How To Mirror Your Mac’s Screen to a TV Using AirPlay Wirelessly

Key takeaways:

• AirPlay allows you to wirelessly mirror your Mac’s screen to an Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV.
• Ensure your Mac and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Use the Screen Mirroring option in the Control Center or the AirPlay icon in the menu bar to start mirroring.
• Adjust the mirroring display size for the best viewing experience.

AirPlay is a convenient feature that allows you to wirelessly mirror your Mac’s screen to a larger display, such as an Apple TV or an AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV. This is particularly useful when you want to share content from your Mac with others, give a presentation, or simply enjoy your favorite movies and shows on a bigger screen. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to set up and use AirPlay to mirror your Mac’s screen to a TV.

Prerequisites

Before you start mirroring your Mac’s screen, make sure you have the following:

• An Apple TV or an AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV
• A Mac running macOS Monterey (12), macOS Big Sur (11), macOS Catalina (10.15), or macOS Mojave (10.14)
• Both your Mac and TV connected to the same Wi-Fi network

Enabling AirPlay on Your Mac

If you don’t see the AirPlay icon in the menu bar, you may need to enable it first. Here’s how:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select “System Preferences.”
3. Click on “Displays.”
4. Check the box next to “Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available.”

Mirroring Your Mac’s Screen

Now that you have AirPlay enabled, you can start mirroring your Mac’s screen to your TV. Follow these steps:

For macOS Monterey (12) or macOS Big Sur (11)

1. Click on the Control Center icon in the menu bar (located in the top-right corner of your screen).
2. Choose “Screen Mirroring.”
3. Select your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV from the list.
4. If prompted, enter the code displayed on your TV screen into your Mac.

For macOS Catalina (10.15) or macOS Mojave (10.14)

1. Click on the AirPlay icon in the menu bar (located in the top-right corner of your screen).
2. Under “AirPlay To,” choose your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV.
3. If prompted, enter the code displayed on your TV screen into your Mac.

Adjusting the Mirroring Display Size

Once you’ve started mirroring your Mac’s screen, you can adjust the display size for the best viewing experience. Here’s how:

1. Click on the AirPlay icon in the menu bar.
2. Under “AirPlay: TV_Name,” you’ll see two options:

• Mirror TV_Name: This option matches the content mirrored to your TV’s display size.
• Mirror Built-in Display_Name: This option matches the content mirrored to your Mac’s display size.

1. Select the option that best suits your needs.

Stopping AirPlay Mirroring

To stop mirroring your Mac’s screen, follow these steps:

1. Click on the AirPlay icon in the menu bar.
2. Select “Display Preferences.”
3. In the window that opens, click on “Disconnect” to stop AirPlay.

Using AirPlay with Non-Apple Smart TVs

If you have a non-Apple smart TV that supports AirPlay, you can still mirror your Mac’s screen using the same steps mentioned above. However, keep the following in mind:

• Ensure your smart TV is AirPlay-compatible. Many smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and Roku now come with AirPlay or AirPlay 2 support.
• Both your Mac and smart TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• The first time you connect to your smart TV, you may be prompted to enter a code displayed on your TV screen into your Mac.

Alternatives to AirPlay

While AirPlay is a convenient and reliable option for mirroring your Mac’s screen, there are alternatives available if you don’t have an Apple TV or an AirPlay-compatible smart TV:

Alternative	Description
LetsView	A wireless screen mirroring tool that offers a reliable and easy-to-use AirPlay alternative for Windows and mobile devices.
ApowerMirror	A powerful and versatile screen mirroring tool that can serve as a great AirPlay alternative for both mobile and Windows users.
Chromecast	A well-known substitute for AirPlay that enables you to stream content from your computer or mobile device to your TV or any other display device.
Miracast	A wireless display technology built into Windows that can serve as an alternative to AirPlay for Windows users.
HDMI Cable	A wired alternative to AirPlay mirroring for Windows users who want to connect their computer or laptop to a larger display.

FAQ

Can I use AirPlay to mirror my Mac’s screen to a non-Apple TV?

Yes, you can use AirPlay to mirror your Mac’s screen to an AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and Roku.

Do I need to download any additional software to use AirPlay on my Mac?

No, AirPlay is built into macOS, so you don’t need to download any additional software to use it.

Can I use AirPlay to mirror my iPhone or iPad’s screen to my Mac?

No, AirPlay is designed to mirror your Mac’s screen to an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV. To mirror your iPhone or iPad’s screen to your Mac, you can use third-party apps like Reflector or AirServer.

What should I do if I encounter connectivity issues while using AirPlay?

If you experience connectivity issues while using AirPlay, try the following:

• Ensure both your Mac and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Restart your Mac, TV, and Wi-Fi router.
• Update your Mac and TV to the latest software versions.
• Move your Mac and TV closer to your Wi-Fi router to improve signal strength.

Can I use AirPlay to mirror my Mac’s screen to multiple TVs simultaneously?

No, AirPlay only allows you to mirror your Mac’s screen to one TV at a time. If you need to mirror your screen to multiple TVs, you may need to use a wired connection or a third-party screen mirroring tool that supports multi-device mirroring.