To add a device to AirPlay, connect both devices to Wi-Fi, turn on AirPlay on the receiver, then pick it from the AirPlay menu on your Apple device.
AirPlay makes it easy to send video, music, and screen mirroring from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to a TV or speaker without cables. When you learn how to add a device to AirPlay the right way, you save yourself from a lot of guessing each time you want to stream.
This guide walks through each step in plain language. You’ll see how to get your phone, Mac, TV, or speaker ready, how to connect them, and what to do when the device you want refuses to show up.
We’ll start with the exact taps and clicks, then move into preparation, new device setup, and common fixes so you can keep AirPlay running smoothly in your living room, office, or classroom.
How To Add A Device To AirPlay Step By Step
At its core, adding a device to AirPlay means pairing a sender (your Apple device) with a receiver (a TV, speaker, or Mac) over the same network. The table below shows the most common AirPlay pairs and what you can do with each one.
| AirPlay Sender | AirPlay Receiver | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone or iPad | Apple TV | Stream video, mirror the screen, play music and photos |
| iPhone or iPad | AirPlay-compatible smart TV | Stream video or mirror the screen without extra hardware |
| Mac | Apple TV or smart TV | Mirror the desktop or use the TV as an extra display in some apps |
| Mac | AirPlay-compatible speaker | Play music, podcasts, and other audio |
| iPhone or iPad | AirPlay speaker or HomePod | Send high-quality audio around the room |
| iPhone or iPad | Mac (AirPlay to Mac) | Mirror the mobile screen to your Mac for video or demos |
| Apple TV | AirPlay-compatible speakers | Route TV and movie sound through external speakers |
Step 1: Check That Both Devices Are Compatible
First, make sure your sender and receiver actually work with AirPlay or AirPlay 2. Modern iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TV boxes, HomePod models, and many smart TVs have AirPlay built in. Older TVs usually need an Apple TV box plugged in over HDMI.
On your Apple device, you can check the model and software version under Settings or System Settings. If the device is several years old, update the software before you try anything else. Many AirPlay issues vanish once iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, or macOS is current.
Step 2: Connect Sender And Receiver To Wi-Fi
In most homes, AirPlay depends on Wi-Fi. The sender and receiver should sit on the same network name (SSID). If the TV sits on “MyWifi_5G” while your phone sits on “MyWifi_2G” or a guest network, they may not see each other.
- On iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Wi-Fi and join the correct network.
- On a Mac, use the Wi-Fi menu in the menu bar and match the same network.
- On Apple TV or a smart TV, open its network settings and join that same network name.
Some setups let AirPlay work without Wi-Fi by using peer-to-peer connections. For most people though, matching Wi-Fi names is the simplest way to get a stable link.
Step 3: Turn On AirPlay On The Receiver
Next, make sure AirPlay is enabled on the device that will receive the stream.
- Apple TV: Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit and set AirPlay to On. Choose whether a passcode appears on the TV screen each time.
- Smart TV: Open the TV settings, look for a menu named AirPlay, Apple, or “Screen Mirroring” and enable it. Many brands tuck this under Connection or General menus.
- Mac as receiver: On macOS, open System Settings > General > AirDrop & Handoff, then allow AirPlay to this Mac from your Apple devices.
If you use a third-party speaker, open its companion app and look for an AirPlay or Wi-Fi audio toggle so the speaker appears on your network.
Step 4: Open The AirPlay Menu On Your Apple Device
Once Wi-Fi and receiver settings are in place, you’re ready to add and select the device from the AirPlay menu on your sender.
- On iPhone or iPad for video: Tap the AirPlay or casting icon inside the video app, or open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring.
- On iPhone or iPad for music: In the Music app or Control Center, tap the AirPlay audio icon next to the track name.
- On a Mac: Click the Control Center icon in the menu bar, then choose Screen Mirroring or the AirPlay audio icon, depending on what you want to send.
A list of nearby AirPlay devices appears. If you’ve finished the steps above, your TV, speaker, or Mac should now show up in that list.
