How to Connect Your Mac to Apple TV

The fastest way to pair your Mac with Apple TV

To pair your Mac with Apple TV, open System Settings on your Mac, go to AirPlay and Handoff, then select your Apple TV from the list and enter the four-digit code shown on your TV screen. The pairing takes about 30 seconds and only needs to happen once — after that, your Mac and Apple TV stay connected as long as they're on the same Wi-Fi network.

You do not need an Apple ID to pair them, though you will need one if you want to use features like AirPlay or HomeKit. Both devices must be powered on and within range of the same Wi-Fi network for pairing to work.

Key Takeaways

Open System Settings on your Mac, navigate to AirPlay and Handoff, and select your Apple TV to start pairing.
A four-digit code appears on your TV screen during pairing — enter this code on your Mac to complete the connection.
Your Mac and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for pairing to succeed and stay connected.
After pairing once, your devices remain connected automatically whenever both are powered on and in range.
If pairing fails, restart both devices and check that your Wi-Fi network name and password are correct on both.

Step-by-step pairing instructions for Mac

Start on your Mac. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then select System Settings. In the sidebar, scroll down and click AirPlay and Handoff. You will see a list of nearby Apple TV devices under the AirPlay Receiver section.

Click the Apple TV you want to pair with. Your TV screen will display a four-digit code. Type this code into the field that appears on your Mac. Once you enter the code, the pairing completes automatically. Your Mac now shows that Apple TV as a connected device.

If you do not see your Apple TV in the list, make sure both devices are powered on, connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and within reasonable range of each other. Restart your Wi-Fi router if the Apple TV still does not appear after waiting 30 seconds.

What happens after pairing is complete

Once paired, your Mac recognizes your Apple TV without needing to enter a code again. The connection stays active as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and powered on. You can now use AirPlay to stream content from your Mac to your TV, mirror your Mac display, or extend your desktop across both screens.

To use these features, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar at the top of your Mac screen. A dropdown menu shows your Apple TV. Select it to begin streaming or mirroring. The connection is fast — usually under two seconds from click to display on your TV.

Pairing on older Mac models and tvOS versions

If you have a Mac running macOS Monterey or earlier, the pairing process is slightly different. Open System Preferences instead of System Settings, then click Sharing. Look for AirPlay Receiver in the left sidebar and select it. The pairing code will appear on your TV screen, and you enter it the same way.

For Apple TV models running tvOS 16 or earlier, the pairing screen may look different but the process is identical — you still enter the four-digit code shown on your TV. If your Apple TV is very old (tvOS 12 or earlier), it may not support pairing with Mac at all, and you will need to use AirPlay without pairing instead.

Troubleshooting when pairing fails

If the pairing code does not appear on your TV screen, restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it restarts, restart your Mac as well. Once both devices are back on, try the pairing process again from the beginning.

If your Mac still does not see the Apple TV, check your Wi-Fi network. Both devices must be connected to the same network — not a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz). Open Wi-Fi settings on both your Mac and Apple TV and confirm they show the same network name. If they do not, disconnect one device and reconnect it to the correct network, then try pairing again.

If the code entry field on your Mac stays blank or does not accept your input, make sure you are typing numbers only — the code is always four digits with no letters. If the field still does not respond, close System Settings completely and open it again, then select your Apple TV once more.

Using your Mac and Apple TV together after pairing

After pairing, you can stream video, music, and photos from your Mac to your Apple TV using AirPlay. Click the AirPlay icon in your Mac menu bar, select your Apple TV, and choose whether you want to mirror your entire screen or extend your desktop. Mirroring shows everything on your Mac on your TV. Extending lets you use your TV as a second monitor while keeping different content on each screen.

You can also use your Apple TV as an AirPlay receiver for other devices in your home — your iPhone, iPad, or other Macs. Once your first Mac is paired, the Apple TV remembers it and accepts AirPlay from that Mac without asking for a code again. Other devices on the same Wi-Fi network can AirPlay to your TV without pairing, though some features may require a code entry.

Unpairing your Mac from Apple TV

If you want to remove the pairing between your Mac and Apple TV, open System Settings on your Mac, go to AirPlay and Handoff, find your Apple TV in the list, and click the X or Remove button next to it. The pairing is deleted when ready. Your Mac will no longer automatically connect to that Apple TV.

You can pair the same Mac with a different Apple TV at any time by following the original pairing steps. You can also pair multiple Macs with the same Apple TV — each one goes through the pairing process separately, and the Apple TV will remember all of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple ID to pair my Mac with Apple TV?

No. Pairing requires only that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. An Apple ID is needed only if you want to use certain features like HomeKit control or iCloud sync, but basic pairing and AirPlay work without one.

Can I pair my Mac with Apple TV if they are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No. Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for pairing to work. If your Mac is on a guest network or a different router, move it to the same primary network as your Apple TV, then try pairing again.

What if I lose the four-digit code before I can enter it on my Mac?

The code stays on your TV screen for about two minutes. If you miss it, wait for the screen to clear, then start the pairing process again on your Mac. A new code will appear on your TV. If the code disappears while you are typing, you can close the pairing dialog on your Mac and try again.

Will pairing work if my Mac and Apple TV are far apart in my home?

Pairing itself only needs to happen once and does not require the devices to be close. However, for AirPlay to work smoothly after pairing, both devices should be within normal Wi-Fi range — usually 50 to 100 feet depending on walls and interference. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak in the room with your TV, move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.

Can I pair my Mac with multiple Apple TVs?

Yes. Pair each Apple TV separately by going through the pairing process for each one. Your Mac will remember all of them, and you can choose which one to AirPlay to from the menu bar icon each time you want to stream.

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.