How to Fix AirPlay Not Working on Mac

Want to fix the AirPlay not working on Mac issue?

AirPlay has to be one of the greatest features Apple has released to date. Whether it’s your childhood pictures that you or your family want to view together to relive the memories or a presentation you need to give in your office, you can use AirPlay to mirror your screen from one Apple device to another.

Unfortunately, the feature can experience hindrances in its functionality from time to time. For Mac users, the problem mainly arises due to an unstable internet connection, misconfigured or overprotective settings, software bugs, and more.

Luckily we’re here to save the day. We’ve listed below several remedies for AirPlay not working on Mac. Keep in mind that this problem may occur not only due to issues in your Mac but also on the second device you’re using AirPlay with. Thus, it’s important to troubleshoot both devices when dealing with this situation.

So let’s get right to it!

1. Check AirPlay Compatibility With Your Mac.

The AirPlay feature isn’t compatible with all Apple devices. So, if you can’t get AirPlay to work on your Mac, the first step is to check the AirPlay system requirements and see if your device meets them. Sometimes, you may have to update the macOS to the latest version to use the AirPlay feature.

2. Reboot Wi-Fi Router. 

Sometimes, a firmware glitch in the router may result in not being able to stream content on AirPlay. So, the basic troubleshooting for AirPlay not working on Mac begins with rebooting your Wi-Fi router. 

Here’s how to reboot your Wi-Fi router: 

1. Start by turning off your router.

2. Next, unplug it from the power source. 
   
3. Now, wait for at least one minute. 
   
4. Finally, turn on the router again and check if your issue is resolved or not.
   
   

3. Connect to the Same Wi-Fi on Both Devices. 

Another thing that you need to keep in mind while using AirPlay is that your devices should be connected to Wi-Fi, not Cellular data, etc. Moreover, both Apple devices should be connected to the same Wi-Fi. 

Follow the steps below to check the Wi-Fi network you’re using on your iPhone:

1. Go to Settings. 
   
2. Tap on Wi-Fi. 
   
3. Ensure that the toggle for Wi-Fi is turned on. Then, look at the network your device is connected to. 

On your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon from the menu bar. 

2. Now, check the name of the Wi-Fi you’re connected to. It should be the same as your iPhone. 
   

4. Enable Bluetooth. 

Apart from turning on the Wi-Fi, users must enable Bluetooth to be able to use the AirPlay feature. Therefore, if you can’t get AirPlay to work, check the Bluetooth connection and ensure that it’s enabled on both of your Apple devices. 

Following are the steps you should follow:

1. Begin by pressing Command + Spacebar keys from your keyboard to access Spotlight Search. 
   
2. Next, enter ‘System Preferences’ and press the Return key. You may also click on the Apple menu from the top-left corner and select System Preferences. 
   
3. From there, click on Bluetooth. 

4. If Bluetooth is disabled, enable it from the left pane by clicking on Turn Bluetooth On. 

Once done, check if the AirPlay is working or not. Otherwise, move to the next method from this guide to resolve your issue. 

5. Check AirPlay Receiver Settings. 

To make your Mac act as the AirPlay receiver, you may need to modify the AirPlay Receiver settings. This feature will allow your Mac to receive files and content from other devices. If you enabled it earlier, it’s possible that you mistakenly turned it off later on. Therefore, it’s worth checking the associated settings.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on the Apple menu from the menu bar and choose System Preferences. 

2. After that, click on Sharing. 

3. From the left pane, check the box next to the AirPlay Receiver. 

This should solve your AirPlay not working on Mac problem. 

6. Wake Devices and Keep Them Nearby.

One must keep in mind that to use the AirPlay feature, you have to keep both devices unlocked at all times. So, if either of your devices is locked, in Sleep mode, or far away, it may be why AirPlay is not working. 

To fix it, simply wake your Mac if it’s in Sleep mode by clicking the trackpad or pressing any key from the keyboard. Furthermore, if the devices are far apart, it can cause connectivity errors. Therefore, keep the devices near each other, preferably in a Bluetooth range of up to 33 feet. 

7. Check Firewall Settings.

Certain Firewall settings can block your Mac from AirPlay. So, if you’re using Firewall and AirPlay features simultaneously, check specific Firewall settings, so they don’t interfere with AirPlay. 

Here’s what you must do:

1. Head over to the Apple menu and click on System Preferences. 
   
2. Then, select Security & Privacy. 

3. From the top, click on the Firewall tab. 
   
4. Select the lock icon from the bottom-left corner. 

5. Next, enter your password or use the TouchID to unlock Firewall settings.
   
6. Choose the Firewall options button.
   
7. Now, uncheck the box for Block all incoming connections. 
   
8. Then, check the box next to Automatically allow built-in software to receive incoming connections. 

9. Finally, click on OK and choose the lock icon again to confirm and save these changes. 
   
   

8. Restart Both Devices.

One of the most straightforward solutions to various Apple issues is to restart your device. As you do so, all the background activities will be refreshed, and any temporary bugs will be eliminated. So, if you can’t stream content on Airplay on Mac, consider restarting both devices.

Here’s how to reboot your Mac:

1. Click on the Apple menu. 
   
2. Then, select Restart. 

From your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps below to restart it:

1. Press and hold the Side button til the power off slider appears. 

2. Drag the slider to the right to turn off your device. 
   
3. To restart it, press and hold the Side button again. 
   
4. Once you see an Apple logo on the screen, release the Side button. 

As both your devices restart, the AirPlay not working on your Mac issue should be fixed. 

9. Ensure the OS is Up to Date.

If nothing mentioned in this guide fixed your problem, the last solution is to check for macOS updates and install them if available. This is because a software bug may sometimes hinder the normal functioning of various features, including AirPlay. Therefore, it’s best to occasionally check for software updates to keep it up to date. 

Here’s what you must do:

1. Go to the Apple menu. 
   
2. Choose About This Mac. 

3. Afterward, click on the Software Update button. 

4. If there’s a pending update, click on the Update Now button to begin the process. 
   
5. After the update is installed, see if AirPlay not working on Mac is solved or not.

This ends our guide on how to fix AirPlay not working on Mac. If you have any queries or confusion, don’t forget to use the comments section below. We’ll be more than happy to help you out. 

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