The AirPlay feature was introduced for Mac users a decade ago, and to date, it remains one of the easiest file-sharing tools across Apple devices and other compatible systems. The feature allows streaming between devices of video, audio, and device screens.
However, if you are not savvy with AirPlay and how it works, this guide is for you.
What is Mac AirPlay?
AirPlay is Apple’s proprietary wireless streaming technology that allows users to stream video, audio, and other media across Apple devices on the same network. The feature enables users to share content from their iPad, iPhone, or Mac with HomePod, Apple TV, or other compatible devices like a smart TV or a speaker system.
AirPlay works when both devices are within Bluetooth range and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
With AirPlay 2, Apple offers multi-room functionality that allows you to play podcasts, music, or other audio content from your Mac, iPhone, or iPad on different devices at once. So, for instance, if you have a Sonos Beam in the kitchen and an Apple HomePod in the bedroom, you can play music on both devices. The audio sync perfectly paves the way for a seamless music-listening experience.
Since this feature is deeply baked into Apple devices, users don’t need to install additional software to make it work.
How to turn On/Off AirPlay on Mac?
Here are the steps on how to turn on AirPlay:
- Click on the Apple logo > System Preferences > Sharing > Check the box next to AirPlay Receiver. Then, you can choose whom to allow AirPlay. You can even set up a password for an added layer of protection.
For turning off AirPlay, the process is different for screen and music mirroring. Here are the steps on how do you turn off AirPlay:
- To turn off screen mirroring, you can open Control Center > Screen Mirroring > click the device you are mirroring to.
- To disable AirPlay audio on your Mac, open Control Center > choose AirPlay > choose the speakers on your Mac to send the sound back to your Mac > turn off AirPlay.
Please note that the steps for turning on/off AirPlay on iPhone and iPad might differ slightly. You must refer to the specific steps by going to Apple’s support page. Furthermore, you can disable AirPlay on Apple TV as well. You can read the TV guide to find out the steps.
What Can You AirPlay on Your Mac?
- Convert your Mac into an AirPlay 2 speaker and stream podcasts, music, audio novels, and more. You can use your Mac as a secondary speaker in a multi-room audio setting.
- You can expand or extend your iPad or iPhone’s screen on your Mac by mirroring content. Essentially, you can use it as a secondary display.
- You can AirPlay content to Mac by streaming photos, videos, music, etc. It is possible to stream content from any Apple device to your Mac, and the devices don’t even need to share the same Apple ID.
How to USE AirPlay on your Mac?
You already know how to turn on AirPlay on your Mac, which is done using the Control Center (mentioned above). Then, click the Screen Mirroring option and choose the device you wish to cast your Mac’s screen to. Sometimes, a passcode may appear on the other device’s screen, and you must enter the password in the pop-up on your Mac’s screen. After this, AirPlay will begin casting your Mac’s screen on the other device.
If you wish to stream content from an app on your Mac, look for the AirPlay icon. Click the icon, and you will get a list of compatible devices. Pick the device you wish to AirPlay the content, and that’s it.
Is AirPlay different from Bluetooth?
Yes, and the differences are:
- AirPlay can send both audio and video.
- It works over Wi-Fi.
- It is capable of a much higher quality than Bluetooth and offers a much further range.
What are the Advantages of AirPlay?
- Sharing media is easier with AirPlay as it is one of the quickest ways to stream and share media from one device to a projector, speaker, or smart TV.
- All new macOS and iOS devices support AirPlay. No configuration or setup is required.
- AirPlay enables users to send audio content to multiple AirPlay-compatible systems simultaneously.
Although the advantages are too good to ignore, there are some drawbacks. For instance, if the Wi-Fi connection is slow, AirPlay may struggle. Also, the feature can only be used by one app at a time. This means you cannot stream audio from Spotify to a Bluetooth speaker while streaming a YouTube video to your smart TV.
How often do you use AirPlay on your Apple devices? How do you use it? Have you encountered problems? Kindly share your experience in the comment below.
