AirPlay is a proprietary wireless technology developed by Apple that allows users to stream audio and video from their devices to compatible speakers, TVs, and other receivers. AirPlay is a popular way to stream music, movies, and TV shows from iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple devices to home entertainment systems.
However, there are times when AirPlay may not work properly. This can be frustrating, especially if you are trying to enjoy your favourite content on a larger screen or with better sound quality.
This guide will cover the most common reasons why AirPlay may not be working and how to troubleshoot the problem.
What is AirPlay?
AirPlay is a wireless streaming technology developed by Apple that allows you to stream audio and video from your iOS device, Mac, or Apple TV to an AirPlay-compatible device, such as a smart TV, speaker, or receiver. AirPlay is a convenient way to share your content with others, or to enjoy it on a larger screen or with better sound quality.
1. Audio Streaming Devices to AirPlay
- IOS: Version 11.4 Onwards- iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Homepod
- tvOS: Version 11.4 Onwards-Apple TV HD, Apple TV 4K
- macOS: iTunes Version 12.8 ,macOS Catalina Onwards -Mac
- Windows: iTunes 12.3 Onwards
2. Video Streaming Devices to AirPlay
- IOS: Version 12.3 Onwards-iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
- macOS: Version Mojave 10.14.5 Onwards-Mac
3. Receivers For AirPlay
- In Tvs
- Apple TV
- Samsung smart TVs
- LG smart TVs
- Sony smart TVs
- Vizio smart TVs
- In Speakers
- Bose speakers
- JBL speakers
- Yamaha speakers
How Does AirPlay Work?
Airplay works over Wi-Fi, enabling communication between the source device (e.g., iPhone, iPad, or Mac) and the target device (e.g., smart TV or Airplay-enabled speaker). When a user initiates an Airplay session, the content is encoded on the source device and sent wirelessly to the target device, where it is decoded and played back. We should also make sure about whether the devices are close to each other by enabling Bluetooth in both the devices. This real-time streaming allows for seamless playback of audio and video content.
AirPlay Not Playing Issues and How to Fix Them?
1. Check Airplay Settings in Smart TV
Make sure to enable the receiver while connecting to airplay
a. In Samsung (Setting of AirPlay)
- Go to Settings
- General
- External Device Manager
- AirPlay
- Turn on AirPlay
b. In LG
- Go to Settings
- Connections
- AirPlay & HomeKit
- Turn on AirPlay
2. Keep Devices Close Enough to Each Other
AirPlay works best when the devices are close to each other. If the devices are too far apart, you may experience problems with the signal. Try moving the devices closer together and see if that fixes the problem.
3. Check The Wi-Fi Connection
Make sure that both your device and the AirPlay-compatible device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If either device is not connected to the Wi-Fi network, you will not be able to use AirPlay.
a. In iPhone
- Go to Settings
- Wi-Fi and make sure that the switch is turned on
- Choose the Wi-Fi network you’d like to join ,turn off
- If needed, input the Wi-Fi network’s password make it Turn On.
b. In Mac
- Select the Wi-Fi symbol in the menu at the top of the screen.
- Choose the Wi-Fi network you wish to connect.
- If necessary, enter the password for the Wi-Fi network.
c. In Apple TV
- Go to Settings
- Network and make sure that the switch is turned on
- Select the Wi-Fi network that you want to connect to
- If necessary, enter the password for the Wi-Fi network
d. In Smart TV
- Consult the manual for your smart TV to find out how to connect to a Wi-Fi network
4. Turn On Bluetooth
- In iPhone: Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to open the Control Center. Tap the Bluetooth icon to turn on Bluetooth.
- In MAC: Go to the menu bar and click on the Bluetooth icon. Then, select “Turn On Bluetooth”.
5. Check For Software Updates
Make sure that the software on both your device and the AirPlay-compatible device is up to date. Apple and other manufacturers regularly release software updates that can fix bugs and improve performance.
a. In iPhone
- Go to Settings
- Select “General”
- Click on “Software Update”
- If there is an available update, tap Download and Install.
b. In Mac
Method 1
- Click on the Apple logo in the menu bar and select About This Mac
- Click on the Software Update button
- If there is an available update, click on the Update Now button.
Method 2
- Go to Settings
- Select General ,then click on “Software Updates”
- If any Update is available ,then click on update button.
c. In Apple TV
- Go to Settings
- System
- Software Updates
- If there is an available update, tap Download and Install
d. In Smart TV
- Consult the manual for your smart TV to find out how to check for software updates
6. Restart The Device
- In MAC: Go to the Apple menu and select “Restart”.
- In iPhone: Press and hold the power button until the “slide to power off” slider appears. Slide the slider to the right to turn off your phone. Then, press and hold the power button again to turn it back on.
- In Apple TV: Press and hold the menu button and the down button on the Apple TV remote until the status light flashes. Then, release the buttons.
7. Change The Receiver Permissions
a. In MAC
- Go to General
- Airdrop and Handoff
- Then Toggle on the Airplay Receiver
b. In iPhone
- Go to General
- AirPlay & Handoff
- Tap the “Automatically AirPlay” button and select “Automatic”.
8. Check in Firewall
- Go to System Preferences
- Network
- Firewall.
- Toggle on the firewall ,tap the options button
- Then, make sure that the “Block all incoming connections” checkbox is not selected.
8. Disconnect The VPN From Source and Receiver
a. In iPhone
- Go to Settings
- General
- VPN & Device Management.
- Tap the VPN connection that you want to disconnect and tap “Disconnect”.
b. In MAC: Go to the menu bar and click on the VPN icon. Then, select “Disconnect”.
9. Turn On and Off Airplane Mode
- In iPhone: Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to open the Control Center.
Tap the airplane icon to turn on Airplane Mode. Then, tap the airplane icon again to turn off Airplane Mode.
- In MAC: Go to the menu bar and click on the Wi-Fi icon. Then, select “Turn Off Wi-Fi”. Then, click on the Wi-Fi icon again and select “Turn On Wi-Fi”.
10. Reboot The Router
- Unplug the router from the power outlet.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Plug the router back into the power outlet.
- Wait for the router to start up.
Airplay Not Working – FAQs
Ans: Airplay is primarily designed for Apple devices, but there are third-party apps and devices that can enable Airplay on non-Apple products.
Ans: Older Apple devices may not support the latest Airplay features. Ensure your devices have the necessary software updates.
Ans: You can mirror your iPhone screen by accessing the Control Center and selecting the Airplay option.
Ans: Audio synchronization issues can occur due to network latency. Try using a wired connection or troubleshooting your Wi-Fi network.
Ans: While Airplay is designed for Apple devices, there are third-party apps that allow limited compatibility with Android.
Ans: This can happen if AirPlay is disabled in your device’s settings. Go to Settings > Screen Mirroring (or AirPlay) and ensure it’s turned on.
Ans: This may be due to Wi-Fi signal issues. Try moving closer to your router or using a Wi-Fi extender.
Ans: Yes, several apps and devices offer similar functionality for Android users, such as Google Cast.
Ans: Yes, AirPlay works over a local Wi-Fi network and does not require an internet connection once devices are connected.
Conclusion
AirPlay is a great way to stream audio and video from your Apple device to AirPlay-compatible devices. However, if you are having problems with AirPlay, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem. If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps in this article and you are still having problems, you may need to contact Apple Support for assistance.
