The fastest way to share your screen with Apple TV

To share your computer screen with Apple TV, use AirPlay, Apple's built-in wireless casting system. On a Mac, click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner, select Screen Mirroring, and choose your Apple TV from the list. On Windows, you will need to use a third-party app like Reflector or AirServer, since Windows does not have native AirPlay support. Your computer and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for either method to work.

The connection happens in seconds once you select your TV. Your entire screen — or just a single app window — appears on the television. You can stop sharing just as quickly by clicking Screen Mirroring again and selecting "Turn Off Mirroring".

Key Takeaways

  • Mac users can share their screen through Control Center without installing anything extra, but Windows users need a third-party app like Reflector or AirServer.
  • Both your computer and Apple TV must connect to the same Wi-Fi network before you can start sharing.
  • You can share your entire screen or just a single app window, and you can stop sharing at any time.
  • Some third-party apps let you mirror from older Macs or Windows computers that do not have built-in AirPlay support.

How to share from a Mac using Control Center

On any Mac running macOS 11 or later, open Control Center by clicking the icon in the top-right corner of your menu bar — it looks like a grid of squares. Look for the Screen Mirroring option, which shows a rectangle with an arrow pointing into it. Click it to see a list of available Apple TVs on your network.

Select your Apple TV from the list. Your Mac will connect to it in a few seconds, and your screen will appear on the television. If you want to share only one app instead of your entire screen, you can use the Stage Manager feature on newer Macs, but most users find full-screen sharing simpler for presentations or video calls.

To stop sharing, open Control Center again, click Screen Mirroring, and select "Turn Off Mirroring". Your screen will return to your Mac only.

Sharing from Windows using third-party apps

Windows does not include AirPlay support, so you will need to read an app that adds it. Reflector and AirServer are the two most common choices. Both cost money — Reflector is around $20 and AirServer around $15 — but they let you mirror from Windows to Apple TV just as smoothly as a Mac does.

After you install either app, launch it and make sure your Windows computer and Apple TV are on the same network. The app will show you available Apple TVs. Select yours, and your Windows screen will appear on the television. Both apps also let you mirror from iPhones and iPads to your Windows computer, which can be useful if you want to show mobile content on a larger screen.

If you do not want to pay for an app, you can use HDMI or USB-C cables instead, but that removes the wireless convenience that makes AirPlay useful in the first place.

Making sure your devices are on the same network

AirPlay only works when your computer and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Check your Mac or Windows settings to confirm which network you are on, then go to your Apple TV's settings and verify it is using the same one. If your home has a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network with the same name, connect both devices to the same band — usually 5 GHz if your computer and TV are close to the router.

If your Apple TV is not showing up in the Screen Mirroring list, restart both devices and try again. Sometimes the connection drops if one device loses Wi-Fi briefly. You can also try forgetting the network on your computer and reconnecting to it, which forces a fresh connection.

Sharing just one app instead of your entire screen

On a Mac, you can use Presenter Overlay or straightforward open the app you want to share and then start Screen Mirroring — your entire screen will still appear on the TV, but you can minimize other windows to keep them private. Some apps like Zoom, Google Meet, and Keynote have their own casting buttons built in, which let you share just that app without showing your desktop.

On Windows, Reflector and AirServer both let you choose whether to mirror your entire screen or just a single window. Open the app you want to share, then in Reflector or AirServer, select the option to mirror that window only. This keeps your other open files and notifications off the television.

Troubleshooting when your Apple TV does not appear

If your Apple TV is not showing up in the Screen Mirroring list, first check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. On your Mac, restart Control Center by clicking it again, or on Windows, close and reopen your mirroring app.

If the problem persists, check whether your Apple TV has a software update waiting. Go to Settings on the TV, select System, then Software Updates, and install any available update. Older Apple TV models sometimes have trouble connecting to newer Macs or Windows computers until they are fully updated.

If you are using a Mac older than 2013 or a Windows computer without a modern graphics card, your computer may not support AirPlay or third-party mirroring apps. In that case, HDMI is your only wireless-free option.

Using AirPlay for video calls and presentations

Screen sharing is especially useful for video calls on Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. Start your call on your computer, then begin Screen Mirroring to your Apple TV. Everyone in the call will see what appears on the television, and you can control your presentation from your computer while watching it on the big screen.

For presentations, open your slides in Keynote, PowerPoint, or Google Slides, then start Screen Mirroring. You can use your computer as a speaker's notes view while the audience sees only the slides on the TV. This setup works well for meetings, classroom presentations, or showing photos and videos to a group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple TV 4K or will an older model work?

Most Apple TV models from 2015 onward support AirPlay screen sharing. Older models like Apple TV 3 may not work with newer Macs. Check your Apple TV's model number in Settings, then search Apple's support site to confirm it supports your computer's operating system.

Can I share my screen if I am on a different Wi-Fi network than my Apple TV?

No. Both devices must be on the same network. If you are away from home, you cannot use AirPlay unless you connect to the same Wi-Fi your Apple TV is using. Some routers let you extend your network to other locations, but that is beyond the scope of basic screen sharing.

Will screen sharing drain my computer's battery?

Yes, screen mirroring uses more power than normal use because your computer is constantly sending video to the TV. If you are using a laptop, plug it in before starting a long presentation or video call. Battery drain is usually noticeable within 30 to 45 minutes of continuous mirroring.

Can I use AirPlay if my Apple TV is connected by ethernet instead of Wi-Fi?

Yes. Your Apple TV can be on ethernet while your computer uses Wi-Fi, as long as both are on the same local network. This is actually a good setup because the wired connection gives your TV a faster, more stable link to your home network.

What if my computer keeps disconnecting from the Apple TV?

Disconnections usually mean Wi-Fi interference or a weak signal. Move your computer closer to the router, or switch to the 5 GHz band if your router offers it. You can also try restarting your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If disconnections continue, your Wi-Fi may be overloaded with too many devices.