What to Know

• First, enable AirPlay through theApple menu; go toSystem Preferences>Displays.
• To use AirPlay with an Apple TV, selecttheAirPlay iconin the menu bar, thenselect the TV.
• To mirror the desktop to a non-Apple TV, openControl Center, select Screen Mirroring, andchoose the TV.

The article provides instructions for how to AirPlay from your MacBook or MacBook Pro to your TV, including information about issues that might prevent you from using AirPlay.

How to Stream From a MacBook With AirPlay

If you're ready to use AirPlay with a compatible MacBook model and Apple TV, you'll first need to enable your Mac to do that.Here's how to turn on AirPlay and then cast to your TV.

1. Turn on AirPlay via theApple menu>System Preferences>Displays.

   

2. Ensure your Apple TV and your MacBook are connected to the same network.

3. Tap theAirPlay iconin the menu bar (it's a rectangle with a triangle at the base of it) andselect the deviceyou want to cast to.

4. You may be prompted to enter a security code from the TV to complete the connection.

How Can I Mirror My MacBook to My TV Without an Apple TV Device?

If you don't have an Apple TV device, you can still mirror your screen to a compatible smart TV. If you're not sure if your TV will work, Apple has a list of compatible devices on its website. Once you're sure your smart TV is compatible, these steps will help you mirror your screen in no time.

1. In the Menu Bar, select theControl Centericon.

   

2. SelectScreen Mirroring.

   

3. Select the smart TVyou want to mirror your screen to from the list of available devices that appear.

   

4. You may be prompted to enter a confirmation code on your MacBook to complete the connection. After you enter it, your screen will automatically begin displaying your MacBook screen.

   Use your MacBook's display settings to adjust how the display on your TV looks and behaves, like to mirror or extend the display.

When you've finished mirroring your screen, you can follow the same instructions above to deselect the TV you're mirroring to and break the connection.

Can I AirPlay From a MacBook Pro?

Yes, MacBook Pro models released in 2018 and later support AirPlay. You also need to have a compatible TV. Some examples of AirPlay-enabled TVs and accessories include Hisense 4K UHD, Roku Streaming Stick+, and Toshiba C350 Series TVs.

Why Can't I Turn on AirPlay on My MacBook?

If you can't turn on AirPlay on your MacBook, the most likely issue is:

• Your MacBook and TV aren't connected to the same network. Your laptop and Apple TV must be connected to the same home network to connect the two devices.
• Your MacBook or Apple TV isn't new enough. You must have a compatible MacBook and a second-generation or later Apple TV to use AirPlay.
• Your computer or Apple TV needs to be updated. If the software, firmware, or operating system on your MacBook or your Apple TV needs to be updated, sometimes the computer can't connect to the Apple TV. Ensure both devices are up to date before making the connection.

• How do I AirPlay from an iPhone to a MacBook?

  There's no built-in way to AirPlay from an iPhone to a MacBook, but you can use a third-party application as a workaround. For example, download the Reflector app on your MacBook, then open an AirPlay-compatible app and tap theAirPlaybutton. Or, to AirPlay your iPhone screen, tapScreen Mirroringin the Control Center. In the pop-up window, enter your Mac's name, then enter the code displayed on your Mac's screen. Your iPhone content will play on your MacBook via Reflector.

• How do I turn off AirPlay on a Mac?

  To turn off AirPlay on your Mac, go to theApplemenu >System Preferencesand selectDisplays. Next toAirPlay Display, click the drop-down arrow and selectOff.

• How do I AirPlay from a MacBook to a Roku?

  To AirPlay from a MacBook to Roku, make sure AirPlay is enabled on your Roku device: From your Roku Home page, go toSettings>Apple AirPlay and HomeKitand enableAirPlay. Make sure AirPlay is enabled on your Mac: Go toSystem Preferences>Displaysand checkShow mirroring options in the menu bar when available. Select theAirPlaybutton from the top of the MacBook's, screen, then click your Roku device.