How to Wirelessly Broadcast Content Using Apple TV

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Kevin McQueen
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Use AirPlay to wirelessly stream content from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

With AirPlay, you can stream music, photos, and videos to your Apple TV, or stream music to your AirPort Express or AirPlay-enabled speakers. And with AirPlay Mirroring, you can display your iOS screen on your Apple TV.

To use AirPlay, you need one of these devices:

  • iPhone 4 or later
  • iPad or iPad mini
  • iPod touch (4th generation or later)

You can stream content to these devices:

  • For photos and videos: Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation)
  • For music: Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation), AirPort Express, or AirPlay-enabled speakers

If you want to stream iTunes Store content, you also need an Internet connection.

Use AirPlay

  1. Connect your iOS device and Apple TV or AirPort Express to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. On your iOS device, swipe up from the bottom of your screen to access Control Center.
  3. Tap AirPlay.
  4. Tap the name of the device you want to stream content to. You'll see icons of a TV screen   or speaker   next to each device so you know what type of content you can stream. On iPad, you might need to scroll to see all of the available devices in the device list.

When you use AirPlay Mirroring, your TV uses the orientation and aspect ratio of your device. If you want the image from your device to fill your TV screen, you might need to to adjust your TV's aspect ratio or zoom settings.

Turn AirPlay off

  1. On your iOS device, swipe up from the bottom of your screen to access Control Center.
  2. Tap AirPlay.
  3. Tap your device at the top of the AirPlay list. 

Use peer-to-peer AirPlay

With peer-to-peer AirPlay, your iOS device and Apple TV don't have to be on the same Wi-Fi network. 

To use peer-to-peer AirPlay, you need one of these devices with iOS 8 or later:

  • iPhone 5 or later
  • iPad mini or iPad (4th generation or later)
  • iPod touch (5th generation or later)

You can stream content to your Apple TV (3rd generation rev A, model A1469 or later) with software version 7.0 or later. Find out which Apple TV model you have.

Make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.

If you want to stream iTunes  Store content, you also need an Internet connection.

 

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Get help using AirPlay and AirPlay Mirroring on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Before you can stream content from your iOS device to your Apple TV, you might need to check a few settings. These steps can help.

 
Try these steps first
  1. Make sure that you have the latest software on your iOS device and Apple TV.
  2. Make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi turned on.
    On your iOS device, go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
    On your Apple TV, go to Settings > General > Network.
  3. If you're trying to use peer-to-peer AirPlay, make sure that both devices have Bluetooth turned on.
    On your iOS device, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
    On your Apple TV, go to Settings > General > Bluetooth.

     

If you don't see AirPlay in Control Center

When an AirPlay-enabled device is available, you'll see AirPlay in Control Center on your iOS device.

If you don't, try these steps:

  1. Restart your iOS device and Apple TV.
  2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
    On your iOS device, go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
    On your Apple TV, go to Settings > General > Network. If your Apple TV is connected using Ethernet, make sure that it’s plugged in to the router you're using for Wi-Fi.
  3. On your Apple TV, make sure that AirPlay is turned on. Go to Settings > AirPlay.

If you don't see the device you want to stream to

When you tap AirPlay on your iOS device, you should see a list of devices that you can stream content to. If you don't see the device you're looking for, try these steps:

  1. Make sure that the device you want to stream to is plugged in and powered on.
  2. On your Apple TV, make sure that AirPlay is turned on. Go to Settings > AirPlay.
  3. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
    On your iOS device, go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
    On your Apple TV, go to Settings > General > Network. If your Apple TV is connected using Ethernet, make sure that it’s plugged in to the router you're using for Wi-Fi.
  4. If you’re using an iPad, scroll up and down in the device list to see all of the available devices.

You can't use AirPlay to stream to content from your iOS device to another iOS device, a Mac, or a TV without Apple TV. 

If you can't stream iTunes Store or third-party content

To stream iTunes Store content, your Apple TV needs to be connected to the Internet. Check your Internet connection and try again.

You might not be able to stream videos if the app you're using doesn't support AirPlay video playback. Check the app's product page or website to see if the app works with AirPlay.

     

If you see video but don't hear audio

    1. Make sure that the volume is up (not muted) on your iOS device and Apple TV. 
    2. If you're using an iPhone or iPad, check the Ring/Silent switch. If it's set to silent, you'll see an orange line. Toggle the switch to turn the ringer on.

Some apps might stop AirPlay when you lock your device or put your device to sleep.

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