What is AirPlay? How Apple’s wireless streaming works

💡Need to know

• AirPlay® is Apple®’s wireless technology that lets you stream and mirror content from Apple devices to compatible streaming gadgets.
• The technology uses Wi-Fi®, not Bluetooth®, to transmit content between devices.
• It works with iPhones, iPad®s, Mac®s, Apple TV®s, third-party smart TVs, and speakers.
• AirPlay 2 features multi-room audio, so you can stream music to multiple compatible speakers simultaneously.

AirPlay is Apple’s wireless streaming feature that lets you share video, music, photos, and your screen with compatible devices. If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, this technology provides a convenient way to enjoy media on larger screens or share your content wirelessly.

At Asurion, we show millions of people how to make life more convenient with their favorite tech. Whether you're looking for how to stream content or how to pair AirPods, we’ll help you make the most of your tech. If you’re wondering “what is AirPlay,” here’s everything you need to know.

How AirPlay technology connects your devices

For AirPlay to work, it requires three elements:

1. A Wi-Fi® connection
2. An AirPlay-sending device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac)
3. An AirPlay-compatible receiver

How AirPlay works

AirPlay works over your Wi-Fi, so you can wirelessly share video, music, photos, or your screen. You can either stream from one AirPlay-compatible device to another or mirror your screen.

Streaming specific content

During streaming, your iPhone, iPad, or Mac sends only a photo, video, or song to the receiving device. That means you can keep using your device while your content plays on the bigger screen or external speakers.

Mirroring your screen

When you mirror your screen, you broadcast everything visible on your screen to a TV or monitor in real time. Screen mirroring is useful for presentations, gaming, or showing apps that don’t have a built-in AirPlay option.

Unlike the original AirPlay, AirPlay 2 lets you stream music on multiple AirPlay-compatible speakers at the same time and manage playback in different rooms using Siri® or the Home app. To spot AirPlay in an app, look for the AirPlay icon. It looks like a rectangle with a small triangle pointing upward at the bottom center. Tap it to see a list of available devices nearby.

How to use AirPlay on your favorite devices

Setting up an AirPlay connection is straightforward, but before you begin, connect your Apple device and receiving device to the same Wi-Fi network. Also, check that both sending and receiving devices are running up-to-date software. Some TVs or speakers may prompt you to enter a passcode displayed on their screen. Just type it on your Apple device when prompted.

Streaming from an iPhone or iPad

You can start streaming directly from apps like Photos, Apple Music, or YouTube. Just follow these simple steps.

1. Check that your iPhone or iPad is running the latest iOS® updates.
2. Connect your iPhone or iPad to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV, AirPlay-compatible TV, or Mac.
3. Find the video you want to stream.
4. Tap the AirPlay icon, a small rectangle with a triangle pointing upward at the bottom center.
5. Select the device you want to stream to from the AirPlay-compatible device list that appears.
6. Your content will begin streaming on the selected device. [https://support.apple.com/en-us/102661]

To stop streaming, tap the AirPlay button in the app you’re streaming from, then tap your iPhone or iPad from the list.

Mirroring your Mac screen to a TV

Mirroring your Mac allows you to display everything on your screen on a larger TV or AirPlay-compatible monitor. To connect AirPlay to your TV, take these steps:

1. Turn on your TV and Mac, and connect them to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On your Mac, open the Control Center in the top menu. The icon looks like two toggles stacked on top of each other.
3. Select Screen Mirroring.
4. You’ll see your TV in the AirPlay-compatible devices list. Select your TV.
5. You may need to enter a four-digit code from your TV screen on your Mac to verify the connection. Your Mac’s display will appear on the TV. 

You can choose to extend your display instead of mirroring it, which lets you use the TV as a second screen. To disconnect, go back to Control Center > Screen Mirroring and select your TV. Click Stop.

FAQs

What is the difference between AirPlay and Screen Mirroring?

The difference between Screen Mirroring and AirPlay is that AirPlay streams specific media, while Screen Mirroring displays everything currently visible on your screen. While Screen Mirroring is a feature of AirPlay, it works differently from streaming a specific file.

Do you need Wi-Fi for AirPlay?

Yes, AirPlay requires you to connect both sending and receiving devices to the same Wi-Fi network. However, some newer models support a limited form of peer-to-peer AirPlay, which allows file sharing without a Wi-Fi network.

Does AirPlay use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?

AirPlay uses Wi-Fi, not Bluetooth, to stream content between devices.