How to Airplay from Mac? [Latest 2022]

Last updated on 2022-09-19
By Finn

Apple released the new feature macOS Monterey to the general public. This update came with new features like SharePlay, Focus mode for notifications, Live Text, etc. Among these features is Airplay.

Apple released this new feature to let people use Mac as a receiver of Airplay. It allows your Airplay photos, videos, and presentations to your Mac's screen through your iPhones, Mac, and iPad. Furthermore, you can mirror your entire iPhone screen onto Mac’s display.

What is Airplay?

Airplay is Apple’s wireless communication protocol. It allows you to share videos, photos, presentations, music, and screen from Apple devices to Apple TV, Mac, HomePod, and other third-party Smart TVs. These third parties are popular brands like Samsung, Sony, Bose, Ikea, etc. You can share through all Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and iPod touch.

The data shared through this communication remain personal and private. Thus, no more threat of fraud and hacking through this communication. You can now sit back, relax, and watch all your favorite things. The devices need to be under the same network for the transmission to succeed. Otherwise, your streaming time will be ruined by numerous errors.

How does Airplay work?

Airplay works by connecting stereo speakers to your iPad or iPhone. It comes with two components: a receiver and a source. The receiver is a compatible Airplay device that plays the streaming media and displays the track information. This information includes the track or song name and the artist’s name. On the other hand, the source runs software enabled by Airplay. It streams media like videos and audio with the help of Airplay. A single can deliver the stream to multiple receivers.

Devices that work as an Airplay receiver are the Apple AirPort and Apple TV. Apple TV is the only receiver that streams HD videos and photos from your device in addition to the audio. Similarly, devices that work as Airplay sources are iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone 3G or 4G, and the second-generation Apple TV.

How to turn on Airplay?

If you are facing an issue on How to Airplay from Mac, first, you need to activate Airplay on your device. Here is a guide to resolving your Airplay issues:

How to enable Airplay on your Mac?

How to Airplay from Mac? The following steps will answer your question.

1. Open System Preferences, which opens by clicking the Apple symbol in the menu bar on your screen. In that drop-down, select "System Preferences."

2. In System Preferences, find and select "Displays." It looks like a computer monitor.

3. From Airplay drop-down menu, select an available display, i.e., select the device you want to cast.

4. Ensure "Showing mirror options in the menu bar when available" is selected.

How to enable Airplay on your iPhone, iPad, or iPad touch?

1. Connect your iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.

2. Open Control Center on your iPhone. Swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen.

3. Select "Screen Mirroring."

4. Select your Apple TV or Mac from the list.

5. If you get a passcode appearing on your Mac or Apple TV. Enter that passcode on your iOS device.

How to Airplay from Mac to Apple or Smart TV?

Carry out the following steps to resolve How to Airplay from Mac to Smart TV or Apple Tv:

1. Select the blue Airplay status icon in the menu bar.

2. Review your mirror options from the drop-down menu under the Airplay drop box option.

3. You can also change the mirroring to your Mac's built-in display.

4. If you want to display your videos from another app through Airplay, select the Airplay icon and choose your smart TV from the given list.

What if Airplay is not working?

There can be many reasons behind Airplay not working on your device. Let us make you go through the causes and solutions to resolve such problems.

1. Device not compatible:

There is a chance that the device you are trying to connect is not compatible with your Airplay. To check if your device is compatible, you need to check if Airplay is available on your iPhone. To check that, you can follow the above steps under the heading How to enable Airplay on your iPhone or iPod.

2. Device not Updated:

Since most people leave their phone updates pending, thus, it is essential to keep your Apple devices updated. This will resolve all your known bugs or bring valuable features to your device. If you face any issues, check if both your devices are up to date or not.

3. Bluetooth not working:

If your Airplay isn't working, you can try rechecking your Bluetooth. Sometimes Bluetooth can be an issue.

4. Different Internet Connections:

Maybe the devices you are using can be on different network connections. This may be a reason why your Airplay won’t be working. Check your Apple device and Airplay are using the same Wi-Fi network.

5. Checking Internet Connection:

Airplay works on an Internet connection. Both devices require the same network. Suppose you see that one of your devices is connected to a different internet connection. You can try turning off the Wi-Fi. Try rebooting your Wi-Fi router. Furthermore, check your internet service provider to ensure your router is up to date.

Suppose you are still facing issues with your Airplay. We are here to provide you with the best solution. You can try downloading videos offline with Vidus Streaming Downloader without any limitations. You can now watch your videos without any buffering or loading. Thus, no inconsistent internet connection or weak internet signal problems.

You can also read our guide: HOW TO SOLVE AIRPLAY NOT WORKING ON RUKU TV?

Conclusion

Airplay makes your watching time more delightful by letting you stream videos on big screens. Not only videos, but you can also stream music, photos, and other stuff. This streaming might get stuck sometimes due to Airplay not working correctly or some glitch in Airplay.

To resolve such an issue, you can use Vidus Streaming Downloader. Vidus is an excellent option if you want to watch high-quality videos offline. Therefore, no more limitations to your streaming time.