Yes, you can AirPlay Disney Plus to an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible device
Disney Plus works with AirPlay on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. You start the video on your phone or tablet, tap the AirPlay icon, and send it to an Apple TV, AirPlay-compatible smart TV, or HomePod. The video plays on the larger screen while you keep control from your device.
AirPlay is Apple's wireless casting system. It works across Apple devices and many newer smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio that have AirPlay built in. You do not need a separate app or subscription beyond your Disney Plus account.
Key Takeaways
- AirPlay works on iPhones, iPads, and Macs running recent versions of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS paired with an Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV.
- To AirPlay, open Disney Plus, start a video, swipe up or tap the AirPlay icon, and select your device from the list.
- Your phone or tablet acts as a remote control while the video plays on your TV.
- Android phones and tablets cannot use AirPlay; they use Chromecast or other casting methods instead.
What devices support AirPlay with Disney Plus
Apple TV (all current models) supports AirPlay natively. If you own an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, you can AirPlay Disney Plus directly to it. The video will play on your television while your iPhone, iPad, or Mac controls playback.
Many newer smart TVs have AirPlay 2 built in without needing an Apple TV box. Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio models from roughly 2018 onward often include this feature. Check your TV's settings or manual to confirm AirPlay is available on your specific model.
Older televisions and Android-based smart TVs do not have AirPlay. If your TV does not support AirPlay, you can still use an Apple TV box connected to any HDMI input to add the feature.
How to AirPlay Disney Plus from your iPhone or iPad
Open the Disney Plus app and start playing a video. Look for the AirPlay icon — it looks like a triangle with a circle underneath — usually in the upper right corner of the video player or in the control center.
Tap the AirPlay icon. A list of available devices appears. Select your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV. The video will begin playing on that device within a few seconds.
Your iPhone or iPad becomes a remote. You can pause, play, skip forward or backward, and adjust volume from your device. The screen on your phone can lock without stopping the video on your TV.
How to AirPlay Disney Plus from a Mac
Open Disney Plus in a web browser or the Mac app and start a video. Press Control + Click on the video or look for the AirPlay icon in the video controls, usually in the bottom right corner.
Click the AirPlay icon and select your Apple TV or compatible smart TV from the dropdown menu. The video will stream to your television while you control it from your Mac.
You can minimize the browser window or close the app on your Mac and the video will continue playing on your TV. Your Mac acts as the remote for playback controls.
Troubleshooting AirPlay connection problems
If the AirPlay icon does not appear, make sure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV or smart TV. AirPlay requires both devices to be connected to the same network.
Restart both your source device (phone, tablet, or Mac) and your Apple TV or smart TV. Unplug the Apple TV for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart. Then try AirPlay again.
If your smart TV does not show up in the AirPlay list, check that AirPlay is turned on in the TV's settings. Some TVs have AirPlay disabled by default. Consult your TV's manual for the exact menu path to enable it.
Update Disney Plus, your device's operating system, and your Apple TV or smart TV to their latest versions. Older software versions sometimes have compatibility issues with AirPlay.
AirPlay versus other casting methods
AirPlay works only with Apple devices. If you have an Android phone or tablet, you cannot use AirPlay. Android devices use Google Chromecast or Samsung SmartThings instead.
Chromecast is Google's casting system and works with Android phones, iPhones, iPads, and computers. Many smart TVs have Chromecast built in. The process is similar to AirPlay — you tap a cast icon and select your TV.
If you own both Apple and Android devices, an Apple TV box or an AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV lets you cast from either ecosystem. This makes it a flexible choice for mixed-device households.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple TV to use AirPlay with Disney Plus?
No. If your smart TV has AirPlay 2 built in, you can AirPlay directly to it without an Apple TV box. Check your TV's specifications or settings to see if AirPlay is available. If it is not, an Apple TV box adds AirPlay to any television with an HDMI input.
Can I use AirPlay on Android phones?
No. Android phones and tablets do not support AirPlay. Use Google Chromecast or your TV's native casting feature instead. Some Android devices can cast to Chromecast-enabled TVs or devices using the same tap-and-select method.
Will AirPlay work if my devices are on different Wi-Fi networks?
No. Your source device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) and your Apple TV or smart TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work. If they are on different networks, reconnect one of them to match the other.
Can I control Disney Plus while AirPlay is active?
Yes. Your phone, tablet, or Mac acts as a remote while the video plays on your TV. You can pause, play, skip, adjust volume, and change subtitles from your device. You can also lock your phone's screen without stopping the video.
What if my TV is too old to have AirPlay?
An Apple TV box connected to your TV's HDMI input adds AirPlay support to any television. Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD both support Disney Plus and AirPlay. This is the most straightforward way to add wireless casting to older TVs.