what to know
- Select the Airplay in a compatible app on an iPhone, and then tap the name of your TV or other device.
- On a Mac, click the mirror screen icon on the toolbar.
- Many modern HDTVs have AirPlay built in; alternatively, you can use an Apple TV or other compatible device.
This article explains how to use AirPlay with a TV. You can use a TV with the built-in feature, or you can use an Apple TV or other connected hardware as a hub.
How to stream videos from an iPhone or iPad with AirPlay
On an iPhone or iPad, you can AirPlay a video from a compatible app using the Airplay icon. Depending on the application you are using, this icon may be clearly visible or you will have to go to another menu.
For example, on YouTube, you’ll select the Stream icon (a rectangle with three concentric arcs coming out of it, and then go to AirPlay and Bluetooth devices and select your TV or streaming box.
You can also AirPlay a video from the Photos app by tapping the button share iconselect AirPlay and then select your device.
Alternatively, you can use another aspect of AirPlay: screen mirroring from your iPhone or iPad. You can use this option to stream a video if an app doesn’t already have AirPlay options built in.
Some apps, like Netflix, may block mirroring for copyright reasons. If you only see a black screen when you try to mirror an app, that’s why.
To turn on mirroring in iOS 11 or later, open Control Center, and then select the Duplication icon (two rectangles). Select your device and your iPhone or iPad screen will appear on your TV. From there, select a video on your phone or tablet and play it.
How to Stream Videos from a Mac to a TV Using AirPlay
The instructions for a Mac are the same as for an iPhone or iPad: look for the AirPlay icon in an app (or in the Share menu), then select your TV or streaming box/dongle.
Alternatively, mirror your Mac screen to the TV by selecting it or the connected hardware from the Duplication menu on the toolbar. From there, select your TV or streaming device to mirror your screen.
You can also find screen mirroring options in the macOS Control Center.
How to connect AirPlay to your TV
Whether your TV has AirPlay built in or you’re using a device like an Apple TV streaming box, the process for streaming video is the same. The first time you AirPlay something to your TV using the instructions above, a code will appear for you to enter on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You may need to do this for each device to dial your TV or the connected device, but you only have to do it once.
Your TV or the AirPlay-enabled device you’re using must also have an Internet connection. Everything must be the same network, either wired or Wi-Fi.
What devices work with AirPlay?
If you don’t have the proper hardware, you won’t be able to use AirPlay. These are some compatible TV manufacturers; To make sure the one you’re looking at will work, look for the AirPlay logo on the box or a mention in the product details.
- COA
- ATVIO
- Element
- Hisense
- Hitachi
- In focus
- JVC
- LG
- Magnavox
- Onn
- Philco
- Philips
- rca
- Samsung
- Sanyo
- Sharp
- Sony
- TCL
- VISIO
- westing-house
If your smart TV is not compatible, you can use a separate device. Here are some that will work:
- Apple TV 2 and later, with tvOS 9 and later
- Roku (3 and newer)
- Roku Express/Express+
- Roku Premiere/Premier+
- Roku Streambar/Streambar Pro
- Roku Streaming Stick/Streaming Stick+/Headphone Edition
- Roku Ultra/Ultra LT
Thanks for letting us know!
Get the latest tech news delivered every day
Subscribe
Tell us why!
Other
not enough details
Hard to understand
