The Basic Steps to AirPlay from Mac to Apple TV

To stream video, audio, or your entire Mac screen to an Apple TV, open the Control Center on your Mac (click the icon in the top-right corner of your menu bar), then click Screen Mirroring. A list of nearby Apple TVs appears. Select the one you want to use, and your Mac's display mirrors to the television within seconds. If your Mac asks for a code, look at your TV screen — it will show a four-digit number to enter on your Mac.

For audio only — music from Apple Music, Spotify, or any app — use AirPlay audio instead. Open Control Center, click the volume icon, and select your Apple TV from the audio output menu. The sound plays through your TV's speakers while your Mac screen stays private.

Both methods work over the same Wi-Fi network. Your Mac and Apple TV must be connected to the same network, and your Apple TV must be powered on and set up with the same Apple ID as your Mac (or at least on the same home network).

Key Takeaways

  • Screen Mirroring in Control Center is the fastest way to send your Mac display to Apple TV — it takes about three seconds after you select the TV.
  • Your Mac and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network; they do not need to be on the same Apple ID, but sharing a home network makes setup simpler.
  • A four-digit code appears on your TV screen the first time you connect; enter it on your Mac to confirm the pairing.
  • Use AirPlay audio from Control Center to send music or podcasts to your TV speakers without mirroring your entire screen.
  • If Screen Mirroring does not appear in Control Center, restart both your Mac and Apple TV, then check that Wi-Fi is on.

Where to Find Screen Mirroring on Different Mac Models

On newer Macs with Apple silicon (M1, M2, M3 and later), Control Center is in the top-right corner of the menu bar. Click the icon that looks like overlapping rectangles, then look for Screen Mirroring near the top of the menu.

On older Intel-based Macs running macOS Big Sur or later, Control Center is also in the top-right corner. The Screen Mirroring option appears in the same place. If you are running an older version of macOS (Catalina or earlier), you will not see Control Center. Instead, go to the Apple menu, select System Preferences, then click Displays, and look for an AirPlay Display dropdown menu.

If you do not see Screen Mirroring in Control Center at all, your Mac may not support AirPlay to Apple TV. Macs from 2013 and later generally support it, but some older models do not. Check Apple's official support page for your specific Mac model if you are unsure.

Troubleshooting When AirPlay Does Not Show Your Apple TV

The most common reason your Apple TV does not appear in the Screen Mirroring list is that your Mac and Apple TV are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both devices are connected to the same network — look at your Mac's Wi-Fi menu and your Apple TV's network settings. If one is on a 5 GHz band and the other is on 2.4 GHz, they may not see each other; try connecting both to the same band.

Restart both devices if they are on the same network but still not connecting. Turn off your Apple TV completely (unplug it for 10 seconds), then turn it back on. On your Mac, restart it or straightforward toggle Wi-Fi off and back on. Wait 30 seconds, then open Control Center again and look for your Apple TV.

If your Apple TV is still missing, check that it is signed in with an Apple ID. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > Users and Accounts and confirm an account is active. Your Mac does not need to use the same Apple ID, but both devices must be on the same home network in the Home app for seamless connection.

What Happens When You Mirror Your Mac Screen

When you select an Apple TV in Screen Mirroring, everything on your Mac display appears on your television — your desktop, open windows, the menu bar, and any notifications. The resolution adjusts automatically to fit your TV. Your Mac's built-in speakers stay silent; all audio plays through your TV unless you have changed the audio output separately.

You can continue using your Mac normally while mirroring. Open new windows, switch between apps, or adjust volume — all changes appear on the TV in real time. The connection stays active until you click Screen Mirroring again and select Stop Mirroring, or until you close Control Center.

Mirroring uses some of your Mac's processing power, so older Macs may feel slightly slower while streaming. If you notice lag or stuttering, try closing other apps or moving closer to your Wi-Fi router to strengthen the signal.

Using AirPlay to Send Only Audio to Your Apple TV

If you want to play music or a podcast through your TV speakers without showing your Mac screen, use AirPlay audio instead of screen mirroring. Open Control Center on your Mac, click the Volume icon (or the speaker icon, depending on your macOS version), and a list of audio output devices appears. Select your Apple TV from the list.

From that moment on, any sound from your Mac — music apps, videos, system sounds — plays through your TV. Your Mac screen does not appear on the television. To switch audio back to your Mac's speakers, open Control Center again, click the volume icon, and select MacBook Pro (or whatever your Mac model is called).

This method is useful for playing background music during a gathering, listening to a podcast on a larger speaker, or watching a video where you want the audio on the TV but your screen private. The connection is just as stable as screen mirroring and uses less of your Mac's resources.

Pairing Your Mac with Apple TV for the First Time

The first time you connect your Mac to a specific Apple TV, a four-digit code appears on your TV screen. This code is a security measure — it confirms that you physically own or control both devices. On your Mac, a dialog box asks you to enter this code. Type the four digits exactly as they appear on your TV, then press Enter.

After you enter the code once, your Mac and Apple TV are paired. The next time you use Screen Mirroring, the code does not appear again — your Mac connects automatically. If you want to unpair them, go to your Apple TV's Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay Security and select Everyone or Only People Sharing This Home depending on your preference. Then restart your Apple TV.

If a code appears every single time you try to connect, your Apple TV's AirPlay security setting may be set to Everyone with a code required. Check this setting on your Apple TV and adjust it if you want to skip the code step in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I AirPlay from my Mac to an older Apple TV model?

Yes, but only Apple TV (3rd generation) and later support AirPlay from Mac. If you have an Apple TV from 2012 or earlier, it will not work. Most Apple TVs sold in the last ten years support AirPlay without any issues.

What if my Mac and Apple TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?

They must be on the same network to connect. If your home has a guest network separate from your main network, move both devices to the same one. Some routers let you name the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands the same thing, which can help both devices connect to the strongest signal automatically.

Does AirPlay work if I am away from home?

No. AirPlay requires both devices to be on the same local Wi-Fi network. If you are traveling or at a different location, you cannot use AirPlay to your home Apple TV. You would need to use a different method, like remote access through the Home app, which is a separate feature.

Can I AirPlay video from a web browser on my Mac?

Yes. When you play a video in Safari, Chrome, or another browser, the AirPlay icon appears in the video player controls. Click it and select your Apple TV. The video streams to your TV while your Mac screen stays private. Not all websites support this feature, but most major video platforms do.

Why does my Mac keep disconnecting from Apple TV?

Weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common cause. Move your Mac or Apple TV closer to your router, or check if other devices are using a lot of bandwidth. Restarting both devices also fixes most disconnection problems. If it keeps happening, your router may need a firmware update.