How to Screen Share Your MacBook to Apple TV

The Basic Steps to Mirror Your MacBook

To screen share your MacBook to Apple TV, open Control Center on your Mac, click the Screen Mirroring icon, and select your Apple TV from the list. Your MacBook display will appear on your TV within a few seconds. The process works the same way whether you're mirroring your entire screen or using AirPlay to send video from a single app.

Your MacBook and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for this to work. If they're not connected to the same network, you won't see your Apple TV in the mirroring menu. Once they're on the same network, the connection is automatic — you don't need to enter a password or pair the devices each time.

Key Takeaways

Open Control Center on your Mac, click Screen Mirroring, and select your Apple TV to start mirroring in seconds.
Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and your Apple TV must be powered on and awake.
You can mirror your entire screen or use AirPlay to send video from a single app without mirroring everything.
If your Apple TV doesn't appear in the mirroring menu, restart both devices and check that they're on the same network.
Your Mac will continue to work normally while mirroring — you can open new windows, switch apps, and adjust volume independently.

Opening Control Center and Finding the Screen Mirroring Option

On your MacBook, click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of the menu bar. It looks like a rectangle divided into four squares. A panel will slide down from the top of your screen showing various controls.

Look for the Screen Mirroring icon — it shows a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom. Click it to see a list of available Apple TVs on your network. If you don't see the Screen Mirroring icon in Control Center, you may need to add it. Go to System Settings, click Control Center, and make sure Screen Mirroring is toggled on.

Selecting Your Apple TV and Confirming the Connection

When you click Screen Mirroring, a dropdown menu appears with the names of all Apple TVs detected on your network. Click the name of the Apple TV you want to use. Your MacBook will begin mirroring to that TV when ready.

If your Apple TV requires a password, a four-digit code will appear on your TV screen. Enter this code on your MacBook when prompted. Once the code is entered, your MacBook screen will fill your TV display. The mirroring icon in Control Center will turn blue to show that an active connection is running.

Troubleshooting When Your Apple TV Doesn't Appear

If you don't see your Apple TV in the Screen Mirroring menu, first check that both devices are powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open your MacBook's Wi-Fi menu and confirm the network name. Then check your Apple TV's network settings — go to Settings, AirPlay and HomeKit, and verify it's on the same network.

Restart both devices if they're on the same network but still not connecting. Unplug your Apple TV for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. On your Mac, restart it completely. After both devices have restarted, try opening Control Center and looking for Screen Mirroring again. If the problem persists, move your MacBook closer to your Apple TV and router to rule out Wi-Fi range issues.

Adjusting Resolution and Display Settings While Mirroring

While mirroring, your MacBook automatically scales its display to fit your TV's resolution. You can adjust this by going to System Settings, Displays, and checking the resolution options. Some Macs offer a "Scaled" option that lets you choose between sharper text (lower resolution) or more screen space (higher resolution).

If text appears too small or too large on your TV, try changing the scaled resolution. Your Mac will explore the change when ready to the mirrored display. You can also adjust your TV's picture settings — zoom, aspect ratio, or overscan — to fine-tune how your MacBook's screen appears on the larger display.

Using AirPlay to Send Only One App Instead of Your Entire Screen

Instead of mirroring your entire MacBook screen, you can use AirPlay to send video from a single app to your Apple TV. This is useful when you want to watch a video or presentation while keeping other work private on your Mac. Open the app you want to share, then look for the AirPlay icon — usually a triangle inside a rectangle — in the app's menu bar or playback controls.

Click the AirPlay icon and select your Apple TV. Only that app's video will appear on your TV; your other open windows and desktop remain visible only on your MacBook. This works with apps like Apple TV, Safari, Photos, and many third-party streaming services. When you're done, click the AirPlay icon again and select "Off" to stop sending video to your TV.

Stopping the Screen Share and Disconnecting

To stop mirroring, open Control Center again and click the Screen Mirroring icon. You'll see your Apple TV listed with a blue checkmark. Click it to disconnect. Your MacBook screen will no longer appear on your TV, and the mirroring icon will return to its normal gray color.

You can also disconnect by turning off your Apple TV or moving your MacBook out of Wi-Fi range, but using Control Center is the cleanest method. If you plan to mirror again soon, you don't need to do anything — just open Control Center and select the same Apple TV the next time you want to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If your Apple TV is on a guest network and your MacBook is on the main network, they won't see each other. Connect both to the same network and try again.

Does screen mirroring slow down my MacBook?

Mirroring uses some processing power and Wi-Fi bandwidth, but most MacBooks handle it without noticeable slowdown during everyday tasks. If you're doing graphics-heavy work or video editing, you may see a slight performance dip. Closing unnecessary apps before mirroring can help.

Why is the picture on my TV lagging or freezing?

Lag usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak. Move your MacBook closer to your router or Apple TV, or reduce interference from other devices. If many devices are using your Wi-Fi, disconnect some of them. Restarting both devices also often fixes temporary connection issues.

Can I mirror my MacBook to an older Apple TV model?

Yes, but older models may have limited features. Apple TV 3rd generation and newer support screen mirroring. If you have an older model, check your Apple TV's settings to confirm AirPlay is enabled. The mirroring process is the same, but some resolution options may not be available.

What happens to audio when I'm screen mirroring?

By default, audio plays through your Apple TV's speakers. If you want sound to come from your MacBook instead, mute your TV or adjust its volume. Some apps let you control audio routing separately — check the app's settings or the AirPlay menu within the app.

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.