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Connect your iPhone or iPad and an AirPlay-compatible screen to the same Wi-Fi network. Use the AirPlay control inside a supported video app, or select Screen Mirroring in Control Center to share the device screen.

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EntertainmentBox editorial cover: How to use AirPlay to stream or mirror to your TV
Original editorial cover illustration. EntertainmentBox

What AirPlay can do on a TV

AirPlay can send videos, photos, music and more from Apple devices to an Apple TV 4K and to AirPlay-enabled smart TVs.

It can also show the screen of a Mac, iPhone or iPad on Apple TV 4K. Apple also says compatible smart TVs can share or mirror almost anything from iOS, iPadOS or Mac devices.

Start AirPlay from an iPhone or iPad

For direct video streaming, Apple says your device should be on the same Wi‑Fi network as your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV.

In some apps, the AirPlay button appears in the video player. In others, you may need to tap a different button first. In Photos, tap Share, then AirPlay.

  1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to the same Wi‑Fi network as your Apple TV 4K or AirPlay-compatible smart TV.
  2. Find the video you want to stream and start playback.
  3. Tap the AirPlay button.
  4. If needed, tap a different button first. In Photos, tap Share, then tap the AirPlay button.
  5. Choose your TV from the list of available devices.
  6. If an AirPlay passcode appears on the TV, enter it on your iPhone or iPad.

Use AirPlay with a Mac

Apple says you can use AirPlay to view the screen of your Mac on Apple TV 4K.

To stream content to Apple TV 4K, both the Apple TV 4K and the shared device may need to be connected to the same network.

If AirPlay is missing or not working

Some video apps may not support AirPlay. Apple also says some apps and video services require a subscription to play their content.

If a video app will not work with AirPlay, Apple suggests checking whether that app is available in the App Store on Apple TV instead.

  1. Confirm that your device and the TV are on the same Wi‑Fi network when required.
  2. If you cannot see an AirPlay option, try the app's other playback or share controls first.
  3. If a video app still will not work with AirPlay, check the App Store on your Apple TV to see whether that app is available there.
  4. If the app opens but the content will not play, the service may require its own subscription.

Mirror the screen instead

Screen Mirroring shares the device screen. This is a separate control from the AirPlay button inside a video app.

  1. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network, open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring.
  2. Select the TV or Mac and enter any displayed passcode on your phone or tablet. To finish, open Screen Mirroring and choose Stop Mirroring.

Sources & verification

We use official sources and automated checks to prepare this guide. Availability and prices can change.

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