AirPlay lets you send video, audio, or your entire screen from your MacBook to an Apple TV wirelessly

AirPlay is Apple's built-in wireless streaming system. When your MacBook and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network, you can send what's on your Mac's screen to your TV, stream video or music from apps, or mirror everything you're doing. You don't need cables, extra software, or a separate account — it's built into both devices.

The process takes about 30 seconds once both devices are set up. Your MacBook will show an AirPlay icon in the menu bar (the top right of your screen), and you click it to pick your Apple TV from a list. The connection stays active until you disconnect or put your Mac to sleep.

Key Takeaways

  • Your MacBook and Apple TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before AirPlay will work.
  • You start an AirPlay connection by clicking the AirPlay icon in your Mac's menu bar and selecting your Apple TV from the list.
  • Screen mirroring sends everything on your Mac to the TV; video streaming from apps like Apple TV or Netflix sends only that app.
  • If your Apple TV doesn't appear in the AirPlay menu, restart both devices and check that they're on the same network.
  • AirPlay works with MacBooks running macOS 10.5 or later and all Apple TV models from 2nd generation onward.

Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network

AirPlay only works when your MacBook and Apple TV can see each other on the same network. On your MacBook, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar (top right) and note which network you're connected to. Then check your Apple TV: go to Settings > Network and confirm it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

If they're on different networks — for example, if your Mac is on a 5 GHz band and your Apple TV is on 2.4 GHz — AirPlay won't find the TV. Most home Wi-Fi routers broadcast both bands under the same network name, so this is usually not a problem. If you're unsure, restart your router and let both devices reconnect automatically.

Open the AirPlay menu on your MacBook

Look at the top right corner of your Mac's screen, where you'll see a row of small icons. One of them looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom — that's the AirPlay icon. Click it once.

A dropdown menu will appear showing all available Apple TVs on your network. If you have only one Apple TV, it will be listed by name (usually something like "Living Room" or "Apple TV"). If you have multiple TVs, each will appear as a separate option. Click the one you want to connect to.

Choose between screen mirroring and video streaming

Screen mirroring sends everything on your Mac's display to the TV — your desktop, open windows, cursor, everything. This is useful when you want to show someone a presentation, browse the web together, or use your TV as an extra monitor. When you select screen mirroring, your Mac's screen appears on the TV within a few seconds.

Video streaming sends only the video or audio from a specific app to the TV while your Mac's screen stays private. If you're watching a movie in the Apple TV app, Netflix, or YouTube, you can stream just that content without mirroring your whole desktop. To do this, open the app on your Mac, start playing the video, and look for an AirPlay icon within the app itself (usually in the video player controls). Click that icon and select your Apple TV.

You don't have to choose one method and stick with it — you can switch between them. If you're mirroring and want to stop, click the AirPlay icon again and select "Turn Off AirPlay". If you're streaming from an app and want to switch to mirroring, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar and select screen mirroring.

Adjust display settings if the picture looks wrong

When you first connect, your Mac may scale the display to fit your TV, which can make text look blurry or the picture appear zoomed in or out. To fix this, click the AirPlay icon, hold down the Option key on your keyboard, and click your Apple TV's name. A menu will open with resolution options.

Choose "Optimize for Apple TV" if text looks fuzzy, or select a specific resolution if you want more control. Most Macs default to a resolution that works well, so you may not need to change anything. If you're using your TV as a second monitor for work, experiment with different resolutions to find what's readable from where you sit.

Disconnect or troubleshoot if AirPlay stops working

To stop AirPlay, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar and select "Turn Off AirPlay". Your Mac's screen will return to your laptop display, and any video or audio will stop streaming to the TV.

If your Apple TV doesn't appear in the AirPlay menu, try these steps in order: First, restart your MacBook (Apple menu > Restart). Then restart your Apple TV (Settings > System > Restart). After both devices come back on, check that they're on the same Wi-Fi network again. If the Apple TV still doesn't show up, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait about two minutes for it to fully restart, then try AirPlay again.

If you see your Apple TV in the AirPlay menu but the connection drops after a few seconds, move your MacBook closer to the router or Apple TV. Wi-Fi interference from other devices or walls can weaken the signal. You can also try forgetting the Wi-Fi network on your Mac (System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced > remove the network) and reconnecting to it fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay if my MacBook and Apple TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network to find each other. If you're at a location with multiple networks, make sure both are connected to the main one. Some workplaces or hotels have separate networks for different devices — if that's the case, ask the network administrator to put both on the same network.

Does AirPlay work with older MacBooks or older Apple TV models?

AirPlay works with MacBooks running macOS 10.5 or later, which covers nearly every Mac made in the last 15 years. For Apple TV, it works with 2nd generation and newer. If you have a very old Apple TV (1st generation), AirPlay is not supported. You can check your Apple TV's model in Settings > About.

Will AirPlay slow down my internet or my MacBook?

AirPlay uses your local Wi-Fi network, not your internet connection, so it won't affect your internet speed. Your MacBook may use more battery power while streaming, especially during screen mirroring, but it won't slow down other tasks. If you notice lag or stuttering, move closer to your router or reduce the number of other devices using Wi-Fi.

Can I use AirPlay while my MacBook is locked or asleep?

No. Your MacBook must be awake and unlocked for AirPlay to work. If your Mac goes to sleep, the connection will drop. You can adjust your Mac's sleep settings in System Settings > Lock Screen to keep it awake longer while you're streaming.

What if I want to use AirPlay but keep my Mac's screen private?

Use video streaming instead of screen mirroring. Open the app you want to watch (Apple TV, Netflix, YouTube, etc.), start playing the video, click the AirPlay icon within that app's player, and select your Apple TV. Your Mac's screen stays dark while only the video plays on the TV.