How to Connect Your Mac to a TV Wirelessly

The fastest way: AirPlay to an Apple TV

If you own an Apple TV, connecting your Mac wirelessly takes about 30 seconds. Your Mac and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open the Control Center on your Mac (click the icon in the top-right corner that looks like a rectangle with lines), find the screen mirroring icon, and select your Apple TV from the list. Your Mac screen appears on the TV when ready.

AirPlay is the most reliable method because Apple designed both devices to work together. You can mirror your entire screen or extend it — extending means your TV becomes a second display where you can drag windows and work independently. To switch between mirroring and extending, go back to Control Center, click the screen mirroring icon again, and choose the option you want.

Key Takeaways

AirPlay through an Apple TV is the fastest and most stable option, requiring only that both devices share the same Wi-Fi network.
Macs running macOS Monterey or newer can connect to some non-Apple TVs using AirPlay, though compatibility varies by TV brand and model.
If you don't have an Apple TV, you can use third-party apps like Roku, Google Cast, or Amazon Fire TV, though setup steps and performance differ.
Casting a single app (like Netflix or YouTube) works differently from mirroring your entire screen and uses less bandwidth.
Wired HDMI remains the most compatible option if wireless fails or if your TV is older.

Connecting to non-Apple TVs with AirPlay

Starting with macOS Monterey (released in 2021), some newer smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio support AirPlay directly — you don't need a separate device. Open Control Center on your Mac, click the screen mirroring icon, and if your TV is compatible and on the same network, it will appear in the list. Select it and your screen mirrors to the TV.

Compatibility is not may provide. Older TV models and budget models often don't support AirPlay, even if they're from a major brand. Before assuming your TV will work, check the TV's manual or the manufacturer's website for "AirPlay support" or "AirPlay 2". If your TV doesn't list it, the method won't work.

Using Roku, Google Cast, or Fire TV apps

If your TV has a Roku, Google Chromecast, or Amazon Fire TV built in, you can cast from your Mac using the TV's native app or a web browser. For Roku, read the Roku app from the Mac App Store, open it, and look for a cast icon (usually in the top-right corner of the app). Select your Roku device and your screen casts to the TV.

Google Cast works through the Chrome browser. Open Chrome on your Mac, click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, select "Cast", and choose your Chromecast device from the list. Your screen or a single tab can be cast — choose which one you want before clicking Cast.

Amazon Fire TV uses the Silk browser or the Fire TV app. read the Fire TV app from the Mac App Store, open it, and select your Fire TV device. The setup is similar to Roku, though the interface and available features vary slightly. Performance and lag depend on your Wi-Fi signal strength and the age of your TV.

Casting a single app instead of your whole screen

If you only want to send Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify to your TV without mirroring your entire screen, most of these apps have a built-in cast button. Open the app on your Mac, look for an icon that looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner, and click it. Select your TV or streaming device from the list.

Casting a single app uses less bandwidth than mirroring your whole screen and often performs better on slower Wi-Fi networks. The app continues to play on your TV even if you close it on your Mac or switch to a different window. This method works with Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Disney+, and most other major streaming services, though the exact button location varies by app.

What to do if wireless connection fails

If your Mac doesn't see your TV in the Control Center list, restart both devices and make sure they're on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that your TV's Wi-Fi is turned on — some TVs have a separate setting for AirPlay or casting that must be enabled in the TV's menu. If the TV is on a guest network and your Mac is on the main network, they won't see each other.

If restarting doesn't work, try forgetting the Wi-Fi network on your Mac and reconnecting. Go to System Settings, click Wi-Fi, find your network, click the "i" icon next to it, and select "Forget This Network". Then reconnect by selecting the network again and entering your password. Wait 30 seconds for both devices to fully reconnect before trying to cast again.

If wireless still fails, use an HDMI cable as a backup. Connect your Mac to the TV with an HDMI adapter (most modern Macs use USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, so you'll need a USB-C to HDMI adapter). This is the most reliable method and works with any TV, though it requires a cable and limits where you can place your Mac.

Adjusting display settings after connecting

Once your Mac is connected to the TV, you can adjust how the display looks. If the text is too small or the image doesn't fill the whole screen, go to System Settings, click Displays, and select the TV from the list. You can change the resolution, refresh rate, and scaling. Lower resolution makes text larger but may look blurry; higher resolution makes everything smaller but sharper.

If you're extending your display (using the TV as a second screen), you can drag windows between your Mac and the TV. You can also rearrange which side the TV sits on in the Displays settings — this makes dragging windows feel more natural. If you want to use the TV as your main display, you can set it as the primary display in the same menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple TV to use AirPlay?

No, not anymore. Macs running macOS Monterey or newer can connect directly to some newer smart TVs that support AirPlay. However, older TVs and budget models often don't support it, so check your TV's manual first. If your TV doesn't support AirPlay, you'll need an Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, or Fire TV device.

Why is my Mac not showing up on my TV's screen?

The most common reason is that your Mac and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks. Make sure both are connected to the same network. Also check that your TV's casting or AirPlay feature is turned on — this is usually in the TV's settings menu under Network or Connectivity. Restart both devices if they're on the same network but still won't connect.

Can I use my Mac while the TV is mirroring?

Yes, but anything you do on your Mac will appear on the TV. If you want to use your Mac privately while the TV shows something else, use extend mode instead of mirror mode. In extend mode, the TV becomes a second display where you can drag windows independently.

What if my Wi-Fi is slow — will casting lag?

Lag depends on your Wi-Fi speed and signal strength. If you're far from your router or have many devices connected, casting may stutter or drop. Move closer to your router, reduce the number of devices using Wi-Fi, or switch to a wired HDMI connection if lag is a problem. Casting a single app usually performs better than mirroring your entire screen.

Can I connect my Mac to a TV that doesn't have Wi-Fi?

No, wireless casting requires Wi-Fi on both devices. If your TV doesn't have Wi-Fi built in, you can add a Roku, Chromecast, or Fire TV device to it, or use an HDMI cable instead. An HDMI adapter is inexpensive and works with any TV, though it requires a physical connection.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.