Many users buy the Apple TV set-top box (you can buy it here) solely to wirelessly stream content from Mac and iOS devices via AirPlay to the TV. This is a very convenient feature that usually works great.
AirPlay works differently on macOS and iOS. AirPlay is a powerful tool that offers many options, such as sharing photos with family and friends, giving a presentation, or moving the Mac desktop outside of the laptop (for example, onto a TV).
♥ ON TOPIC: 15 functions (capabilities) of Apple TV that you might not know about.
What is Apple AirPlay?
AirPlay is Apple's proprietary wireless streaming protocol that allows you to send video and audio from a Mac or iOS device to an AirPlay-enabled receiver such as an Apple TV (wireless speaker, headphones, transmitter, etc.). This technology was first introduced as AirTunes for iTunes in 2004.
At that time, AirPlay's capabilities were limited to wireless audio transmission only, but in 2010, Apple added AirPlay support to iOS with the ability to stream video. A year later, the company implemented the “mirroring” function in AirPlay, and in May 2022 introduced a new version of the protocol - AirPlay 2.
♥ BY TOPIC: How to clear cache and memory on iPhone or iPad.
Possible problems
It often happens that nothing works, and a reasonable question arises: how to enable AirPlay so that everything functions normally? Here are some reasons why this option may not work.
- The computer and the gadget are connected to different local networks. This happens quite often: for example, a Mac uses Wi-Fi, but a smartphone or tablet has its own 3G/LTE. The solution is simple - reconnect the device to the same network;
- Old firmware. Despite the fact that AirPlay appeared quite a long time ago, it began to work correctly only with iOS 7. The problem is treated by flashing the device to a newer version of the OS.
These are the main problems that may arise when configuring this option. Unfortunately, the technology is still poorly understood and not widely used, so there is not much information on it. If you have any questions, welcome to the comments!
Don't know how to enable AirPlay on iPhone and iPad with iOS 12 or iOS 11? You are not alone, because opening the AirPlay interface is not so simple and certainly not obvious. Today we will tell you how to stream videos, photos or music via AirPlay in iOS 12.
What is “mirroring” (screen repeating, screen duplication, mirroring) AirPlay
AirPlay mirroring – the ability to duplicate the screen display of a Mac or iOS gadget to a receiver (Apple TV + TV) with AirPlay support. This functionality is supported by both iPhone and iPad, and Mac. Although mirroring can be used to send video and audio files, some content may be subject to restrictions due to the risk of copyright infringement. If you try to mirror your Mac screen while playing protected iTunes content, such as an Apple Music video, you'll see a gray window instead of the video. But displaying any video from movie sites on your TV is no problem.
♥ ON TOPIC: How to add music to Stories on Instagram on iPhone - 2 methods.
Device support
Before implementing the task, each user must make sure that the gadget has AirPlay support. This option is not implemented in all Apple devices.
Today, AirPlay works on MacOS released since 2011. But on mobile devices, the option under study appeared a long time ago - back with iOS 4.2. However, in iOS 7, AirPlay has become a convenient media center for playing video, audio and photos from TVs. Working with her is now extremely easy.
Thus, all new iPads, iPhones and iPods support the option being studied. On Apple computers you can also activate AirPlay. The option is not available on older Apple products. In real life, such situations almost never occur in practice.
What is AirPlay 2?
Apple presented a new version of the AirPlay protocol as part of the WWDC 2022 developer conference. The manufacturer planned to add support for AirPlay 2 in version 11 of iOS 11, but the technology became available only in May 2022 with the release of the iOS 11.4 update. In AirPlay 2, for the first time, support for multiroom mode appeared, thanks to which owners of Apple devices can use several gadgets to play music.
AirPlay 2 is also supported by Apple TV devices running tvOS 11.4 and later. Apple HomePod speakers update automatically. Legacy third-party devices may not be compatible with AirPlay 2; please check with your vendor for support.
♥ BY TOPIC: .
Technical details
The new protocol provides for different types of streaming. AirPlay can work in point-to-point mode, in direct connection to the server mode, supports mirroring and metadata transfer.
If you stream music from an iPhone to a speaker, then we are talking about the first method (“point-to-point”). The system works in exactly the same way if the user starts screen mirroring from iPad to Apple TV. However, if you go to the Netflix app on your iPhone and start an AirPlay broadcast from there, the Apple TV itself will connect directly to the Netflix server, which will provide higher quality.
AirPlay 2 transmits the audio stream without compression - the quality depends on the source itself. This sets Apple's technology apart from other offerings. Over Bluetooth, if you didn't know, audio is transmitted in compressed form due to limited bandwidth.
Sales of HomePod, Apple's first smart speaker, began on February 9, 2018
Separately, you need to pay attention to the buffer memory: AirPlay 2 allows compatible speakers to buffer the entire track, which prevents interruptions. At the same time, the latency in AirPlay 2 has been reduced compared to the previous version. These factors, of course, have a positive effect on music playback, but not all speakers and systems will be able to update to work with the new protocol.
