However, if you are not willing to shell out about $100 or more for a new AirPlay and you have an old Mac lying around (especially a Mac Mini), then one option is to turn it into an AirPlay hub. Connect to the Apple TV. After installing the app, its icon will appear in the menu bar.
By Gina Barrow, Last updated: August 27, 2019
Are you fond of using Airplay across your iOS devices? Because why not?! You can smoothly share music, photos, movies, and videos from any iOS device to supported speakers, Smart TVs, and of course, Apple TV.
However, most users reported issues with Airplay on Mac. So today, we will fix Airplay not showing on Mac problem and get the most of your sweet Apple features.
People Also ReadA Quick And Easy Way to Solve Mac Notes Disappeared Problem'What To Do' Tips In 2019 - Airdrop Not Working On Mac
Part 1. What Are The Requirements Needed to Use Airplay?
Are you excited to watch movies on your Apple TV but then your Airplay is not seen anywhere on your Mac? There may be some blockages that you need to remove in order to use it smoothly.
Airplay not showing on Mac is a common issue that most users experience. There could be a lot of potential reasons as to why this is happening. Don’t worry; we have compiled all the solutions that could possibly fix this problem.
Device Compatibility
Airplay works best on most recent iOS devices and software versions. First, you need to make sure that your Mac supports Airplay. Older Macs cannot stream Airplay videos due to some mirroring restrictions.
Only Macs from 2011 and recent are able to support Airplay streaming and only 2nd-gen or later Apple TVs. To check what Mac you own and operating system you use, click the Apple icon and go to 'About this Mac' and choose the 'More Info' button.
Here are the complete requirements for streaming Airplay:
- Sender and receiver devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network
- Airplay receivers such as Apple TV, Smart TVs/HDTV, XMBC, Reflector, and more
- iPhone, iPod, and iPod Touch with iOS 7 or later
Part 2. How to Turn on Airplay on Mac
Airplay works by streaming media files wirelessly across compatible devices over the same network. One of the popular uses of Airplay is to mirror whatever you are watching or listening on your Mac down to an Apple TV or any smart home TVs or app-powered.
You simply need to connect both devices and start watching your favorite series.
To turn on Airplay on the Apple TV:
- Open Settings on Apple TV
- Select Airplay
- Toggle it on
How to use Airplay on Mac:
- Find and click the Airplay icon located at the right side of Mac’s menu bar
- Select the preferred mirroring option.
You can choose from Mirror Built-in Display, this will mirror Mac’s resolution exactly. Next option is, Mirror Apple TV which will match the resolution of your television and lastly, you can select Use as Separate Display, this will extend the desktop and appear as an additional display.
Part 3. How to Fix Airplay not showing on Mac
If you have met the basic requirements to use Airplay and still it is not showing on your Mac, here are some quick fixes you can try:
Check for Updates
If you are unable to connect both devices, check to see if both devices have the latest software update.
To Update Apple TV:
- First, you need to go to Settings and click on Software Update under System
- Click Software update. If there is an available update, click on Download and Install.
Wait until the update is completed. Do not disconnect or unplug the Apple TV while the update is ongoing.
To Update Mac:
- Go to System Preferences and click the Software update.
- If there is an available update, click download and install.
You can also set an automatic update in the future. Simply go to the AppStore and click on ‘Automatically keep my Mac up to date’. This will send you a notification whenever there is an update available.
Remove Restrictions on Apple TV
Anyone can actually Airplay to your Apple TV if set publicly which is why it is essential to manage and set restrictions.
To change restriction settings, simply go to Settings, and then Airplay and from here you can customize who can Airplay to Apple TV.
- Anyone on the same network
- Everyone
- Require Password
- Only People sharing this home
Turn off Firewall (OS X)
OS X 10.5.1 and later versions included firewall settings that let you control all the connections per applications. This prevents unwanted apps from connecting to your device and controlling network ports.
- Click the Apple menu and go to System Preferences
- Go to Security & Privacy or Security
- Select the Firewall tab
- Click on the lock icon and provide the administrator name and password
- Turn on the firewall or click Start to enable
- If needed, you can go to Advanced and customize firewall configurations
Allowing Specific apps on Firewall
- Open the Firewall options
- Select the plus sign (+) to add applications
- Choose the desired apps you wish to allow connection privileges
- Tick Add and tick OK
You may go back to this setting if you wish to remove a specific app in the future. Simply use the minus sign (-).
Restart Mac and Apple TV
Perform a quick restart on both devices to give them a refresher. Some users reported that after a quick reboot, the Airplay showed up on Mac.
