(13 Fixes) AirPlay Not Working On Samsung TV [Updated 2023]

Is your Samsung TV not appearing on your AirPlay device list?

Or do you always encounter an error whenever you try to stream to your TV?

Well, it can happen for so many reasons.

But thankfully, troubleshooting it requires little to no effort at all.

So, if you want your Samsung TV AirPlay to work…

Read on to learn:

• How to enable AirPlay on a Samsung TV.
• Which Samsung TVs support the AirPlay 2 function.
• 13 easy ways to fix Samsung TV AirPlay that isn’t working.
• And so much more…

Why is AirPlay not working on my Samsung TV?

AirPlay isn’t working on your Samsung TV because your device isn’t compatible with it or AirPlay isn’t enabled yet. It’ll also not work if the devices are connected to different WiFi networks or a 5 GHz network band. Electronic glitches, software bugs, and outdated software can also be the reason.

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AirPlay not working on my Samsung TV: 13 fixes

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#1: Ensure that your TV is Airplay 2-compatible

If you can’t find your Samsung TV on the AirPlay device list on your iPhone or iPad…

Check whether your smart TV supports AirPlay 2.

Samsung only started integrating AirPlay 2 function on its TV models in 2018.

That being said, if your Samsung TV was manufactured in 2017 or earlier, you can’t use AirPlay on it.

As of today, here are the Samsung TV models that support AirPlay 2 function:

2018 models

• Frame TV.
• QLED 4K.
• 4K UHD TV.
• Smart Full HDTV N5300.

2019 models

• 8K and 4K QLED TVs.
• Frame, Serif, and 4K UHD TV.

2020 models

• 8K and 4K QLED TVs.
• 2020 Frame and Serif TV.
• Premiere Projector and Crystal UHD TVs.

2021 models

• Frame TV.
• Crystal UHD TVs.
• 32″ M7 Smart Monitor.
• 8K and 4K QLED TVs.
• 27″ and 32″ M5 Smart Monitors.

Check out: No Sound On Samsung TV: 9 Causes & Ways To Fix The Audio

#2: Enable AirPlay on the TV

To stream content from your iOS device to your Samsung TV…

You must enable the Apple AirPlay settings on your TV.

Here’s how to do it:

Note: You would need your Samsung TV remote to do this.

1. On the remote, press MENU.
2. Go to settings.
3. Click “General.”
4. Tap “Apple AirPlay settings.”
5. Then, select “ON.”

You have to do this every time you want to stream music, video, or image from your iPhone or iPad to your Samsung TV.

Or you may also keep it ON. Just make sure to enable the “Request Code” setting. To avoid other people from streaming content to your TV.

“Do I also have to enable AirPlay on my iOS device?”

No. Because the AirPlay function on iOS devices is automatically ON.

If you want to stream content from it:

1. Tap the share icon at the bottom-left corner.
2. Select “AirPlay.”
3. Click your Samsung TV.
4. If prompted, enter the code shown on your TV screen. 

#3: Move the devices closer together

Sometimes your Samsung TV can experience connection interference. Especially if you have a lot of wireless devices in your home.

When this happens, your iOS device can fail to send signals to your Samsung TV. Causing the AirPlay function not to work.

To prevent this problem, consider moving closer to your TV when streaming via AirPlay. 

Most importantly, during the initial pairing.

Another solution is to remove interfering devices near your smart TV. Or at least turn them off for a while.

“What devices can cause connection interference?”

Many devices can cause interference…

Including wireless phones, headsets, smartphones, wireless speakers, and even a microwave oven.

#4: Connect devices to the same WiFi network

When streaming content via AirPlay…

Keep in mind that your Samsung TV and iOS device should be connected to the same WiFi network.

Why?

Connection signals only travel in one way. 

So, for the signals from the iOS device to reach your TV, they must be in the same network. Otherwise, it won’t reach your device. And so your TV won’t follow the command.

That being said, check whether your devices connect to the same network.

Here’s how to do it on an iPhone or iPad.

1. Open the device.
2. Go to settings.
3. Select “WiFi.”
4. Then, check the connected WiFI network.

And here’s how to do it on a Samsung TV:

1. Using a remote, go to settings.
2. Select “General.”
3. Tap “Network.”
4. Click “Open Network Settings.”
5. Then, check the connected WiFi network.

Suppose your devices are connected to different networks. Change the WiFi settings either on your iOS device or smart TV.

#5: Turn off running apps on the iOS device

If you keep getting a connection error when pairing to your Samsung TV…

Try force closing the background apps on your iPhone or iPad.

Note: It’s also known as “force quit.”

The reason:

Background apps don’t only consume data. But they also take up space which can cause your device to slow down or lag. 

When that happens, some functions of your iOS can fail to work. Including its connectivity with other devices via AirPlay.

To force close background apps on iOS devices:

Step 1: Swipe up from the bottom screen of the phone.

Step 2: Swipe left and right to see which apps are running.

Step 3: Swipe up the apps that you want to force close. Or tap the minus sign icon at the top-left corner of the app.

For best results, force close every app. And just keep your gallery or music service that you’ll need to use for streaming.

#6: Restart your iOS device

Like regular devices, your iOS device can also experience electronic glitches.

And one way you can resolve that is by force restarting your device.

When you force restart your device, it deletes the temporary data (RAM) on its system. And that includes minor glitches.

To restart your iOS device:

Step 1: Locate the POWER and VOLUME UP and DOWN buttons on the device.

Step 2: Press the VOLUME UP button once.

