(9 Fixes) Airplay Not Working On Apple TV [Updated 2023]

AirPlay should be a convenient way to stream videos on a larger screen.

Moreover, this should easily work on Apple TVs.

Yet you’re experiencing a few hiccups.

But don’t fret…

There are many workarounds to get rid of this issue. Let me show you.

Just…

Continue reading to learn:

How to enable AirPlay on your Apple TV.
11 easy fixes for Apple TV Airplay not working.
What causes connection problems for AirPlay (and how you can resolve them).
And a lot more…

Why is Airplay not working on my Apple TV?

AirPlay isn’t working on your Apple TV because it isn’t enabled. Other than that, firmware versions and internet problems are a cause too. Also, consider bugs and glitches that could prevent Apple TV’s Airplay feature from working.

Airplay not working on Apple TV: 11 fixes

#1: Enable AirPlay on your Apple TV

Most people forget to enable AirPlay on their TV.

Luckily, you can turn that around with these simple steps:

Step 1: Turn on your Apple TV and head to the home screen. Press the Menu button and highlight the Settings options.

Step 2: Click on the Settings option. Scroll down until you reach AirPlay.

Note: It’s usually located under Audio and Video.

Step 3: Choose to turn on AirPlay in the next menu. On this screen, you can also set a password for AirPlay to limit the devices that mirror on your Apple TV.

For a better look at this process, check out this video:

You can begin mirroring your Apple device with AirPlay-enabled. So use AirPlay by:

Opening an app or a video that you want to mirror on your Apple TV.
Looking for the AirPlay button at the right corner of the screen.
Inputting your Apple TV’s password if you set one up.

Reminder: Not all apps are compatible with AirPlay. To check if it’s compatible, look for the AirPlay icon that looks like a rectangle with an arrow pointing up at the bottom.

All media apps are compatible with AirPlay, so mirroring music and movies won’t be a problem.

#2: Update your Apple TV

All Apple TVs are compatible with AirPlay. What you need to look at is the current firmware version of yours. Do this by:

Opening Settings on your Apple TV.
Going to System.
Proceeding to Software Update.
Clicking “Update Software” if your Apple TV isn’t up to date.

Here’s Apple support’s complete guide if you want to check it out.

Moreover, firmware updates are important.

That’s because they help sort out bugs and glitches on your Apple TV. Some of those might be preventing AirPlay from working.

Reminder: You don’t have to manually update your Apple TV all the time. For hassle-free updates, start by:

Opening Settings on your Apple TV.
Going to System.
Heading to Software Update.
Enabling Automatic Updates.

#3: Update your Apple device

It’s also important to keep your Apple device updated. These updates sort out problems on your Apple TV.

They can also introduce new features and upgrades to AirPlay.

To update your Apple device, follow these steps:

Head to Settings.
Choose General.
Select Software Update.

Moreover, your Apple device will notify you of any pending firmware updates. You can choose to postpone these updates if you don’t have the time.

#4: Connect both devices on the same network

Your Apple device and Apple TV need to be on the same network for AirPlay to work.

Checking out the network settings on your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV follows the same steps:

Head to Settings.
Choose Network.
Click on Wi-Fi.

#4: Reboot both devices

Rebooting your devices can help resolve some glitches preventing AirPlay from functioning.

To do a soft reboot on your Apple device:

Hold down the power and volume down buttons.
Drag the slider to turn off the device.
Leave it for 30 seconds.
Turn on your device.

For your Apple TV:

Hold the Back button (on 2nd gen remotes) or Menu button (on 1st gen remotes) and TV buttons.
Hold until the Apple TV status lights blink fast.
Disconnect Apple TV from your power outlet and wait for five seconds.
Reconnect Apple TV and turn it on.

Note: You can also restart your Apple TV by heading to the Settings and clicking Restart.

#5: Check your internet speed

The quality of AirPlay depends on the internet speed that you have. And it’s also up to your internet speed whether AirPlay would work or not.

Now, the recommended speed for AirPlay is 25mbps which isn’t that high. For 4K or 1080p streaming, you should aim for 50mbps at least.

Use Fast or other connection speed trackers to see if your network’s good enough.

Note: You can access the website via Apple TV through the Safari browser.

Moreover, there are other ways to improve your connection speed. Namely:

#6: Use an ethernet cable on your Apple TV

This is the easiest way to improve your connection speed. You can use an ethernet cable on your Apple TV.

And once connected, your Apple TV will switch to a wired connection.

Fun fact: The ethernet ports on an Apple TV allow for speeds of up to 1gbps!

#7: Disconnect other devices connected to the network

By using a wired connection on your Apple TV, you’re freeing up more bandwidth on your network.

Now, you can improve speeds further by disconnecting other devices from your wireless network.

Moreover, a wireless network can accommodate up to 255 devices. That reduces your connection speed, though.

So maximize your AirPlay’s quality. You can do so by connecting only your Apple device and Apple TV to the network.

#8: Switch to 2.4 GHz network band

Apple devices connect to a 5 GHz network band. This is a great option if your devices are near the router.

A 2.4 GHz connection is better if your router is far. That’s why this type of connection works better at longer distances.

How can you identify whether you’re connected to 2.4 GHz?

Network bands under 2.4 GHz usually have “2” at the end of the default name on your network settings.

If you see that you’re not connected to that, here’s how to switch to this network:

Head to Settings.
Choose Network.
Choose Wi-Fi.
Select the appropriate connection.

#9: Bring the devices closer to each other

It’s recommended that your Apple device and your Apple TV are in the same room during AirPlay.

You know, Apple gives a lot of freedom for distance. Still, you should make sure that your Apple devices aren’t more than 30 feet apart.

Bringing them closer means fewer interruptions and better quality mirroring as well.

While you’re there, remove all physical obstructions between both devices. Those include:

Walls.
Doors.
Furniture.
Appliances in front of your Apple TV.

Bonus: Bring in Apple support

“AirPlay still isn’t working on my Apple TV!”

If you’ve tried everything above and AirPlay still isn’t working, contact Apple support.

A staff from Apple can help you troubleshoot your Apple device or TV. That’s after they find out what the problem is.