(7 Fixes) Airplay Not Working On Mac [Updated 2023]

When macOS Monterey was released in 2021…

It came with exciting features.

Including, of course, AirPlay to Mac.

Those cute videos of your pet on your iPhone?

You can now easily share to your Mac.

And if you’re having issues using this feature…

Don’t worry. We’ve got the fixes for you.

Continue reading to find out:

If your Mac is AirPlay compatible.
7 easy fixes to get AirPlay to work on your Mac.
Examples of 3rd-party apps that are interfering with your Mac’s AirPlay.
Settings you need to configure to allow your Mac to be an AirPlay receiver.
And much, much more…

Why is AirPlay not working on my Mac?

AirPlay isn’t working on your Mac because of network connection issues. AirPlay requires stable internet. You’ll also need all of your devices connected to the same WiFi network. In addition, an outdated macOS can also cause this problem. The same with a firewall that’s turned on.

AirPlay not working on Mac: 7 fixes

Important note: Before we even get to the fixes, it’s important to first check if your Mac is AirPlay-compatible.

“How would I know that?”

Easy. Simply follow the steps below:

Click the Apple logo on the top left of your screen.
Go to System Preferences.
Click Displays.
Check if you can see a drop-down menu with the label “AirPlay Display”. It’s on the bottom of the Displays menu.

If you can’t find it, then you can’t use AirPlay on your Mac.

In addition, the release of macOS Monterey made it possible for Mac devices not just to send… But also receive AirPlay.

No need for Apple TV. Or an AirPlay 2-compatible Smart TV.

But again, there are compatibility requirements.

So if AirPlay from another device to your Mac is what you’re trying to do…

Check if your Mac is compatible to receive.

According to Apple’s website, AirPlay to Mac works best with the following Mac devices:

iMac Pro.
Mac Studio.
2019 or later iMac.
2019 or later Mac Pro.
2020 or later Mac mini.
2018 or later versions of Macbook Air.
2018 or later versions of MacBook Pro.

Is your Mac on this list?

If it is, then you can stream music and videos from other devices to your Mac.

If not, then AirPlay to your Mac isn’t possible.

Now, if your Mac is indeed AirPlay-compatible…

And you’re having issues…

Then go ahead and dive further into the article’s content….

#1: Check if there are network connection issues

The first thing you need to ensure is that all of your devices are connected to the same WiFi.

AirPlay won’t work if, say, one of your gadgets is connected to the WiFi. While the other is using mobile data.

That’s because AirPlay also requires stable internet.

A common reason why AirPlay doesn’t work is poor, unstable connection.

An easy fix for that is to perform a power cycle on your modem or router.

A power cycle simply means resetting your device.

Here’s how you can do that with your modem and router:

Unplug your modem and router from the outlet.
Wait for about 30 seconds to a minute.
Plug your modem and router back.

Wait for the modem light indicator to turn steady. If the light under the label “Internet” is green and steady, your connection is now good.

You may go ahead and check if AirPlay is now working on your Mac.

#2: Perform a power cycle on your devices

We did just mention doing a power cycle on your modem and router.

But you may also try to perform a power cycle on your Mac. As well as the other device you’re trying to connect it to.

You may be trying to AirPlay from an iPhone or an iPad to your Mac. Or your Mac to an Apple TV or a compatible Smart TV.

And sometimes, a simple glitch in one of these devices is what’s causing AirPlay to malfunction.

But a power cycle is the quickest solution to that.

The following are easy ways to power cycle various Apple devices.

MacBook

Press and hold the Control and Command keys along with the Power button.
Wait for the screen to go black. Then release the keys. Your Mac should then restart.

iPhone

Press and hold the side button and either of the volume buttons.
A slider will appear on your screen. Slide it to power off.
To power it back on, press and hold the side button. You’ll know it’s on when you see the Apple logo.

iPad

Press and hold the top button and one of the volume buttons on the side.
When the power slider appears, slide it to the right to switch it off.
Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears on your screen.

Apple TV

Open the Settings menu and go to System.
Look for the Restart option and click it.

#3: Make sure all of your devices are AirPlay-ready

There are certain settings you also need to check before using AirPlay.

