This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on using AirPlay to stream audio and video wirelessly from Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, to compatible devices.
To effectively utilize AirPlay, both the Apple device you are streaming from and the AirPlay receiving device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network and the receiving device must be turned on.
For users of iPhone and iPad, the process involves connecting to the same Wi-Fi network as the AirPlay item, turning on the AirPlay item, and then opening the video or song you want to share. If the app has a built-in AirPlay button, tap it and select your AirPlay device. To mirror your screen or share video, open the Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your desired AirPlay item. For audio streaming, tap the Audio tile in the Control Center, then tap the AirPlay icon, and select your speaker or speakers.
Mac users can mirror their screen by first ensuring their Mac and the AirPlay device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. They then need to enable the screen-mirroring icon in the menu bar by going to System Settings or System Preferences, depending on their macOS version, and selecting the appropriate options. Once the icon is visible, they can click it and select the desired AirPlay-enabled item to start mirroring. To play audio through AirPlay speakers, Mac users can go to System Settings or System Preferences, click Sound, and select their AirPlay speaker under “Output.”
It’s also possible to use a Mac as an AirPlay receiver. To do this, open System Settings, select General, click AirDrop & Handoff, and toggle on AirPlay Receiver. Users can specify which users can connect or require a password for added security.
For Apple TV users, AirPlay can be enabled by opening the Settings app, selecting AirPlay and Homekit, and then selecting AirPlay to toggle it on or off. Users can also set permissions for who can stream to their Apple TV and require a password.
Many modern smart TVs are AirPlay compatible; users should check their TV’s settings or manual to enable AirPlay if it’s not already active.
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of AirPlay, you can explore advanced features such as multi-room audio, which allows you to play music across several speakers simultaneously. You can also delve into specific app settings, as many media applications integrate AirPlay directly, providing more control over your streaming experience. Experimenting with different content types will help you fully leverage AirPlay’s versatility in your home or office setup.
