetooth
Range	Longer (Wi-Fi range)	Shorter (approx. 30 feet)
Audio Quality	Higher (supports lossless audio)	Lower (compressed audio)
Video Streaming	Yes	No (primarily for audio)
Multi-room Audio	Yes (with AirPlay 2)	No
Battery Drain	Can drain battery faster due to Wi-Fi usage	Generally less battery drain

Enjoy Seamless Streaming with AirPlay

AirPlay offers a convenient and versatile way to share your favorite content across your Apple devices and compatible TVs and speakers. By following these simple steps and troubleshooting tips, you can unlock the full potential of AirPlay and enjoy a seamless streaming experience.

FAQ

Why is AirPlay not working on my TV? Make sure both your Apple device and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network, AirPlay is enabled on your TV settings, and both devices have the latest software updates.

Can I use AirPlay on a non-Apple TV? Yes, you can use AirPlay on non-Apple TVs that are AirPlay 2-compatible. Look for the AirPlay logo on the TV packaging or specifications.

How do I stop AirPlay mirroring? On your iPhone or iPad, open Control Center, tap the Screen Mirroring button, and select “Stop Mirroring.” On your Mac, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar and select “Turn AirPlay Off.”

Does AirPlay use data? Yes, AirPlay uses data if you are streaming content from an online source. If you are streaming content from a local source (e.g., a video stored on your device), it will not use data.

What devices are compatible with AirPlay? AirPlay is compatible with iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, and AirPlay 2-compatible smart TVs and speakers from various manufacturers.