Guide

Mac won’t AirPlay to TV? How to fix it

Your TV doesn't show up, it connects and drops, or the video just won't play. Work through this checklist, starting with the fixes Apple recommends.

Last updated October 2026
4 min read

AirPlay usually just works, so when it doesn’t, the cause is often something small: a different Wi-Fi network, a setting on the TV, or a file AirPlay can’t play. Start at the top; most problems are fixed by step 4.

Problem: the TV doesn’t show up

Turn both devices on and keep them close. Apple’s first suggestion: make sure the AirPlay devices are on and near each other. Wake the TV fully, not just to standby.
Put them on the same Wi-Fi network. Check the network name on your Mac (Wi-Fi menu) and on the TV. A 5 GHz vs. 2.4 GHz band of the same router is fine; a guest network usually isn’t, because guest networks often keep devices apart. Turn off any VPN on the Mac while you test.
Update everything. Update macOS (System Settings › General › Software Update), your Apple TV, and your smart TV’s firmware.
Restart the Mac, the TV, and the router. Apple recommends restarting the devices you’re using with AirPlay; restarting the router clears a surprising number of discovery problems.
Make sure AirPlay is on at the TV.
- Apple TV: open Settings › AirPlay and Apple Home (called AirPlay and HomeKit on older tvOS) and check that AirPlay is on.
- Samsung: Settings › General (or Connection on 2023 and newer models) › Apple AirPlay Settings. Samsung notes AirPlay won’t work over a mobile hotspot.
- LG: press Input, open the Home Dashboard, then AirPlay › AirPlay and HomeKit settings and set AirPlay On.
Check who is allowed to connect. On Apple TV, the Allow Access setting can be Everyone, Anyone on the Same Network, or Only People Sharing This Home. If it’s the last one and you’re not in that Home, you won’t see the TV. If the Apple TV is set to Require Password, you’ll be asked for it.
Check your Mac’s firewall. Open System Settings › Network › Firewall, click Options, and make sure Block all incoming connections is off. That setting blocks connections to sharing services. If you use a third-party firewall or security app, pause it while you test.

Problem: it connects, then drops or stutters

Improve the Wi-Fi path. Move the Mac closer to the router, or connect the Apple TV (and Mac, if possible) with an Ethernet cable. Busy networks and distant rooms are the usual culprits.
Stream the video instead of mirroring. Mirroring sends your whole screen, re-encoded live. Sending the video from the app that plays it (the AirPlay button in its controls) is lighter and looks better.
Keep the Mac awake. If playback stops after a while, the Mac may be sleeping. Keep a MacBook plugged in with the lid open while you watch, and check your Mac’s sleep settings. (CastPanda keeps your Mac awake during playback automatically.)

Problem: the TV appears, but the video won’t play

If AirPlay works for other things but one video won’t play, or there’s no AirPlay button at all, it’s almost always the file format. Apple’s players are built for MP4, MOV and M4V files, and most MKV, AVI, WebM, WMV and FLV files won’t open in QuickTime Player in the first place.

Mirror while a Mac player such as VLC or IINA plays the file (lower quality).
Convert the file to MP4 first (takes time).
Stream with conversion using an app like CastPanda, which converts the video as it plays and lets you skip anywhere instantly.

Details for each are in how to play MKV files on Apple TV from a Mac.

Problem: it asks for a code or password

The first time you connect, the TV may show a four-digit code. Type it on your Mac. If your Apple TV asks for a password you don’t know, someone set Require Password in its AirPlay settings; Apple also suggests checking content restrictions on the Apple TV.

Still stuck?

Apple’s own article, If screen mirroring or streaming isn’t working on your AirPlay-compatible device, covers a few more cases, such as restrictions set in the Home app. And if your TV has a Chromecast instead, see how to Chromecast from a Mac.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my TV not showing up in AirPlay on my Mac?

The most common causes are the Mac and TV being on different networks (including a guest network), AirPlay being turned off on the TV, or the Apple TV’s access setting excluding you. Work through steps 1 to 6 in this guide.

Why does AirPlay keep disconnecting?

Usually weak or congested Wi-Fi. Move the Mac closer to the router, connect the Apple TV with Ethernet if you can, or lower the stream quality. Also make sure the Mac isn’t going to sleep mid-movie.

Why is the AirPlay button missing for my video?

The app or file doesn’t support AirPlay. Apple’s players won’t open most MKV, AVI or WebM files, so there’s nothing to stream. Mirror your screen, convert the file, or use an app that converts while streaming.

Can my Mac's firewall block AirPlay?

It can. If Block all incoming connections is turned on in your Mac’s firewall options, connections to sharing services are blocked. Turn it off and try again.

Sources

Competitor details were checked on each vendor’s own website or App Store page in October 2026. Prices and features change; check the vendor’s site before you buy.