Step 5: Pick The Device And Start Streaming
Pick the receiver name you recognise. Many TVs and speakers use their model name, but you can usually rename them in the TV or speaker settings if that label is confusing.
When you select a new receiver for the first time, you may see a code on the TV or Mac screen. Enter that code on your phone or tablet. This links the sender and receiver so nobody else in the area can hijack your screen.
From this point on, your content should appear on the bigger display or play through the chosen speaker. Volume controls on your phone or Mac usually control the receiver’s volume too.
Preparing Your Devices For AirPlay
A smooth AirPlay setup depends on a little preparation. Before you rely on it for a movie night or a work demo, give your Apple devices and receivers a quick checkup.
Update iPhone, iPad, Mac, And Apple TV
AirPlay improves over time. New versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS bring better stability, security, and extra features. Update each device so they speak the same language.
- On iPhone or iPad: Settings > General > Software Update.
- On Mac: System Settings > General > Software Update.
- On Apple TV: Settings > System > Software Updates.
If you want a short, official walkthrough, the Apple AirPlay streaming guide shows current menus and icons for recent versions of iOS and iPadOS based on Apple’s latest documentation.
Check Basic AirPlay Settings
Small setting switches can block AirPlay without any obvious error message. Take a minute to review these screens:
- On iPhone or iPad, open Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff and set how often the device prompts you to connect to nearby TVs.
- On Mac, in the same AirDrop & Handoff section, decide who can send content to your Mac over AirPlay.
- On Apple TV or a smart TV, adjust who is allowed to start AirPlay (only devices on the same network, anyone nearby, or only devices already linked to your Apple ID).
Making these choices now keeps guests from randomly sending content to your TV, yet keeps things simple for your own devices.
Position Your Devices For Better Wi-Fi
AirPlay sends compressed video and audio across your network. If your router sits on one side of the house while the TV sits on the other, you may see lag, blurry video, or drops.
- Place the router away from thick walls or metal cabinets.
- Move Apple TV or the TV’s Wi-Fi antenna away from large speakers or game consoles that can block signal.
- Use wired Ethernet for Apple TV when possible so Wi-Fi only handles the phone side of the connection.
The goal is simple: solid Wi-Fi between the router and any device that takes part in AirPlay.
Adding A New Device To AirPlay On Your Network
When you bring home a new TV, speaker, or Mac, you want it to appear reliably in the AirPlay menu. That means a small bit of one-time setup on the receiver side.
Set Up A New Smart TV Or Apple TV
Most modern TVs that work with AirPlay walk you through Wi-Fi and AirPlay during first-time setup. If you skipped those prompts, you can still turn them on later in the TV’s settings.
- Join the same Wi-Fi your Apple devices use.
- Turn on AirPlay in the TV menu and choose who can stream to it.
- Rename the TV to something clear like “Living Room TV” or “Office Display”.
Renaming sounds minor, yet it saves confusion when you see a mix of TVs and speakers in the AirPlay list.
Add A New Speaker Or Soundbar
AirPlay speakers and soundbars usually need a short setup through the maker’s app. Once the device sits on your Wi-Fi network, it shows up as an AirPlay target in Music, Podcasts, and other audio apps.
- Use the speaker’s app or the Home app on iOS to join Wi-Fi.
- Place the speaker in a room in the Home app so it’s easier to spot by name.
- Test with a short song to confirm smooth playback.
The AirPlay section of the iPhone user guide walks through the standard icons and menus Apple uses across audio and video apps.
Pair A Mac As An AirPlay Receiver
Some newer Macs can receive AirPlay video and audio just like a TV. This is handy when you want to demo an app on a bigger laptop screen or record a presentation.
- Open System Settings > General > AirDrop & Handoff.
- Allow AirPlay to this Mac from your Apple devices or everyone on the same network.
- When you use Screen Mirroring from an iPhone or iPad, choose your Mac from the list.
Your Mac then shows the mobile screen and plays sound through its own speakers or any audio output you choose on macOS.