Turn off your Bluetooth
Bluetooth may hinder the connection between your Apple TV and Mac. Turn off the Bluetooth on Mac to make sure they connect smoothly.
You can turn off Bluetooth on Mac using several options.
Via the Status menu
- Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu or status bar
- Select Turn off Bluetooth
Via System Preferences
- Go to System Preferences from the Apple menu
- Choose Bluetooth and click Turn off Bluetooth
Part 4. Summary
Fixing Airplay that is not showing on Mac is pretty simple. You have several options to try if one solution did not fix it.
You can now start watching your favorite videos or listen to your playlist and even check documents via the Airplay connection. Remember the tips we gave above if there are any issues that might arise while trying to connect iOS devices.
Have you experienced this problem or any other problem on Mac? Do you have other quick fixes to share with us? Leave us a comment below!
Say Hello to AirPlay + Google Cast
AirServer is the most advanced screen mirroring receiver for Mac and PC. It allows you to receive AirPlay and Google Cast streams, similar to an Apple TV or a Chromecast device.
Turn On Airplay Mac
AirServer turns your Mac into a universal mirroring receiver, with the exception of Miracast, allowing you to mirror your device's display using the built-in AirPlay or Google Cast based screen projection functionality; one by one or simultaneously to AirServer.
Users can mirror or cast their screen from any AirPlay or Google Cast compatible device such as an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android or Chromebook. Windows and Linux platforms are also supported using the screen casting sender built into the Google Chrome browser.
Bring Your Own Device
AirServer introduced the world’s first BYOD solution by implementing all the major mirroring technologies giving everyone the freedom of choice for the device they wish to use.
Ultra-high quality recording
AirServer helps you create professional videos of your mirroring sessions in stunning quality. Showcase your iOS apps and games or archive your classroom collaboration in the best quality possible.
AirPlay + Google Cast
Airplay For Mac Mini Download
AirServer for Mac builds upon its existing AirPlay receiver functionality, including iOS 12 compatibility, and adds Google Cast receiving capabilities.
AirPlay from the YouTube app
Airplay On Macbook
AirServer for Mac once again supports this feature. Besides Apple TV, AirServer was the first application to provide this feature.
Chromebook Compatible
AirServer supports both tab casting and desktop casting which is built into all Chromebooks and all desktop platforms with Google Chrome browser.
Android Compatible
Works with all Google Cast enabled Android devices. Devices that do not have the cast functionality can enable this by downloading the Google Cast app.
Live streaming to YouTube
Airplay For Mac Mini Keyboard
YouTube Live certified, AirServer will enable you live stream your iOS gameplay with unique picture-in-picture webcam support. Teachers can also use this powerful technology to live stream their lectures.
Retina quality mirroring
AirServer provides drastically improved picture quality during mirroring. Starting with iPhone 6 Plus, iOS devices can now mirror at full 1080 x 1920 resolution, which is over 3x the previous pixel count.
Install Airplay On Mac
Encrypted AirPlay
AirServer protects your personal photos and videos as they are transmitted over the network. This important security feature is only offered by AirServer and the Apple TV.
iOS 12 Compatible
AirServer has maintained AirPlay compatibility since iOS 4.2.1 and has pushed out free compatibility updates with every major version of iOS since 2011.
“AirServer is a Mac app that turns your computer into a receiver for AirPlay. We have seen this kind of thing before, but AirServer works better, and adds functionality.”
“Faculty and students also utilize AirServer which enables the display and sharing of iPad content in the classroom.”
“AirServer turns your Mac into a AirPlay receiver, letting you stream audio, photos, and even videos to your computer, right over the air.”
“AirServer is clearly a more complete solution for all kinds of AirPlay streams with dedicated features for audio, video, and Mirroring.”
“Great for demoing iOS apps, and a more professional feature set than...”
“AirServer for Mac, one of our favourite AirPlay receivers, features long-awaited HD recording with post processing filters.”
“What could be better than sending Temple Run or Angry Birds in Space to a large screen, competing side by side with a friend?”
“AirServer app clearly blows away all the competition.”
“With AirServer you can take advantage of the better audio and visuals of your Mac by using the app to transform it into a Apple TV type of device that can be used to stream audio and video.”
“AirServer is so easy to use, we wonder why Apple didn’t implement it themselves.”
“With AirServer running, you’ll see your Mac show up in your iPad’s AirPlay menu, and you can just select it to play back video, movies or games on the big screen. It even supports mirroring so you can use it with apps that don;t yet support AirPlay properly.”