How to use AirPlay to stream content or mirror
You can use the AirPlay feature to either stream content to the receiver (audio or video) or mirror the current device's screen (including audio) to it. Before using the feature, make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections are active and Airplane mode is turned off on your device. The simplest method of working with AirPlay: click on the AirPlay icon and select the desired receiver from the list that appears.
♥ ON TOPIC: How to check whether you bought a new iPhone (activated or not)?
Screen Mirroring for Chromecast
This application is very easy to learn and does not require much technical knowledge. All you need to do is download and follow the instructions. So this is a great solution if you want to stream HD videos or games to your TV with Chromecast.
It mirrors your screen at full resolution and quality, making it ideal for work. However, one notable downside is that you will have to upgrade to the Pro version in order to stream audio.
Price: Free (Monthly Subscription: $1.99)
How to output video, photo, audio from iPhone/iPad to Apple TV (TV) using AirPlay function
1. Swipe up on the screen to open Control Center. iPhone owners with Face ID need to swipe down from the top right corner.
2. Tap and hold the Now Playing widget on the right side of the display until it expands
3. Click on the wireless transmission icon (the icon with three circles and a triangle) next to the playback items.
4. Wait until the list of receivers appears on the screen.
5. Click on the desired receiver and start playing media content.
To stop streaming, repeat the process, but in step 5, select iPhone or iPad.
♥ ON TOPIC: How to download videos from Vkontakte, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Odnoklassniki to your computer: the best free services.
Cast your iPhone screen to AppleTV
It's the easiest way to display photos, videos and other media on the big screen and requires minimal outside help. All you need is absolutely any HD TV (the presence of Smart TV and other modern functions does not matter) to which you can connect an Apple set-top box. You also need it itself - Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K.
Further actions:
- Connect Apple TV to your TV using an HDMI cable. Important: 4K HDR uses a separate wire, which provides higher data transfer rates. It is purchased separately.
- Connect the set-top box to the network. On your TV, select the HDMI input.
- The Apple TV setup screen appears on your iPhone: connect to the same WiFi network as your iPhone. This will happen thanks to the transfer of passwords through Keychain Access. However, setup from an iPhone is only possible with iOS older than 9.1.
- Open the control center through the lower curtain or the upper one (from the right corner, for iPhone with Face ID), select the “Screen repeat” button.
- Wait for the list of devices available for synchronization to load. Tap on the line “Apple TV” or the name of the TV (if there are several of them).
- Give permission to connect to AirPlay and enter a password if required - a request will appear on the TV screen.
The picture from the iPhone will be broadcast in its standard aspect ratio and size, so there will be black fields on the sides. Changing the format to horizontal is done by rotating the screen, and the resolution must be adjusted separately on the TV.
Also, if you have an Apple TV, you can start watching a movie or TV series through this service on your iPhone, and continue on your TV by sharing media content via AirPlay.
The principle is simple:
- In video mode, look for the AirPlay icon on the bottom panel: a screen with an arrow at the bottom. Tap on it.
- The system will display a list of available receivers - select the one you need.
- Wait until the image appears on the TV screen. You can control playback both through the remote control and through your iPhone.
If you don’t have an Apple TV set-top box, you can cast your iPhone screen to a TV that supports AirPlay 2. Such models began appearing in 2022, and some of those released in 2022 gained access to “screen mirroring” thanks to new firmware. The following Smart TVs are equipped with AirPlay 2 support: LG UHD and NanoCell, Samsung QLED Q6–Q9, UHD 6–8 Series, The Frame Series, Sony 2022 and 2020, as well as VISIO QLED and P, M, E series, D, V. A special sticker indicates the presence of the desired function.
To mirror (repeat) the iPhone or iPad screen
1. Open Control Center.
2. Tap Screen Repeat on the left side of the screen.
3. Wait until the nearest AirPlay device appears on your display.
4. Select the receiver to which you want to display the image.
To stop broadcasting, repeat the process by selecting “Stop Screen Repeat” in step 4.
♥ ON TOPIC: 17 hidden features of VKontakte that you might not know about.
How to cast iPhone screen on Windows
This is only possible through third-party programs that turn a Windows computer into a receiver and make iOS think that an Apple TV is nearby. There is a lot of similar software on the Internet – both paid and free. The principle of working with it is the same everywhere: both devices connect to the same WiFI network, after which the desired program is launched. On Windows, problems with computer detection often occur; disabling the firewall can help.
LetsView
A simple and “lightweight” program for any version of Windows, which is distributed free of charge. She can not only transmit a broadcast from the iPhone screen to a PC, but also record what is happening. After installing the program, you can adjust the resolution of the broadcast screen and stretch it across the entire window.
Basic algorithm:
- Install the program and run it.
- Select “AirPlay” or “Screen Mirroring” on your iPhone, find “LetsView” in the list and wait for the desired picture to appear on your computer.
