How to Connect Your MacBook to Apple TV

The fastest way to connect your MacBook to Apple TV

The simplest method is AirPlay, which lets you mirror your MacBook screen or stream audio and video wirelessly to your Apple TV. Your MacBook and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open the Control Center on your MacBook (click the icon in the top-right corner), click Screen Mirroring, select your Apple TV from the list, and enter the four-digit code that appears on your TV screen if prompted. Your MacBook display will then appear on your television.

If you do not see your Apple TV in the Screen Mirroring menu, restart both devices and make sure they are truly on the same network — not a guest network or a different band of the same router. Some older Apple TV models (3rd generation and earlier) do not support AirPlay from a Mac, so check your device's generation in Settings > About on the Apple TV itself.

For audio only without mirroring the screen, use the volume control in your menu bar: click the volume icon, hold Option, and select your Apple TV as the output device. This works for music, podcasts, and video sound while you keep working on your Mac.

Key Takeaways

AirPlay is the wireless method built into both MacBook and Apple TV and requires only that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
To mirror your screen, open Control Center, select Screen Mirroring, choose your Apple TV, and enter the on-screen code if asked.
If your Apple TV does not appear in the list, restart both devices and confirm they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, not a guest network.
You can stream audio to your Apple TV without mirroring your screen by selecting it as an output device in your Mac's volume menu.
Older Apple TV models (3rd generation and earlier) do not support AirPlay from a Mac and require a wired HDMI connection instead.

What to do if your Apple TV does not show up in Screen Mirroring

First, confirm both devices are on the same network. Open System Settings on your MacBook, go to Wi-Fi, and note the network name. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit and check that it is on the same Wi-Fi network. If your router broadcasts separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, your devices might be on different ones — try connecting your MacBook to the same band as your Apple TV.

Restart both devices: unplug your Apple TV for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Restart your MacBook by clicking the Apple menu and selecting Restart. Wait for both to fully boot, then try Screen Mirroring again. If your Apple TV still does not appear, check that AirPlay is turned on: on the Apple TV, go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit and make sure AirPlay is set to On.

If you are using a Mac older than 2013, it may not support AirPlay to Apple TV. Check your Mac's model year in the Apple menu > About This Mac. Macs from 2013 onward generally support AirPlay, though some early 2013 models have limited compatibility.

Connecting with HDMI if AirPlay is not an option

If your Apple TV is a 3rd generation model or older, or if wireless connection is not working, you can use a wired HDMI connection. You will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (for newer MacBooks) or a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter (for older MacBooks). Plug the adapter into your MacBook, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your Apple TV's HDMI port, and your MacBook display will appear on the television.

To find which adapter you need, check your MacBook's ports: newer models have USB-C ports, while older models have a Mini DisplayPort (a small rectangular port). Most electronics retailers and online stores carry both types. Once connected, your Mac may automatically detect the TV as an external display, or you may need to go to System Settings > Displays to adjust the resolution and arrangement.

A wired connection is also useful if your Wi-Fi network is unreliable or if you want to avoid the slight delay that wireless mirroring can introduce — important if you are playing video or using your Mac for presentations.

Adjusting display settings after you connect

Once your MacBook is mirrored to Apple TV, you can adjust how it displays. If the picture does not fill the screen or appears stretched, go to System Settings > Displays on your MacBook and look for resolution or scaling options. For AirPlay, these settings are limited, but you can usually choose between mirroring at your MacBook's native resolution or at a lower resolution that may look sharper on the TV.

If you want to use your Apple TV as a second display instead of mirroring (so your MacBook and TV show different things), this is not possible with AirPlay — AirPlay only mirrors. However, some third-party apps like Luna Display or Duet Air offer extended display functionality, though they require a paid subscription or one-time purchase.

Using your MacBook to control Apple TV

Once connected via AirPlay, your MacBook keyboard and trackpad do not automatically control the Apple TV. To control it, use the physical Apple TV remote, the Apple Remote app on your iPhone or iPad, or the Control Center on your iPhone if it is set up as a home hub. You can also use Siri on your MacBook to control your Apple TV if both devices are in the same Home in the Home app.

If you want to use your MacBook to navigate Apple TV menus while mirrored, you will need to use one of these control methods rather than expecting your trackpad to work directly on the TV interface.

Troubleshooting audio and video sync issues

If the sound and picture are out of sync when you mirror your MacBook to Apple TV, try reducing the video quality: in Control Center, click Screen Mirroring, select your Apple TV, and if there is a resolution option, choose a lower setting. Wireless interference from other devices on your network can also cause lag — move your MacBook closer to your Apple TV or router, or temporarily turn off other Wi-Fi devices.

If only the audio is cutting out, check that your MacBook is not trying to output to multiple devices at once. Click the volume icon in the menu bar, hold Option, and confirm your Apple TV is selected as the only audio output. If video plays but audio does not, restart the app you are using and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my MacBook to Apple TV without Wi-Fi?

No, AirPlay requires Wi-Fi. However, you can use a wired HDMI connection with an adapter if your Apple TV is a 3rd generation model or older, or if you prefer a cable connection. Newer Apple TV models do not have HDMI ports and only support AirPlay.

Why does my MacBook keep disconnecting from Apple TV?

Weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common cause. Move your MacBook closer to your router or Apple TV, or check that no other devices are using most of your bandwidth. If disconnections continue, restart both devices and make sure you are on the same Wi-Fi network, not a guest network.

Can I use AirPlay while my MacBook is locked?

No, your MacBook must be awake and unlocked to mirror to Apple TV. However, you can lock your screen after mirroring starts if you are only streaming audio from an app like Music or Podcasts.

What is the difference between mirroring and extending the display?

Mirroring shows the same image on both your MacBook and Apple TV. Extending would show different content on each, but AirPlay does not support this — it only mirrors. Third-party apps offer extended display, but they require a paid subscription.

Do I need to pair my MacBook with Apple TV before connecting?

No pairing is required. As long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, your Apple TV will appear in the Screen Mirroring menu. You may need to enter a four-digit code the first time you connect, but this is not the same as pairing.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.