How to Turn on AirPlay: Step-by-Step Guide

This updated guide explains how to Turn on AirPlay through clear steps, practical examples, and important checks that help prevent common errors.

Method 1 of 3:

On iPhone

Turn on Bluetooth. If your iPhone's Bluetooth is disabled, do the following:
- Open
  Settings .
- Tap Bluetooth .
- Tap the white "Off" switch
  .
Connect to a Wi-Fi network if necessary. Your iPhone must be connected to the Wi-Fi network to which your AirPlay item (e. g., Apple TV) is connected.
- If you're attempting to use AirPlay 2 through a set of speakers, you can skip this step.
Make sure the AirPlay item you may need to use is on. If the AirPlay item isn't on, turn it on before proceeding.
Open the Control Center. Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone's screen to do so.
- On an iPhone X, you'll instead swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.
Tap Screen Mirroring. It's in the middle of the Control Center. A pop-up menu will appear.
Select a broadcast item. In the pop-up menu, tap the item with which you may need to use AirPlay.^{[1]XResearch source}
Use AirPlay from the Music app. If you have AirPlay 2-equipped speakers, you can play your iPhone's music through them via AirPlay:
- Open the Music app.
- Begin playing a song.
- Scroll down and tap the triangular AirPlay icon.
- Tap the item through which you may need to play music.

Method 2 of 3:

On Mac

Turn on Bluetooth. If Bluetooth is disabled on your Mac, turn it on before proceeding.
Connect to a Wi-Fi network if necessary. Your Mac must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the item to which you may need to connect via AirPlay.
Make sure the AirPlay item you may need to use is on. If the AirPlay item isn't on, turn it on before proceeding.^{[2]XResearch source}
Click the "AirPlay" icon. It's a triangle in a box that's on the right side of the menu bar at the top of your Mac's screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Click Turn AirPlay On. It's in the drop-down menu. This enables AirPlay on your Mac.^{[3]XResearch source}
- If you see Turn AirPlay Off in the drop-down menu, AirPlay is already enabled on your Mac.
Select a broadcast item. Click the item to which you may need to broadcast your Mac's screen in the drop-down menu.
AirPlay from iTunes. If you may need to use AirPlay to listen to music rather than to broadcast your Mac's screen, do the following:^{[4]XResearch source}
- Open iTunes.
- Begin playing the song you may need to use.
- Click the AirPlay icon to the right of the volume slider.
- Click the item you may need to use (e. g., a set of speakers) to play the music.

Method 3 of 3:

On Apple TV

Open your Apple TV's
Settings. Select the Settings app icon, which resembles a grey box with gears on it, from your Apple TV's Home Screen.
Select AirPlay. You'll find this on the Settings page.
Select AirPlay. It's at the top of the AirPlay menu.
Select On. Doing so turns on AirPlay.
- If this option is already selected, AirPlay is enabled for your Apple TV.
Go back to the AirPlay menu. Press the Menu button on your remote to do so.
Select Allow Access. This is near the top of the screen.
Select Everyone. It's in the middle of the menu. Doing so ensures that anyone on your Wi-Fi network will be able to connect to your Apple TV via AirPlay.^{[5]XResearch source}

FAQ

What is the easiest way to Turn on AirPlay?

Start with the requirements in this guide, then follow each step in order. Check the result after every major change so problems are easier to identify.