The fastest way to share your screen on Apple TV
Screen sharing on Apple TV works through AirPlay, Apple's built-in wireless casting system. On an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, swipe up from the bottom (or down from the top right on newer models) to open Control Center, tap AirPlay Mirroring, and select your Apple TV from the list. Your screen appears on the TV within seconds. The device and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
For Mac users, click the Control Center icon in the menu bar, select Screen Mirroring, and choose your Apple TV. On older Macs without Control Center, use the AirPlay icon in the menu bar instead. The process is the same: one tap and you're connected.
Android phones and Windows computers cannot use AirPlay. If you need to share from those devices, you'll need a different method — see the section below on non-Apple devices.
Key Takeaways
- AirPlay screen sharing requires your device and Apple TV to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On iPhone and iPad, open Control Center and tap AirPlay Mirroring to select your Apple TV.
- Mac users access screen mirroring through Control Center or the menu bar AirPlay icon, depending on their macOS version.
- You can share your entire screen or use AirPlay to stream audio and video from specific apps without mirroring everything.
- Android phones and Windows computers do not support AirPlay and require alternative casting methods.
Screen mirroring vs. AirPlay audio and video streaming
Screen mirroring sends everything on your device's display to the TV — your home screen, notifications, and all open apps. This is useful when you want to show someone a photo album, browse the web together, or demonstrate how to do something on your device.
AirPlay audio and video streaming is different. Apps like Apple TV+, Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify can send video or audio directly to your Apple TV without mirroring your entire screen. You control playback from your device, but your home screen and other apps stay private. This uses less battery and keeps your device free for other tasks while content plays on the TV.
To stream from an app instead of mirroring, open the app, find the AirPlay icon (usually in the video player or audio controls), and select your Apple TV. The app will tell you if it supports AirPlay streaming.
Troubleshooting when your Apple TV doesn't appear
If your Apple TV isn't showing up in the AirPlay list, first check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Your device and Apple TV must be connected to the identical network — not a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz). Log into your router settings if you're unsure which network your Apple TV is using.
Restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it boots up, restart your iPhone, iPad, or Mac as well. Once both devices are fully restarted and on the same network, open Control Center again and look for your Apple TV.
If the Apple TV still doesn't appear, check that AirPlay is turned on in the Apple TV settings. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit on your Apple TV and make sure AirPlay is enabled. You can also check whether your Apple TV requires a password for AirPlay connections — if it does, you'll see a prompt on your device asking you to enter it.
Sharing your screen from an iPhone or iPad
On iPhone X and newer, or any iPad with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. On iPhone 8 and earlier, or iPad with a home button, swipe up from the bottom. Look for the AirPlay Mirroring option — it shows an icon of a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom.
Tap AirPlay Mirroring and a list of available Apple TVs appears. Select the one you want to use. Your screen will mirror when ready. The status bar at the top of your screen turns blue to show that mirroring is active.
To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap AirPlay Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring. Your screen returns to normal, and the blue status bar disappears.
Sharing your screen from a Mac
On newer Macs with Control Center, click the Control Center icon in the menu bar (top-right corner), then click Screen Mirroring. A dropdown menu shows all available Apple TVs. Click the one you want to connect to, and your Mac's display appears on the TV.
On older Macs without Control Center, look for the AirPlay icon in the menu bar — it looks like a triangle in a rectangle. Click it and select your Apple TV from the dropdown. Your screen mirrors the same way.
To stop mirroring on Mac, click the AirPlay or Screen Mirroring icon again and select Stop Mirroring. You can also press Command+Q to close the mirroring session.
Casting from Android phones and Windows computers
Android phones and Windows computers do not work with AirPlay. However, you have other options. If your Apple TV is a 4K model (2nd generation or newer), it supports Chromecast built-in. Android phones can cast to it using Google Home or YouTube apps, and Windows computers can cast using Chrome.
To cast from Android to an Apple TV with Chromecast, open a compatible app like YouTube or Google Home, tap the Cast icon, and select your Apple TV. To cast from Windows, open Chrome, click the three-dot menu, select Cast, and choose your Apple TV.
If your Apple TV doesn't have Chromecast built in, you'll need a separate device like a Chromecast dongle, Roku, or Fire TV Stick to cast from Android or Windows. Check your Apple TV model in Settings > About to see if Chromecast is available.
What to do if your connection keeps dropping
A weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common reason for dropped connections. Move your Apple TV and your device closer to your router, or move the router away from walls and metal objects that block the signal. If you're far from the router, consider a Wi-Fi extender or moving the router to a more central location.
Interference from other devices can also cause problems. Cordless phones, microwaves, and baby monitors operate on the same 2.4 GHz frequency as Wi-Fi. If possible, move these devices away from your router and Apple TV, or switch your Apple TV to the 5 GHz band in Settings > Network.
Update your Apple TV to the latest software version. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates and check for updates. Outdated software sometimes causes connection issues. Similarly, make sure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is running the latest version of its operating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my screen if I'm not on Wi-Fi?
No. AirPlay requires both your device and Apple TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Cellular data or a hotspot won't work. Make sure you're connected to the same network — check your Wi-Fi settings to confirm.
Does screen mirroring drain my device's battery?
Yes, screen mirroring uses more battery than normal because your device is constantly sending data to the Apple TV. If you're streaming video or audio from an app instead of mirroring your entire screen, battery drain is lower. Plug in your device if you plan to mirror for more than an hour.
Can multiple people share their screens at the same time?
No. Only one device can mirror to an Apple TV at a time. If someone else wants to share their screen, the current user must stop mirroring first. The next person can then connect.
Why does my Apple TV ask for a password when I try to connect?
Your Apple TV has AirPlay security turned on. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit on your Apple TV and look for the AirPlay Security option. You can set it to allow connections from anyone on the network, or require a password. Enter the password your Apple TV displays when you try to connect.
Can I use AirPlay if my Apple TV is on a different Wi-Fi band?
Your device and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network to connect. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, make sure both devices are on the same one. Check your Apple TV's network settings to see which band it's using, then connect your phone or Mac to that same band.