With AirPlay you stream from your Apple devices to an Apple TV or a smart TV that supports AirPlay 2. But what exactly is it, and what can you do with it? This is how you get started!
Apple AirPlay: This is how it works
With AirPlay you connect your iOS device to your Apple TV or smart TV, if it supports AirPlay. It is comparable to a Chromecast, except that you do not need an extra device. You have probably seen the AirPlay icon on your iPhone. But how exactly does AirPlay work? Follow the steps below if you want to stream a photo, video or simply your iPhone screen to your TV.
- Open the video or photo you want to stream;
- Optionally, tap a share icon in an app and then tap the AirPlay symbol. In the Photos app, for example, first tap the share icon at the bottom left of the screen;
- You will now see a list of devices that you can stream to via AirPlay. Tap the desired device to start streaming.
It is important that both devices are connected to the same WiFi network. Bluetooth must also be switched on. To stop, tap the AirPlay icon in the app you’re streaming from and then tap your own iPhone again.
Mirror iPhone or iPad screen with AirPlay
It is also possible to duplicate your entire screen on your TV with AirPlay. To do this, open the Control Panel by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen. There you will see ‘Synchronous display’. Here you can choose the device you want to stream your screen to (which is compatible with AirPlay). You may need to enter an AirPlay code if you have set it up.
However, some comments should be made about AirPlay. For example, to play videos, your iOS device must be running iOS 12.3 or higher. In addition, streaming only works with Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD and the 2nd or 3rd generation Apple TV. Streaming to your smart TV only works if your TV is AirPlay compatible. It is also not possible to stream Netflix: Netflix canceled AirPlay last year due to technical problems.
Control AirPlay with Siri
Using the Home app, it is also possible to use Siri to control AirPlay. To do this, add your Apple TV or smart TV to the Home app and assign it a room. You add your Apple TV by going to ‘AirPlay and HomeKit’ in the settings and then to ‘Room’.
You add a smart TV by searching for Apple HomeKit in your settings. Here you can request a qr code. In the Home app, tap the plus sign and then tap ‘Add accessory’. After this, you can scan the QR code on your TV with the camera of your iPhone or iPad and choose a room. Then ask Siri to play something on a device in a specific room.
More AirPlay Tips
Do you want to know more about AirPlay? Read, for example, our tip on how to stream something from Mac to Apple TV or how to use Sonos with AirPlay 2. We also give you handy Apple TV tips.