How to AirPlay from a Mac to a TV

AirPlay is Apple’s very own wireless video and audio streaming tech that lets you play movies or music from your iPhone or iPad through compatible TVs and speakers. Got a funny clip on your phone that you want to share with the whole family? Just use AirPlay to broadcast your device’s screen onto the telly in seconds.

But did you know that you can also AirPlay from a Mac? That’s right, and it’s super easy to set up — allowing you to flick through those holiday photos or play that latest blockbuster film on a bigger screen. In this article, we’ll not only show you how to AirPlay on Mac using screen mirroring, but also how to use your TV as an extended display for your Mac.

What you’ll need to AirPlay from a Mac to a TV

Aside from your iMac or Macbook, you’ll have to make sure that you’ve got a compatible smart TV that supports AirPlay 2. Fortunately, there are a few top telly brands (like Samsung, Sony, and LG) that build AirPlay into their TVs — so you can get them easily paired up with your Apple devices.

TVs with Roku can also support AirPlay, or you can turn any telly into an AirPlay TV if you hook it up to an Apple TV box or a compatible Roku streaming device.

If you’re not sure whether your television has AirPlay, check the manual or go to your TV’s settings to see if there’s an AirPlay option listed. You could just look at Apple’s list of AirPlay-enabled devices and spot if your model of TV is there, too.

Also, you’ll need to make sure that your AirPlay-ready TV, Apple TV unit, or Roku device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. Once you’ve ticked all those boxes — you’ll be good to go!

Setting up AirPlay on your Mac and TV

Getting AirPlay up and running on your Mac and TV is pretty straightforward, but there are a few different ways you can do it. Whether you want to screen share your Macbook to your TV, use your TV as an extended Mac display, or stream a video from an app onto your telly — we’ll show you how below.

Mirroring your Mac screen to your TV

If you want to cast exactly what’s on your Mac’s screen to your TV, then you’ll want to use AirPlay mirroring. Here’s how to enable it:

1. Make sure that your smart TV, Apple TV box, or Roku streaming device is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.
2. Click on the Control Centre in your Mac’s menu bar. It should be on the top-right of your screen next to the time and date (the icon looks like two toggle switches stacked on top of each other).
3. Select the ‘Screen Mirroring’ icon on the right side of the Control Centre window.
4. Choose your smart TV, Apple TV device, or Roku player from the list that appears.
5. Enter the four-digit code on your Mac if prompted (this code will appear on the TV you’re connecting to).
6. Your Mac’s screen will now be replicated on your TV.
7. If your Mac’s screen resolution changed to accommodate the resolution of your TV, you can adjust it in the System Settings app > Displays.
8. To disconnect, just open the Control Centre again > select ‘Screen Mirroring’ > click on your TV or Apple TV or Roku unit.

If you’re using an older version of macOS like Catalina or Mojave — the process is even simpler. Just click on the AirPlay icon in your menu bar instead and choose your device from the menu. If you can’t see the AirPlay icon, open System Preferences > click on ‘Displays’ > tick the box next to ‘Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available’.

Extending your Mac desktop to your TV

Do you want to use your TV like an extended monitor for your Mac? It can be a great way of boosting your productivity or getting that important conference call on a bigger screen. AirPlay lets you do this too, and here’s how to set it up:

1. Follow steps one to five in the section above to get your Mac connected to your smart TV, Apple TV box, or Roku device.
2. Click on the Control Centre in the menu bar on the top-right of your screen and select ‘Screen Mirroring’.
3. The TV or device you’re currently connected to will show a dropdown with two options: ‘Mirror Built-in Display’ (the default option) and ‘Use As Separate Display’.
4. Select ‘Use As Separate Display’ and your TV will stop screen mirroring your Mac and extend your desktop instead.
5. To choose whether your TV display extends above, below, or to the sides of your Mac’s screen — open your System Settings app > select ‘Displays’ in the sidebar.
6. Click on the ‘Arrange…’ button and you’ll now be able to drag your Mac and TV displays into the desired position. Click on ‘Done’ once you’re happy.
7. To stop extending your screen, just disconnect from your TV by clicking on its name in the Control Centre.

How to use AirPlay from an app

You don’t always have to head to the Control Centre on your Mac to mirror its display. You can quickly activate AirPlay from certain apps and websites too — like Apple TV+, Quicktime Player, or YouTube (when using Apple’s Safari web browser).

Just look out for the AirPlay icon on the video you’re watching (it should be near the play controls), click on it, and then select your smart TV, Apple TV box, or Roku device to stream what you’re watching through it. What’s great about this method is that it lets you carry on browsing or do other tasks on your Mac while the video plays in the background on your TV. Nice!

Troubleshooting common AirPlay issues

Even if you’re connecting to a TV with AirPlay or an Apple TV or Roku streaming box — you might still have some issues pairing them up with your Mac. If that’s the case, here are some top tips for getting them synced up:

• Check that your devices are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Try restarting both your Mac and the TV/device you’re trying to connect to.
• Make sure that both your Mac and TV/device are running the latest software. Outdated software can sometimes cause connectivity issues.
• If you’re using AirPlay on an Apple TV or Roku box, check that you’ve selected the right HDMI input for them using your TV’s remote.

FAQs

How can I improve my AirPlay performance?

AirPlay relies on Wi-Fi to connect your MacBook to your TV or other Apple devices together. If your signal is weak, then try putting your router somewhere closer to your Apple device and TV. Or use a Wi-Fi extender to boost your signal.

Is AirPlay the same as Bluetooth?

No, it’s not. But it can be easy to confuse them, as both technologies are used to wirelessly connect gadgets together and transmit data between them. AirPlay is different as it uses your Wi-Fi network to pair up your tech. This means that AirPlay can maintain the original quality of the file your playing, whereas Bluetooth compresses audio and can produce a lower quality sound.

Another advantage of AirPlay is that its range can be as wide as your Wi-Fi network, while Bluetooth’s range is limited to around 30 metres.

How do I AirPlay to MacBook from iPhone?

As well as to your TV, you can also AirPlay your iPhone to your Mac if it’s running macOS Monterey or later. Just swipe down from the upper-right corner of your phone’s screen > tap the Screen Mirroring icon > choose your Mac from the list of devices to start mirroring your iPhone’s screen on your computer.

Source: CURRYS