The screen is displayed in a small window, which expands as needed. You can also pin it above the others and take a screenshot from it. To record a video, click on the element with the red dot in the center.
LonelyScreen AirPlay Receiver
One of the most stable programs for mirroring screens from iPhone to Windows, which is released for OS 2000 and older. The interface is English, but simple. The program is paid, but there is a trial period, and you can also find a “patched” version of it.
Scheme of work:
- Install “LonelyScreen” on your computer and run it. Optionally rename the server for easier discovery.
- In the iPhone control panel, find “Screen mirroring” or “AirPlay” (depending on the iOS version).
- Find a computer in the list by server name. Confirm his choice.
The peculiarity of this program is that it not only reproduces what is happening on the iPhone screen, but also can record this process on the computer.
How to output videos, photos, audio from Mac to Apple TV (TV) using the AirPlay function
To connect your Mac to Apple TV, select the AirPlay icon in the menu bar, iTunes or QuickTime, or go to System Preferences → Displays to define an AirPlay display (it will act as a wireless display connected to your Mac). We talked about how to broadcast (transmit) video from a Mac to a TV screen in this article.
The easiest way to mirror a Mac is through the icon on the menu bar.
On macOS Big Sur and later:
Click the Control Center icon in the macOS menu bar and select Screen Mirroring.
On the screen that appears, select your device.
Once the connection is established, you can mirror the built-in display, mirror the Apple TV, or turn off the monitor and use the Apple TV as an external screen.
On older versions of macOS:
Tap the AirPlay icon in the top right corner of the screen, then select your desired receiver.
Once the connection is established, you can mirror the built-in display, mirror the Apple TV, or turn off the monitor and use the Apple TV as an external screen.
♥ ON TOPIC: The most complex passwords: how to come up with them correctly and not forget them - 2 tips from a hacker.
Setting up “Video replay”
For example, we need to transfer an image from a tablet screen to a computer screen. To do this, you need to know how to enable AirPlay on Mac. To solve this problem, a special application was developed - Reflector. It is distributed freely and is available for download on the developer's official website.
So, we have a working program, AirPlay - but how to turn it all on correctly and make it work?
- First, let's launch Reflector on our computer;
- Then open the “Control Center” on the tablet and wait until AirPlay appears in it;
- Click on the icon that appears and select a computer running AirPlay as a data receiver;
- Now, in order for the picture to be transmitted online, let’s turn on “Video replay”.
Streaming, quality and other problems with AirPlay
In most cases, poor-quality video or audio broadcasting is due to an overload on the Wi-Fi network. Too many Wi-Fi connections on the same channels that the receiver uses will reduce the quality of the signal coming to Apple TV. A similar situation can occur when using outdated devices that do not support high-speed connections. In this case, you need to either get as close to the Apple TV as possible or replace the iOS device with a more modern model.
♥ BY TOPIC: What happens to calls and SMS when you are in Do Not Disturb mode on your iPhone or iPad.
On the computer
How to enable AirPlay on Mac? This is far from the most difficult task. In general, the algorithm of actions is not much different from the manuals we have already studied. The first stage of connecting the option will be completely similar.
Next you will have to do this:
- Connect your MacOS computer to the pre-selected Wi-Fi network.
- Click on the AirPlay image on the top panel.
- Indicate the console you plan to work with in the future. In our case we are talking about Apple TV.
It is done! Now you can turn on photos and videos on your computer and play them on your TV without any wires. The reception works flawlessly.
How to change the Apple TV name
If you have multiple Apple TV boxes or your neighbor's Apple TV constantly appears in the list of devices, you can give the receivers unique names. To do this, open “Settings” → “General” → “About this device” → “Name”.
♥ ON TOPIC: Apple TV: Secrets and tips for use.
TV connection
How to enable AirPlay (iOS 8 and not only)? You should start by connecting your TV to the Apple set-top box. This can be done in a few minutes.
Instructions for connecting TV to Apple TV look like this:
- Turn on the AppleTV set-top box.
- Connect the HDMI cable to the set-top box.
- Plug the free end of the wire into the TV.
- Take the remote control for the Apple console and go to the Settings - General - Network - Wi-Fi menu.
- Select the network with which the user plans to work in the future.
- Confirm connection.
That's all. Now you can move on to the second stage of the task. Let's start by studying the activation of AirPlay on mobile devices.
How to turn AirPlay on/off on Apple TV
You can completely disable the Apple TV feature or limit its use in the “Settings” → “AirPlay” section. Then you can select the options at your discretion: allow all users to broadcast via AirPlay; limit the use of AirPlay only to devices on the same network; disable the function completely; Set password.
♥ ON TOPIC: Which smartphone has the best camera in 2022 - Top 10.
Replica
Replica is a screen mirroring application that is ideal for giving presentations at business meetings and sharing photos, videos and movies from the Internet or for personal entertainment.
It takes just two steps to start watching your favorite videos and photos in the best quality. Additionally, the developer is incredibly responsive and will fix any issues you report to them.
Price: Free ($2.99/month for Premium).
