How to Use AirPlay in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

Apple's AirPlay is a feature that allows you to stream content from one device to another wirelessly. Whether you want to mirror your screen, stream music, or watch videos, AirPlay makes it easy to share media across Apple devices and even third-party devices, such as compatible smart TVs. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to use AirPlay to help you make the most of Apple Cast.

How to Use Apple AirPlay

AirPlay is Apple's wireless technology that lets you stream audio, video, and photos between Apple devices and AirPlay-compatible devices like smart TVs or speakers. There's also a feature called peer-to-peer AirPlay, which allows you to stream content between Apple devices without needing to connect to the same Wi-Fi network.

Finding the Apple mirror button is still easy. On your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook, simply swipe to open the Control Center (top-right corner on newer models), and you'll see the Screen Mirroring button, represented by two overlapping rectangles. For photos or websites, you can find the AirPlay option in the share menu.

How to Connect AirPlay to Send Mirror

Now that you have a basic understanding of AirPlay and how it works, let's move on to setting it up for screen mirroring. In this section, we'll walk you through how to set up AirPlay to send to your Apple devices for Apple screen sharing. Here is how to Apple AirPlay from the sender device:

Step 1. Ensure your Apple device and another receiver are connected to the same WiFi network.

Step 2. Enable Screen Mirroring on your Apple sender:

• iPhone/iPad: Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. Tap the Screen Mirroring option, then select the device you want to mirror to (e.g., Apple TV).

• Mac: Click the Screen Mirroring icon in the Mac's menu bar and select the screen you want to mirror to.

How to Connect AirPlay to Receive Mirror

Receiving AirPlay to mirror content is a straightforward process, too. Devices like iPads, MacBooks, Apple TVs, and other AirPlay-compatible smart TVs can easily receive a mirror stream from your Apple device. However, the process may not be automatic, so you need to enable the appropriate mirroring feature on the receiving device first. Here's the step on how to turn on AirPlay settings and how to use AirPlay on TV:

• On Mac:

Step 1. Open System Settings > General > AirDrop & Handoff > AirPlay Receiver.

Step 2. Toggle on AirPlay Receiver.

Note: If your Mac has multiple user accounts, you can control who can connect via AirPlay by adjusting the settings next to Allow AirPlay for. You'll have three options: Current User (only the logged-in user), Anyone on the Same Network (anyone connected to your Wi-Fi), and Everyone (anyone, even outside your network). Choose the option that best fits your needs.

• On Apple TV:

Access your Apple TV's Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay.

• On AirPlay-Compatible TV (such as Samsung, LG, Vizio, Roku):

Step 1. Navigate to the Settings menu.

Step 2. Select General/All Settings/Network > AirPlay and HomeKit or Apple AirPlay Settings to toggle AirPlay and start AirPlay screen mirroring.

2025 Free AirPlay Alternative: PigeonCast

While AirPlay is widely used for streaming and mirroring, there are other solutions available for seamless mirroring that might suit different needs and preferences. One of the most notable new tools in 2025 is PigeonCast. This free and no ads tool has work seamlessly on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and TVs (tvOS, Android TV, etc.) with no limitations.

PigeonCast Screen Mirroring

Official Download

Step 1. Install PigeonCast on your Apple device and TV.

Step 2. Ensure your devices are connected to the same WiFi network.

Step 3. On your Apple device, launch PigeonCast and tap Select device to choose your device from the available list.

Step 4. Enter the onscreen code to confirm the connection. Once you succeed, tap Screen Mirror to start the mirroring activities.

Conclusion

How to get AirPlay to work? I believe this informative and comprehensive guide has given the perfect answer. What you should note is that ensure both the mirroring devices are under the same strong and stable network. If you wonder how to stop AirPlay, just return the Screen Mirroring button and you will find the stop choice.

How to Use AirPlay FAQ

What does AirPlay mean?

AirPlay is the name of Apple's wireless streaming technology. It allows you to send (or "play") audio, video, and device screens "through the air" from one compatible device to another.

How to use AirPlay on a Samsung TV?

1. Ensure your Samsung TV (2019 model or later) and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi.
2. On your iPhone, tap the Screen Mirroring in the Control Center, or the AirPlay icon in a supported app.
3. On the Samsung TV, press the Home button on your remote to bring up the menu.
4. Go to Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings. Toggle AirPlay to On.
5. Your Samsung TV should appear in the list of available devices.

How to AirPlay from MacBook to TV?

1. Ensure your devices are under the same WiFi network.
2. Click the Control Center icon in your Mac's menu bar.
3. Click Screen Mirroring and select your AirPlay-compatible TV from the list.
4. Your Mac's display will then appear on the TV. For just audio, click the volume control in the menu bar and select your TV.

How to use AirPlay on Roku?

1. Ensure your Roku device (most models from 2019+) and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi.
2. On your iPhone, use the AirPlay icon in an app or the Screen Mirroring function in the Control Center. Your Roku device will appear as an option.
3. You may need to ensure AirPlay is enabled in your Roku's settings under Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.

How to use peer to peer AirPlay?

1. Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. Your Apple TV should be powered on and on its home screen. Your Apple device should be unlocked and awake.
2. On your iPhone or iPad, swipe down to open Control Center, tap the Screen Mirroring button (two overlapping rectangles).
3. Wait a few seconds for available devices to appear, and look for your Apple device with a "Nearby" tag or indicator.