Are you using an iPhone or an iPad to share content with your Mac?

If so, check the following settings on your device:

Tap the Settings icon and go to General.
Look for AirPlay & Handoff and tap it.
Make sure that the Transfer to HomePod is on.
See to it that Handoff is also turned on.
Tap Automatically AirPlay to TVs and select Automatic.

You also need to make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on all devices.

Here’s how to turn it on for iPhones and iPads:

Go to Settings.
Click Bluetooth and toggle it on.

For MacBooks, you may simply click the Action Center. Then click the Bluetooth icon.

If you’re trying to AirPlay from a Mac to an Apple TV…

Make sure that the Apple TV is on and not in sleep mode.

#4: Install the latest software updates on your devices

Apple periodically releases software updates for its products. This is to ensure that your Apple devices continue to work at an optimal level.

With that said, outdated software will cause glitches. So this is another possible cause why you can’t get AirPlay to work on your Mac.

Fortunately, updating your Apple devices is easy. Check out the guide below. See how you can update the software of your AirPlay-compatible device.

Note: Before updating, make sure your Apple device has a stable network connection. And has a sufficient battery supply. It’s also much better if you simply plug it into an outlet.

For MacBooks

Click the Apple menu and go to System Preferences.
Look for Software Update and click it.
Click Update Now. You may also see an Upgrade Now option if an entirely new macOS is available.

The update installation should begin automatically. Plus, don’t turn off your Mac during the process.

For iPhones and iPads

Tap the Settings icon, then go to General.
Navigate to Software Update and tap it.
Tap Install Now. You may also see a Download and Install option. Tap it to download and install the update.

For Apple TVs

Go to Settings, then select System.
You’ll see a Download and Install option if there are available updates. Click that.

Wait for the download and installation process to finish. Your Apple TV will restart multiple times during this process. You’ll receive a notification once it’s finished.

#5: Properly configure your Mac’s Firewall settings

“What exactly is a Firewall?”

It’s a setting meant to protect your computer. It blocks unwanted contacts from other devices.

Now, MacBooks have their firewall turned on by default. But while this provides great security, it can also prevent AirPlay to work properly.

So when you’re trying to use AirPlay on your Mac…

It’s best to switch off the firewall. At least temporarily.

Here’s how you can do it:

Click the Apple menu and go to System Preferences.
Select Security and Privacy.
Click the Firewall tab.
To change the setting, click the lock icon on the bottom left. Then type in your password.
Click Turn Off Firewall.
Click the lock again to save this setting.

After following the steps above, you may now try using AirPlay on your Mac.

And of course, it’s best to switch your Mac’s firewall back on after using AirPlay.

For a visual guide, you may refer to this video:

#6: Check your Mac’s Sharing preferences

In addition to the firewall, you also need to check your Mac’s Sharing preferences. Make sure that you grant permission for your Mac to be an AirPlay receiver.

Here’s how to do it:

Click the Apple menu logo and go to System Preferences.
Click Sharing. It’s the one with the folder icon.
Tick the AirPlay Receiver checkbox.

After that, you’ll then be asked to select from 3 choices.

Current User

This means only devices that are also signed in to your Apple ID can AirPlay to your Mac.

Anyone on the same network

Any AirPlay-compatible device that’s connected to the same WiFi can connect to your Mac.

Everyone

Any iPhone, iPad, or other Mac can find your Mac and stream via AirPlay.

You may also opt to add security by clicking the “Require password” check box. If you select this option, you’ll be asked to create a password.

#7: Switch off 3rd-party streaming apps

You may also have installed 3rd-party streaming apps on your device.

Examples of these include:

These apps are great for connecting devices with different OS. Such as Mac to PC. Or iOS to Android. And vice versa.

However, they can also interfere with AirPlay.

So if you have one of these 3rd-party apps installed…

Just make sure they’re off when you’re trying to use AirPlay.

To close apps on iPhones and iPads:

Swipe up from the bottom up to the middle of the screen.
You may then see all of your currently running apps. Swipe up on each one that you want to close.

Further reading: (13 Fixes) AirPlay Not Working On Samsung TV