AirPlay is Apple’s wireless streaming feature that allows you to play movies, music, and even your whole device screen to a TV or speaker without cables. As long as your devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, you can start streaming instantly.
What is AirPlay?
AirPlay began with Apple TV but is now built into many smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio. If your TV doesn’t support it, an Apple TV device provides universal compatibility through HDMI.
The flexibility of AirPlay is what makes it so useful. You can watch Netflix on a big screen, play music through a home speaker system, or show a slideshow of your travel photos all wirelessly.
How to Turn On AirPlay
On most smart TVs, AirPlay is turned off by default. If your TV doesn’t appear when you try to AirPlay, you’ll need to switch it on first. Here’s how:
- Open your TV’s Settings menu.
- Go to General or Connection settings (this may differ by brand).
- Find Apple AirPlay Settings.
- Toggle AirPlay On.
- (Optional) Set whether you want a passcode each time or allow devices to connect automatically.
Once enabled, your TV will appear in the list of available devices when you try to AirPlay from your iPhone or iPad. If you’re using an Apple TV device, AirPlay is already enabled by default, so no setup is needed.
How to AirPlay to TV
Getting started with AirPlay is simple. Follow these steps:
- Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi
Your iPhone/iPad and your Apple TV or AirPlay-enabled TV must be on the same network. - Open the content you want to play
This could be a downloaded Netflix show, a YouTube video, or a photo album. - Tap the AirPlay icon
Look for the TV icon (a rectangle with an arrow symbol in the app), or open the Share menu and select AirPlay. - Choose your TV
Select your Apple TV or smart TV from the list of available devices. - Watch on the big screen
Your video or music will start streaming instantly.
How to Mirror Your Screen
If you want your entire iPhone display to appear on the TV:
- On your iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner to access Control Center.
- Tap Screen Mirroring.
- Choose your Apple TV or AirPlay-enabled TV.
This is especially helpful for showing presentations, browsing apps, or playing games on a larger screen.
Apple TV and AirPlay
While many smart TVs now include AirPlay support, Apple TV still provides the smoothest experience. By connecting Apple TV via HDMI, you can enable AirPlay on any television, even if it doesn’t have smart features.
Apple TV is also a great travel companion. If you’re staying somewhere with only basic TV service, plugging in Apple TV gives you instant access to your own streaming setup. For example, if you’ve downloaded Netflix shows and movies, you can AirPlay them directly from your phone to the TV.
AirPlay vs FaceTime Screen Share
AirPlay and FaceTime screen share are often confused, but they serve different purposes:
- AirPlay streams or mirrors your content locally over Wi-Fi, perfect for watching, listening, or showing something on a TV in the same room.
- FaceTime screen share sends your screen over the internet to others on a call, making it ideal for collaboration or remote help.
If you want to relax with a movie with others in a living room or a hotel room, AirPlay is the right choice. If you’re far away from a friend but want to guide them through phone settings or sharing slides during a call, FaceTime screen share should do the trick.
Why is My AirPlay not Working?
AirPlay usually works smoothly, but if you run into problems:
- AirPlay icon missing: Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi and restart them.
- Lag or buffering: Weak Wi-Fi is often the cause. Move closer to the router or switch networks.
- Sound but no video: Some apps block video playback via AirPlay. Use screen mirroring instead.
- TV not appearing in the list: Confirm that AirPlay is turned on in your TV’s settings.
Updating your iPhone and TV software can also resolve most connection issues.
AirPlay When Traveling
AirPlay can be a game changer when traveling. Many hotels now have smart TVs with AirPlay built in, letting you enjoy your own content without signing in to unfamiliar accounts.
A common misconception is that AirPlay always uses Wi-Fi data. That’s not true. If you’re playing offline files like downloaded Netflix shows or photos stored on your iPhone, AirPlay streams them directly to the TV without consuming Wi-Fi or mobile data. In other words, once the content is saved on your device, AirPlay simply mirrors or plays it locally.
For situations where no usable Wi-Fi network is available, like in hotels with login-restricted Wi-Fi, a mobile hotspot can act as your Wi-Fi network. If you connect both your iPhone and Apple TV (or a smart TV) to your hotspot, AirPlay will work exactly the same. The only difference is that online streaming will count against your data plan, but offline playback won’t.
This makes a hotspot the perfect mobile option when you’re travelling abroad. Pair it with Eskimo’s universal eSIM, and you’ll always have an affordable, reliable connection no matter where you are. With Eskimo, you can download Netflix shows before a flight, use AirPlay to watch them offline in your hotel room, or stream online when you need to, without worrying about expensive roaming fees. New users can sign up today and get free global eSIM data to try it out risk-free.
FAQs
Do I need Apple TV for AirPlay?
No. Many modern TVs already support AirPlay, but Apple TV ensures it works with any TV via HDMI.
Can I AirPlay Netflix from my iPhone?
Yes. Netflix supports AirPlay for both streaming and offline downloads stored on your device.
Why won’t AirPlay connect?
Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi, restart them, and check for software updates.
Is AirPlay better than using an HDMI cable?
AirPlay is wireless and more convenient, but HDMI may be more stable if your Wi-Fi is weak.