Common AirPlay Connection Problems
Even when you know every step, AirPlay can misbehave. Devices vanish from the list, sound drops out, or video refuses to start. This quick reference table gives you a fast way to narrow down the cause.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Receiver not showing up | Different Wi-Fi networks or receiver powered off | Match Wi-Fi names, wake the TV or speaker, check cables |
| AirPlay icon missing on sender | Older software or AirPlay disabled | Update the device and check AirPlay & Handoff settings |
| Video plays with no sound | Wrong audio output or TV muted | Select the correct speaker in the AirPlay menu and raise volume |
| Stream stutters or drops | Weak Wi-Fi signal or busy network | Move closer to the router, pause big downloads, or use Ethernet |
| Code never appears on TV | AirPlay security set to require code but TV not showing it | Open TV settings, toggle AirPlay off and on, then retry |
| Connection drops when devices sleep | Aggressive sleep or auto-lock settings | Extend auto-lock time on phone and keep TV or Apple TV awake |
| Third-party TV never connects | Old firmware without current AirPlay features | Update the TV firmware or add an Apple TV box |
When The AirPlay Device Does Not Appear
If your TV or speaker refuses to appear in the AirPlay list, start with the basics. Confirm that it is powered on and showing a normal home screen. Then make sure both sender and receiver share the same Wi-Fi name, not a guest network or mobile hotspot.
Next, restart both devices. A quick reboot clears many small network bugs. If that still fails, open the receiver’s settings and toggle AirPlay off and on, then try the Screen Mirroring or AirPlay button again.
When The Stream Lags Or Drops
Lag, buffering, or frozen frames usually point to a weak network link. Step closer to the Wi-Fi router with your phone or tablet, and keep the line of sight between router and TV as clear as you can.
Pause large downloads or game updates on other devices while you stream. If you own an Apple TV, plug it into the router with an Ethernet cable so only one side of the AirPlay path relies on Wi-Fi.
When Only Sound Or Only Video Works
Sometimes video shows on the TV but audio continues to play from your phone. In that case, open the AirPlay menu again and check which audio output is selected. Switch it to the TV, soundbar, or speaker you want.
If the situation flips and audio plays through the TV but the picture stays on your device, double-check whether you chose plain audio AirPlay or full screen mirroring. Screen Mirroring sends the whole display, while some apps only send the video window.
Keeping AirPlay Devices Secure And Updated
Any wireless feature that touches your home network deserves a little security care, and AirPlay is no exception. The good news is that most of the work comes down to updates and a few simple choices in settings.
Use Passcodes And Access Controls
On Apple TV and many smart TVs, you can require a passcode the first time a new device connects. This blocks strangers on the same network from sending content to your screen without permission.
- Set AirPlay access to “Same network only” or “Only devices linked to this Apple ID” where possible.
- Use a passcode for new devices so guests need the TV screen in view.
- Avoid allowing anyone on public Wi-Fi to use your TV as an AirPlay target.
These options still keep things convenient at home while adding a layer of safety in shared spaces.
Keep Firmware And Apps Up To Date
AirPlay runs on the software inside your Apple devices, smart TVs, and speakers. Makers fix bugs and tighten security through firmware updates. Check your TV, soundbar, and speaker settings from time to time and install updates that mention Wi-Fi or streaming stability.
If you read about security alerts that mention AirPlay or smart TVs, update your devices as soon as patches arrive. When a product no longer receives updates and sits on the same network as your laptops and phones, treat it with care or move it to a guest network.
Quick Recap Of AirPlay Device Setup
By now you’ve seen that how to add a device to airplay boils down to a few repeatable checks: matching Wi-Fi, turning on AirPlay on the receiver, opening the AirPlay or Screen Mirroring menu, and picking the right device from the list.
Once you’ve run through those steps a few times, adding the next TV, speaker, or Mac feels simple. Any time AirPlay acts up, work through the same order again, use the troubleshooting table as a checklist, and you’ll spend more time watching, listening, and presenting, and less time wrestling with menus. With that routine in your head, you no longer need to wonder how to add a device to airplay when a new gadget lands in your setup.