The basic way to cast from your Mac to Apple TV

To cast from your MacBook to an Apple TV, use AirPlay, which is Apple's wireless casting system. Open the Control Center on your Mac (click the icon in the top-right corner of your menu bar), click Screen Mirroring, and select your Apple TV from the list. Your Mac screen will appear on your TV within a few seconds.

This works with any Apple TV model from the 3rd generation onward, as long as your Mac and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. You do not need to pair them beforehand — AirPlay finds your TV automatically once you open the menu.

If you do not see your Apple TV in the list, check that both devices are connected to the same network. Restart your Mac or Apple TV if the TV does not appear after a few seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Control Center on your Mac, select Screen Mirroring, and choose your Apple TV from the list to cast your entire screen.
  • Your Mac and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work.
  • You can mirror your whole screen or extend your display to use your TV as a second monitor instead.
  • If your Apple TV asks for a four-digit code when you first connect, enter it on your Mac to complete the pairing.
  • Audio from your Mac plays through your TV speakers automatically when you are casting.

Mirroring versus extending your display

When you cast to Apple TV, you have two options: mirror your display or extend it. Mirroring shows the exact same image on both your Mac and your TV. Extending uses your TV as a second monitor, so you can drag windows between your Mac screen and the TV screen.

To choose which mode you want, hold down the Option key while you click Screen Mirroring in Control Center. A menu appears with both options. Select Mirror to show the same thing on both screens, or select your Apple TV name to extend your display instead.

Extending is useful if you want to keep your work on your Mac while showing something full-screen on the TV — for example, keeping your notes on your Mac while presenting slides on the TV.

What to do if your Apple TV asks for a code

The first time you cast to a new Apple TV, the TV may display a four-digit code on screen. This is a security step to make sure you own the TV. Type this code into your Mac when prompted, and the pairing will complete. You will not need to enter the code again for future casts from that Mac.

If you do not see a prompt on your Mac, check your TV screen to see if the code is displayed there. If your Mac does not ask for the code after 30 seconds, try clicking Screen Mirroring again and selecting your Apple TV.

Casting audio only, without your screen

If you want to send audio to your Apple TV speakers without showing your screen, use AirPlay Audio instead of screen mirroring. Open Control Center, click the volume icon, and look for an AirPlay output option. Select your Apple TV to send sound only.

This is helpful when you want to play music or a podcast through your TV speakers while keeping your Mac screen private. Your Mac screen stays dark on the TV, and only the audio plays through the speakers.

Troubleshooting when your Mac will not connect

If your Mac does not see your Apple TV in the Screen Mirroring menu, start by checking the Wi-Fi connection. Both devices must be on the same network — if your Mac is on a guest network and your Apple TV is on the main network, they cannot find each other. Switch your Mac to the same network as your Apple TV.

Restart both devices if they are on the same network but still not connecting. Shut down your Mac completely, unplug your Apple TV for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and turn your Mac back on. Then try Screen Mirroring again.

If your Apple TV is very old (2nd generation or earlier), it does not support AirPlay from a Mac. Check your Apple TV model by going to Settings on the TV itself. If you have an older model, you will need a newer Apple TV to use this feature.

Adjusting resolution and performance when casting

Your Mac automatically sends video at the resolution your Apple TV supports. If the picture looks blurry or the text is hard to read, go to System Settings on your Mac, click Displays, then Resolution, and choose a different setting. Lower resolutions may make text sharper on some TVs, while higher resolutions show more detail.

If casting feels slow or laggy, move your Mac closer to your Apple TV or your Wi-Fi router. Walls and distance weaken the wireless signal. You can also reduce the number of other devices using your Wi-Fi network while you cast.

Stopping the cast and disconnecting

To stop casting, open Control Center again, click Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring. Your Mac screen will no longer appear on the TV, and your display will return to normal.

You do not need to unpair your Mac from the Apple TV. The next time you want to cast, just open Screen Mirroring and select the TV again — it will connect when ready without asking for a code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from my MacBook while using an external monitor?

Yes. You can mirror your entire setup (both your Mac screen and any external monitors) to your Apple TV, or you can extend your display so the TV acts as a third screen. Use the Option key method described above to choose which mode you want.

What if my Apple TV is on a different Wi-Fi network than my Mac?

They must be on the same network to connect. Check your Wi-Fi settings on both devices and make sure they are joined to the same network name. If your home has a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with different names, connect both devices to the same band.

Does casting drain my MacBook battery faster?

Yes, casting uses more power than normal use because your Mac is constantly sending video over Wi-Fi. If you are casting for a long time, plug your Mac into power. The impact is usually noticeable but not dramatic — expect a few extra percentage points of battery drain per hour.

Can I cast from my Mac while someone else is using the Apple TV?

No. Only one device can cast to an Apple TV at a time. If someone else is already casting, you will see their name in the Screen Mirroring menu. You can ask them to stop mirroring, and then you can connect your Mac.

Why does my cursor disappear when I cast?

Your cursor is still there — it is just hidden to avoid distraction during presentations. Move your mouse or trackpad and the cursor will reappear. This is normal behavior and not a problem.