How to AirPlay from Mac to TV? Step by Step Guide

If you're looking to wirelessly stream content or mirror your Mac screen to a TV, AirPlay is the easiest and most seamless way to do it. Whether you’re watching a movie, delivering a presentation, or simply want a bigger screen, this guide will walk you through exactly how to AirPlay from Mac to TV.

What You’ll Need​

Before getting started, make sure you have the following:

• A Mac (2018 or newer) running macOS Monterey or later
• An AirPlay 2-compatible TV (Apple TV or smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL, etc.)
• Both your Mac and TV connected to the same Wi-Fi network

Tip: If you're unsure whether your TV supports AirPlay 2, check the manufacturer's website or your TV settings.

How to AirPlay from Mac to TV​

Method 1: Mirror Your Entire Mac Screen​

1. On your Mac, click the Control Center icon in the top-right menu bar.
2. Select Screen Mirroring.
3. Choose your TV or Apple TV from the list of available devices.
4. If prompted, enter the AirPlay code displayed on your TV screen.

Your Mac screen should now appear on your TV.

Method 2: Stream Specific Videos from Mac​

To stream a video from Safari or QuickTime Player:

1. Open the video in Safari or QuickTime.
2. Click the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with a triangle).
3. Choose your TV or Apple TV.
4. The video will begin playing on your TV, while your Mac remains free for other use.

This method is ideal for streaming platforms like YouTube or Netflix.

How to Stop AirPlay on Mac​

To disconnect AirPlay:

• Go to Control Center > Screen Mirroring, then click your TV to stop mirroring.
• Alternatively, click the AirPlay icon in the top menu bar and choose "Turn AirPlay Off".

Troubleshooting: AirPlay Not Working?​

Try the following solutions if AirPlay isn't working as expected:

1. Confirm that Wi-Fi is enabled and that both devices are on the same network.
2. Restart your Mac and TV.
3. Make sure AirPlay is enabled on the TV. For example, on Samsung TVs: Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings > Turn On.
4. On your Mac, go to System Settings > Displays and enable "Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available".
5. Disable VPNs or firewall settings that might block local connections.

Can You AirPlay Without an Apple TV?​

Yes. If your smart TV supports AirPlay 2, you do not need an Apple TV device.

Brands that support AirPlay 2 include:

• Samsung (2018 and later)
• LG
• Sony
• Vizio
• TCL (select Roku TVs with AirPlay support)

If your TV is not compatible, you can use an HDMI cable or third-party apps like JustStream or AirParrot as alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Do all Macs support AirPlay?​

Most Macs made in 2018 or later support AirPlay. To check, go to System Settings > Displays and look for the option to add or mirror displays.

Can I use AirPlay for multiple TVs?​

You can only mirror your screen to one display at a time via AirPlay. However, apps like Apple Music may allow audio streaming to multiple devices.

Is there input lag with AirPlay?​

AirPlay generally offers low latency, especially for video playback. For gaming or high-speed apps, a wired HDMI connection is still the best choice for zero lag.

Final Thoughts​

Now you know how to AirPlay from Mac to TV, enabling a smooth and wireless experience to watch content on a larger screen. Whether you're streaming a movie, mirroring a presentation, or just browsing, this setup is simple, fast, and doesn't require extra cables or adapters.

If AirPlay isn’t working, the troubleshooting steps above should help get you back on track.