By Gina Barrow, Last updated: August 27, 2019
While the Apple HomePod above comes with all the company's signature technologies, if you want top quality sound from an AirPlay 2 speaker – and have the budget to stretch – you'll want to be looking at the Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation. If you own an iPhone, iPad, or iPad Touch-and an AppleTV, AirPort Express, or AirPlay-enabled system-you probably already know that you can play the music from any Apple AirPlay-enabled app. Apple's AirPlay technology makes it easy to stream music, podcasts, and even video from one device to another, turning your home or office into a wireless entertainment system. Using AirPlay is usually a simple matter of a few taps on the iPhone or iPod touch or a few clicks on Mac.
Are you fond of using Airplay across your iOS devices? Because why not?! You can smoothly share music, photos, movies, and videos from any iOS device to supported speakers, Smart TVs, and of course, Apple TV.
However, most users reported issues with Airplay on Mac. So today, we will fix Airplay not showing on Mac problem and get the most of your sweet Apple features.
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Part 1. What Are The Requirements Needed to Use Airplay?
Are you excited to watch movies on your Apple TV but then your Airplay is not seen anywhere on your Mac? There may be some blockages that you need to remove in order to use it smoothly.
Airplay not showing on Mac is a common issue that most users experience. There could be a lot of potential reasons as to why this is happening. Don’t worry; we have compiled all the solutions that could possibly fix this problem.
Device Compatibility
Airplay works best on most recent iOS devices and software versions. First, you need to make sure that your Mac supports Airplay. Older Macs cannot stream Airplay videos due to some mirroring restrictions.
Only Macs from 2011 and recent are able to support Airplay streaming and only 2nd-gen or later Apple TVs. To check what Mac you own and operating system you use, click the Apple icon and go to 'About this Mac' and choose the 'More Info' button.
Here are the complete requirements for streaming Airplay:
- Sender and receiver devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network
- Airplay receivers such as Apple TV, Smart TVs/HDTV, XMBC, Reflector, and more
- iPhone, iPod, and iPod Touch with iOS 7 or later
Part 2. How to Turn on Airplay on Mac
Spotify Mac Airplay Button App
Airplay works by streaming media files wirelessly across compatible devices over the same network. One of the popular uses of Airplay is to mirror whatever you are watching or listening on your Mac down to an Apple TV or any smart home TVs or app-powered.
You simply need to connect both devices and start watching your favorite series.
To turn on Airplay on the Apple TV:
- Open Settings on Apple TV
- Select Airplay
- Toggle it on
How to use Airplay on Mac:
- Find and click the Airplay icon located at the right side of Mac’s menu bar
- Select the preferred mirroring option.
You can choose from Mirror Built-in Display, this will mirror Mac’s resolution exactly. Next option is, Mirror Apple TV which will match the resolution of your television and lastly, you can select Use as Separate Display, this will extend the desktop and appear as an additional display.
Part 3. How to Fix Airplay not showing on Mac
If you have met the basic requirements to use Airplay and still it is not showing on your Mac, here are some quick fixes you can try:
Check for Updates
If you are unable to connect both devices, check to see if both devices have the latest software update.
To Update Apple TV:
- First, you need to go to Settings and click on Software Update under System
- Click Software update. If there is an available update, click on Download and Install.
Wait until the update is completed. Do not disconnect or unplug the Apple TV while the update is ongoing.
To Update Mac:
- Go to System Preferences and click the Software update.
- If there is an available update, click download and install.
You can also set an automatic update in the future. Simply go to the AppStore and click on ‘Automatically keep my Mac up to date’. This will send you a notification whenever there is an update available.
Remove Restrictions on Apple TV
Anyone can actually Airplay to your Apple TV if set publicly which is why it is essential to manage and set restrictions.
To change restriction settings, simply go to Settings, and then Airplay and from here you can customize who can Airplay to Apple TV.
- Anyone on the same network
- Everyone
- Require Password
- Only People sharing this home
Turn off Firewall (OS X)
OS X 10.5.1 and later versions included firewall settings that let you control all the connections per applications. This prevents unwanted apps from connecting to your device and controlling network ports.
- Click the Apple menu and go to System Preferences
- Go to Security & Privacy or Security
- Select the Firewall tab
- Click on the lock icon and provide the administrator name and password
- Turn on the firewall or click Start to enable
- If needed, you can go to Advanced and customize firewall configurations
Allowing Specific apps on Firewall
- Open the Firewall options
- Select the plus sign (+) to add applications
- Choose the desired apps you wish to allow connection privileges
- Tick Add and tick OK
You may go back to this setting if you wish to remove a specific app in the future. Simply use the minus sign (-).
Restart Mac and Apple TV
Airplay Spotify Mac
Perform a quick restart on both devices to give them a refresher. Some users reported that after a quick reboot, the Airplay showed up on Mac.
Turn off your Bluetooth
Bluetooth may hinder the connection between your Apple TV and Mac. Turn off the Bluetooth on Mac to make sure they connect smoothly.
You can turn off Bluetooth on Mac using several options.
Airplay Button On Iphone
Via the Status menu
- Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu or status bar
- Select Turn off Bluetooth
Via System Preferences
- Go to System Preferences from the Apple menu
- Choose Bluetooth and click Turn off Bluetooth
Airplay Button On Macbook
Part 4. Summary
Fixing Airplay that is not showing on Mac is pretty simple. You have several options to try if one solution did not fix it.
You can now start watching your favorite videos or listen to your playlist and even check documents via the Airplay connection. Remember the tips we gave above if there are any issues that might arise while trying to connect iOS devices.
Have you experienced this problem or any other problem on Mac? Do you have other quick fixes to share with us? Leave us a comment below!
Play it loud: Spotify sounds great when played through stereos, sound systems and speakers.
Visit Spotify Everywhere for supported devices and to find out what's available to you. If you don't see your device there, you can check with its manufacturer.
Find below how to play Spotify on your device.
Note: Some connection types require Spotify Premium.
You can listen to Spotify on your speaker and sound system by using the Spotify app on your phone and tablet as a remote. Also compatible with Chromecast Audio, and Apple AirPlay!
For more information, check out Spotify Connect.
Check out the Voice Assistants you can use to play Spotify on supported speakers and sound systems.
Go wireless and play Spotify on Bluetooth supported speakers and sound systems.
Find out more about setting up Bluetooth.
Google Chromecast Audio lets you play Spotify from your phone, tablet, desktop, or web browser to a speaker or sound system.
For help setting up, visit the Google Chromecast Audio support site.
To use your phone or tablet as a remote with your Chromecast device, check out Spotify Connect.
With AirPlay, you can use your iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, or Mac to play Spotify on an Apple TV, AirPlay compatible speaker, or another Mac.
For help setting up, visit the Apple AirPlay audio support site.
You can use an AUX or USB cable to directly connect your phone, tablet, or computer to speakers and sound systems.
Airplay Spotify To Apple Tv
Check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you have the correct cable for your device.
Itunes Airplay Button
Need help?
Spotify Desktop Airplay
If you're having trouble playing Spotify, check out I can't play Spotify on my speaker or sound system.