How to Share Your Mac or iPhone Screen on Apple TV

The fastest way to share your screen on Apple TV

To share your screen on Apple TV, use AirPlay, which is Apple's built-in wireless casting system. On a Mac, open Control Center (top-right corner), click Screen Mirroring, and select your Apple TV. On an iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and choose your Apple TV. Your device and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. The connection happens in seconds, and your screen appears on the TV without any cables.

If you don't see your Apple TV in the list, make sure both devices are powered on, connected to the same network, and within reasonable range. Restart your Apple TV or the device you're sharing from if the option doesn't appear.

Key Takeaways

AirPlay is the native Apple method for screen sharing and requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
On Mac, use Control Center in the top-right corner; on iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top-right to access Screen Mirroring.
Your Apple TV must be powered on and set to the input where it receives AirPlay signals (usually the default).
If your device doesn't appear in the list, restart both your Apple TV and the device you're sharing from, then try again.
You can stop sharing by opening Control Center again and clicking Stop Mirroring.

Screen sharing on Mac with AirPlay

On a Mac running macOS 11 or later, screen sharing is straightforward. Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your menu bar (it looks like a rectangle with sliders). A panel drops down showing various controls. Look for Screen Mirroring and click it. A list of available devices appears—select your Apple TV by name.

Once you click your Apple TV, your entire Mac screen mirrors to the television. Everything you do on your Mac—opening files, typing, moving windows—shows on the TV in real time. The resolution adjusts automatically to match your TV's capabilities. To stop sharing, open Control Center again, click Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

Screen sharing on iPhone and iPad with AirPlay

On an iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center. You'll see a grid of quick-access buttons. Find Screen Mirroring (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom) and tap it. A list of nearby Apple TV devices appears. Tap the name of your Apple TV to begin mirroring.

Your iPhone or iPad screen now displays on your TV. You can use your device normally—open apps, show photos, play videos—and everything appears on the larger screen. To disconnect, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring. The connection closes when ready.

Checking your Wi-Fi connection and network settings

AirPlay only works when your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV are all connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Check your device's Wi-Fi settings to confirm you're on the correct network. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit to verify that AirPlay is turned on (it should be by default).

If you're on a guest network or a network that isolates devices from each other, AirPlay may not work. Switch to your main home network if possible. Some workplace or public networks block AirPlay entirely—in those cases, you won't be able to use wireless screen sharing.

Troubleshooting when your Apple TV doesn't appear

If your Apple TV isn't showing up in the Screen Mirroring list, the most common fix is to restart both devices. Unplug your Apple TV for 10 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully boot. On your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, restart the device or straightforward toggle Wi-Fi off and back on. Then try opening Control Center and looking for Screen Mirroring again.

Check that your Apple TV is on the correct input. Press the Menu button on your Apple TV remote and navigate to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit. Make sure AirPlay is set to On. If it's set to Off, turn it back on. Also verify that your device and Apple TV are within 30 feet of each other and that no major obstacles (like thick walls or metal objects) are between them.

What to do if the connection drops or lags

A weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common reason for dropped connections or lag during screen sharing. Move your device closer to your Wi-Fi router or Apple TV. If your router is far from the TV, consider moving it or using a Wi-Fi extender to strengthen the signal in that area.

Close unnecessary apps on the device you're sharing from—running many apps in the background can slow down the AirPlay connection. If you're streaming video or playing a game and the performance is poor, try closing other apps first. If lag persists, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in and waiting for it to reconnect.

Using AirPlay to share specific apps instead of your whole screen

You don't always need to mirror your entire screen. Some apps support AirPlay streaming, which sends only that app's content to your TV while leaving your device free for other tasks. Open an app that supports AirPlay—common examples include Apple TV, Music, Podcasts, Photos, and many video streaming services. Look for the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with a triangle) within the app itself, usually in the playback controls or menu.

Tap the AirPlay icon and select your Apple TV. Only that app's content plays on the TV; your device's home screen and other apps remain private on your device. This is useful when you want to show a movie or photo album without displaying notifications or other personal information. To stop, tap the AirPlay icon again and select your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple TV 4K, or does any Apple TV model work?

AirPlay works on all modern Apple TV models, including Apple TV 4K (2nd generation and later) and Apple TV HD. Older models like Apple TV (3rd generation) support AirPlay but may have slower performance. Check your Apple TV's model in Settings > About to confirm it supports AirPlay.

Can I share my screen if my Apple TV is connected by ethernet instead of Wi-Fi?

Yes. Your Apple TV can be on ethernet while your Mac or iPhone is on Wi-Fi, as long as both are on the same network. AirPlay works across mixed wired and wireless connections on the same home network.

What if I'm trying to share from a Windows computer?

AirPlay is an Apple-only technology, so Windows PCs cannot use it natively. However, some third-party apps claim to add AirPlay support to Windows. For the most reliable experience, use a Mac, iPhone, or iPad to share with Apple TV.

Can multiple people share their screens on the same Apple TV at the same time?

No. Only one device can mirror to an Apple TV at a time. If someone else tries to connect while you're already sharing, they'll see a message that the TV is in use. You must stop mirroring before another person can begin.

Is screen sharing find, or can anyone on my network see what I'm sharing?

AirPlay is encrypted, so the content is protected in transit. However, anyone physically near your Apple TV can see what's displayed on the screen. If you're sharing sensitive information, make sure you're in a private space or that you trust everyone who can see the TV.

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.