Yes, you can turn on your Apple TV from a computer using AirPlay or the Apple TV app
Your computer can wake and control an Apple TV in two main ways. The first is AirPlay, which lets you send video, audio, or your entire screen from a Mac to an Apple TV that's already on or in standby. The second is the Apple TV app on a Mac running macOS 10.15 or later, which can control an Apple TV remotely—including powering it on—if both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and signed into the same Apple ID.
The method you use depends on what you want to do. If you want to stream content or mirror your screen, AirPlay is the fastest route. If you want to control your Apple TV from across the room without touching it, the Apple TV app gives you a full remote control on your computer screen.
Key Takeaways
- AirPlay works from any Mac to any Apple TV on the same Wi-Fi network, but the Apple TV must already be on or in standby mode.
- The Apple TV app on Mac can power on an Apple TV remotely if both devices are signed into the same Apple ID and connected to the same network.
- You need macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later to use the Apple TV app; older Macs can use AirPlay through QuickTime Player or other apps.
- Both methods require your Apple TV to be plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi; they cannot turn on an Apple TV that is completely powered off at the outlet.
Using AirPlay to stream from your Mac to Apple TV
AirPlay is the simplest way to send content from your computer to your Apple TV. Open any app that supports AirPlay—Safari, Apple TV app, Photos, Music, or a third-party streaming service—and look for the AirPlay icon (a triangle with a circle at the bottom). Click it and select your Apple TV from the list.
Your Apple TV will wake from sleep if it's in standby mode. If it's completely off at the power outlet, AirPlay cannot turn it on. Once you select your Apple TV, the content plays on your television instead of your computer screen. You can still use your Mac for other tasks while AirPlay streams in the background.
AirPlay works with video, audio, and screen mirroring. To mirror your entire Mac screen, go to the menu bar, click the Control Center icon (or AirPlay icon on older Macs), and select your Apple TV. Your Mac screen will appear on the television, and you can control it from your keyboard and trackpad as usual.
Using the Apple TV app to control your Apple TV remotely
The Apple TV app on Mac includes a remote control feature that works over Wi-Fi. Open the Apple TV app, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner, and select "Remote." A virtual remote appears on your screen with buttons for play, pause, volume, navigation, and menu. You can use this to turn on your Apple TV, change channels, adjust volume, and navigate menus without touching a physical remote.
For the remote to work, your Mac and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network and signed into the same Apple ID. If they are, the remote will appear automatically when you open the Apple TV app. If it does not appear, check that both devices are signed in and connected to the same network, then restart the Apple TV app.
The virtual remote can wake your Apple TV from sleep mode. Press any button on the remote, and your Apple TV will turn on. This works even if your Apple TV is in a different room, as long as both devices are on the same network.
Setting up your Mac and Apple TV to work together
Both AirPlay and the Apple TV app remote require your devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that your Mac and Apple TV are both connected to the same network by going to System Preferences on your Mac and confirming the network name, then checking your Apple TV settings under Network.
For the Apple TV app remote to work, both devices must be signed into the same Apple ID. On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Apple ID and confirm you are signed in. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > Users and Accounts and sign in with the same Apple ID. If you use Family Sharing, any family member signed into the same group can control the Apple TV.
Make sure your Apple TV is plugged in and has power. AirPlay and the remote can wake it from sleep, but they cannot turn on an Apple TV that is completely unplugged or switched off at the power outlet. If your Apple TV does not respond to the remote, unplug it for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to restart.
Troubleshooting when your Mac cannot control your Apple TV
If the Apple TV app remote does not appear or AirPlay does not show your Apple TV, the most common cause is that the devices are not on the same network. Check your Wi-Fi connection on both devices. If you have a 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz network with the same name, try connecting both devices to the same band (usually 5 GHz is faster, but 2.4 GHz has better range).
If both devices are on the same network and the remote still does not work, restart the Apple TV app on your Mac. Close it completely, wait 10 seconds, and open it again. If that does not work, restart your Mac and your Apple TV. Unplug your Apple TV for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot before trying again.
Check that both devices are signed into the same Apple ID. On your Mac, open System Preferences and click Apple ID. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > Users and Accounts. If you are signed in with different accounts, sign out of one device and sign in with the matching account. After signing in, wait a few minutes for the devices to sync before trying the remote again.
What to do if your Apple TV is completely powered off
If your Apple TV is unplugged or switched off at the power outlet, neither AirPlay nor the remote can turn it on. These methods only work when the Apple TV is plugged in and in standby mode (a low-power state where it can receive commands over Wi-Fi).
To use your computer to control your Apple TV, make sure it stays plugged in at all times. You can reduce power consumption by going to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit on your Apple TV and enabling "Low Power Mode," which keeps the device in a very low-power state but still responsive to remote commands. This uses minimal electricity while allowing you to wake it from your Mac.
If you want to completely power down your Apple TV when you are not using it, you will need to plug it back in or use a physical remote or power button to turn it on before you can control it from your Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn on my Apple TV if it is completely unplugged?
No. Your Apple TV must be plugged in and in standby mode for your Mac to control it. AirPlay and the remote work over Wi-Fi, which requires power. If your Apple TV is unplugged, you will need to plug it in manually or use a physical remote or power button.
Do I need the same Apple ID on both devices?
You need the same Apple ID for the Apple TV app remote to work. AirPlay does not require an Apple ID—it works as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. If you use Family Sharing, any family member can control the Apple TV with the remote.
Can I use AirPlay on a Windows computer?
AirPlay is designed for Apple devices. Windows computers cannot use AirPlay to stream to Apple TV. However, some third-party apps claim to add AirPlay support to Windows; results vary. Your best option on Windows is to use a Mac, iPad, or iPhone to control your Apple TV.
What if my Mac and Apple TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?
Both AirPlay and the remote require the devices to be on the same network. If they are on different networks, neither method will work. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network, then try again. If you have a guest network, make sure both devices are on the main network, not the guest network.
Can I control my Apple TV from my Mac if I am away from home?
No. Both AirPlay and the Apple TV app remote work only when your Mac and Apple TV are on the same local Wi-Fi network. They do not work over the internet from a different location. If you need remote access from outside your home, you can use an iPad or iPhone with the Apple TV app if Home Sharing is set up, but this also requires being on the same network.