How to AirPlay from an iPhone or MacBook to your TV
AirPlay lets you wirelessly stream content from an iPhone, iPad or MacBook to a TV as long as both devices share the same Wi-Fi network. When an app doesn't support AirPlay, screen mirroring offers an alternative.
Apple's AirPlay technology allows users to wirelessly send images, video and music from an iPhone, iPad or MacBook to a compatible television. This is useful for streaming subscription content on a hotel TV or playing music through a TV's speakers.
Connecting an iPhone or iPad
Both the TV and the phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and AirPlay needs to be enabled in the TV's settings, usually found under a network or connections menu. From there, opening an app like Prime Video or Disney+ and tapping the AirPlay icon lets users select their TV from a list. YouTube uses a separate casting icon, while Photos requires tapping the share button first. Music can be sent via the AirPlay icon inside the Control Center's playback panel. Users who frequently connect to the same TV can set the connection to happen automatically by choosing "Ask" or "Automatic" under AirPlay & Continuity settings.
Screen mirroring and MacBook connections
For content that doesn't support AirPlay directly, such as documents or web browser tabs, screen mirroring can be used instead through the Control Center. MacBook users can similarly stream to a TV after enabling the AirPlay Receiver in system settings, or use screen mirroring to display the full screen, a single window, or extend the display to use the TV as a second screen.
Common issues
Connections can occasionally fail or drop; restarting devices or toggling Wi-Fi off and on often resolves this. Some apps, including banking apps, block screen mirroring for security reasons, resulting in a black screen — an HDMI cable is a workaround in that case. Netflix does not support AirPlay, and the service recently discontinued casting support for newer TV models.