Step 3: Press the VOLUME DOWN button once.

Step 4: Press and hold the POWER button for a few seconds. Or until the device turns off and on.

The device is turned ON once you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.

Or you can also watch this video to know how to force restart an iPhone 12 smartphone:

#7: Restart the TV

Similar to your iOS device, your Samsung TV can also have glitches and software bugs.

So, consider force restarting your TV as well.

Since smart TVs don’t have a dedicated restart button. You have to restart it manually.

And here’s how you can do that:

Step 1: Ensure that your Samsung TV is powered ON.

Step 2: Unplug its power cord from the socket. Or switch off its power from the circuit breaker.

Step 3: Let it sit for about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Replug the TV from the power source. Or switch on its circuit breaker.

Step 5: Turn ON the TV by pressing the POWER button on the device. Or the POWER button on the TV remote.

If nothing happens, try to redo the restart process. But keep it unplugged longer for about 10 to 30 minutes.

#8: Update the TV’s software

If your Samsung TV software is outdated, some of its functions may also fail to work.

That being said, always keep your TV up-to-date.

There are 2 ways you can update the software of your Samsung TV:

• Via USB.
• Via WiFi.

Update your TV software via WiFi if you want a fast and easy process.

To do that:

1. Go to settings.
2. Select “Support.”
3. Click “Software Update.”
4. Then, tap “Update Now.”

Pro tip: To update your TV automatically, turn ON “Auto Update.”

And to update the TV software via USB:

Step 1: Go to the Samsung support page.

Step 2: Enter your TV model number. You can find it at the back of your unit.

Step 3: Under “Manuals & Downloads,” look for the Upgrade File.

Step 4: Download and unzip the upgrade file. And save it on a USB flash drive. Make sure to save it outside any folder.

Step 5: Plug the USB into the TV’s USB port.

Step 6: Wait for your TV to automatically install the software update file. 

Learn more: How often do smart TVs update their software?

#9: Update the iOS software

Suppose there’s an available software update on your iOS device. Install it as well.

Doing so can help upgrade the functions and performance of your device. Allowing it to connect to your Samsung TV more easily and smoothly.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Ensure that your device has enough battery power. If not, plug it into a power source.

Step 2: Go to the device’s settings.

Step 3: Select “General.” It’s usually on top of the options.

Step 4: Click “Software Update.” This will lead you to another page.

Step 5: Tap the latest software update file.

Step 6: Press “Install Now.”

Step 7: Wait for the installation process to finish. 

Want your device to install new software updates automatically?

Then, enable the “Automatic Updates” settings. To do that:

Step 1: On the “Software Update” page, tap “Automatic Updates” at the top of the screen. 

Step 2: Then, toggle on the “Download iOS updates” and “Install iOS updates” buttons.

#10: Power cycle the WiFi router

If the problem persists, power cycle your WiFI router.

Doing this restarts the router system. And fix any potential WiFi connectivity errors with your smart devices.

Warning: This will temporarily disconnect your devices to WiFi. To reconnect your devices, just wait for the router to reboot.

Regardless of your router brand and model, here’s how to do a power cycle:

Step 1: Ensure that the router is powered ON. Its LED lights should be glowing or blinking.

Step 2: Unplug its power cord from the wall socket.

Step 3: Wait for about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Replug the router to the power source.

Step 5: Press the POWER button on the router to turn it ON.

Step 6: Wait for it to get back into running. It should take 1 to 2 minutes to reconnect with your devices.

#11: Connect to a 2.4 GHz network band

Are your devices connected to a 5 GHz WiFI band?

If yes, consider connecting to a 2.4 GHz band instead.

The reason: 

While a 5 GHz band offers higher bandwidth and faster speed, it works only at a short range. Which can affect the connectivity of your devices.

So, make sure to change your WiFi settings. Both on your iOS device and Samsung TV.

“My device connects to the 5 GHz band automatically…”

If that’s the case, completely disconnect your device from the band by “forgetting” it.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the device’s settings.
2. Select “WiFi.”
3. Tap the 5 GHz network band.
4. Then, press “Forget this network.”

#12: Connect the TV using an Ethernet cable

To prevent WiFi connectivity errors as much as possible…

Consider changing your TV’s WiFI setup. And connect it to your WiFi router via Ethernet.

Ethernet offers a faster and uninterrupted internet connection. Which can help your iOS device connect to your Samsung TV more easily.

Here’s how to connect your Samsung TV via Ethernet:

Step 1: Connect the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet ports on your TV and WiFi router.

Step 2: Using the TV remote, press MENU.

Step 3: Go to Settings>General>Network.

Step 4: Under “Network Type,” select Wired.

Step 5: Then, press “OK” to confirm your connection.

#13: Factory reset the TV

“I’ve tried everything already. But my Samsung TV AirPlay won’t still work!”

I guess it’s time to factory reset your TV.

Warning: A factory reset deletes data, connections, and customization. So, do this only after trying all the abovementioned solutions.

To factory reset your Samsung TV:

1. Using the remote, press MENU.
2. Go to settings.
3. Select “General.”
4. Choose “Reset.”
5. Enter the default PIN (0000).
6. Then, press “OK” to confirm the action.

Or try this other method:

Click Settings>Support>Self Diagnosis>Reset.

Now, your Samsung TV is back to its default setting!

Note: Once done, make sure to reconnect your Samsung TV to WiFI again. And enable AirPlay on its settings.

Read also: (9 Fixes) Disney Plus Not Working On Samsung TV