With AirPlay you put your MacBook screen on the TV wirelessly, without a cable. Handy for showing photos, giving a presentation or watching a film on the big screen. It works with an Apple TV and with many smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony and others that support AirPlay. This article explains how to set it up, the difference between mirroring and extending, and what to do when your TV does not appear.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam. If wireless does not work out, a cable is often the most reliable solution; more about that below as well.
What do you need?
- An Apple TV or a smart TV with AirPlay. For TVs it is in the specifications or the TV's settings menu.
- Your MacBook and the TV on the same Wi-Fi network.
- AirPlay turned on on the TV (on some brands it is off by default).
Step by step
- Click the Control Centre icon (two sliders) top right in the menu bar.
- Click Screen Mirroring (the icon with two rectangles).
- Choose your TV or Apple TV in the list.
- If a code appears on the TV, type it on your Mac.
To stop, go to the same place: click Screen Mirroring and choose your TV again, or choose Stop Mirroring.
Mirror or extend
- Mirror: the TV shows exactly the same as your MacBook. Handy for presentations or when everyone needs to watch.
- Extend (separate display): the TV becomes a second screen. You can, for example, run a film on the TV and keep working on your MacBook.
You choose this in the Screen Mirroring menu, or later in System Settings, Displays.
Only a video or music
If you only want a video or music on the TV, you do not need to share your whole screen. In apps like Music, Apple TV and Safari there is an AirPlay button during playback (a rectangle or triangle with waves). Choose your TV there. Your MacBook stays free for other things. Some streaming services may not allow sharing.
Your TV does not appear in the list
- Same network: check that Mac and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network, not a guest network.
- AirPlay on the TV: turn it on in the TV's settings and switch the TV on (not standby).
- Firewall: check in System Settings, Network, Firewall, Options that "Block all incoming connections" is off.
- Updates: install the latest software on your Mac and on the TV.
- Restart: briefly switch the TV, the router and the Mac off and on again.
The picture stutters or lags
Wireless picture is sensitive to a busy Wi-Fi network. Sit closer to the router, close other apps that use a lot of internet, or lower the TV screen's resolution in System Settings, Displays. For games or fast images a cable is better.
Prefer a cable
With an HDMI cable (direct, or via a USB-C adapter) there is no lag. Read dock, hub or adapter for your MacBook for what you need. If your MacBook gives no picture over the cable either, or the port makes poor contact, the port may be damaged.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We test whether your MacBook's ports still make good contact and pass the picture, and replace a damaged port if needed. You hear beforehand what needs doing. More on our pages about MacBook port repair and MacBook repair in Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use AirPlay without Wi-Fi?
With an Apple TV it sometimes works over a direct (peer-to-peer) connection. With most smart TVs you need the same Wi-Fi network.
Does the sound come through the TV too?
Yes, with screen mirroring the sound goes to the TV by default. You can change that in System Settings, Sound.
Does AirPlay work with a Chromecast?
No, Chromecast uses a different system. Through the Chrome browser you can cast a tab, though.
