Apple's AirPlay technology allows you to wirelessly display videos, images, music, and even your iPhone or MacBook screen on a TV. This makes it easier to watch content on a large screen, provided the TV is compatible with AirPlay.

Activating AirPlay from an iPhone or iPad

Before starting, ensure that both your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and that AirPlay is enabled in the TV's settings.
Then, open an app that supports AirPlay, such as a video streaming app, and tap the AirPlay icon, which appears as a rectangle with an arrow pointing upwards. Select the TV from the list of available devices.

In apps like YouTube, you can tap the cast icon and then select AirPlay.

To display images, open the image in the Photos app, tap Share, and then choose AirPlay. You can also use a similar process to stream music to your TV or compatible audio devices.

If you frequently use AirPlay with the same TV, you can set up automatic connection in the iPhone settings: Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity, and then select the appropriate automatic connection method.

What to do if AirPlay is not an option

You can use Screen Mirroring, a feature that allows you to display everything on your iPhone screen on the TV.

Open the Control Center from the top right of the screen, then tap the AirPlay icon, which appears as two overlapping rectangles, and select TV. You may be asked to enter a code that appears on the TV screen when connecting for the first time.

This way, you can display images, web pages, or applications on the large screen, not just content that supports AirPlay directly.

Using AirPlay from MacBook

To use AirPlay from a MacBook, make sure both the device and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network and that AirPlay is enabled on the TV.

On a Mac, go to System Settings > General > AirDrop and Continuity, then ensure that the AirPlay Receiver is turned on.

Next, open the video or content you want to display and tap the AirPlay icon, then select the TV.

You can also mirror your entire Mac screen through Control Center > Screen Mirroring, with the option to choose whether to display the full screen, a specific window or application, or use the TV as an additional display.

What to do if there’s a connection problem

If AirPlay isn't working properly, restarting your phone, TV, and MacBook may resolve the issue. You can also turn Wi-Fi on and off on all devices and try connecting again.

Some apps may prevent displaying their content via AirPlay due to copyright or sensitive information protection, so instead of the content you might see a black screen.
In these cases, you can resort to a wired connection using HDMI or use the app directly from the TV or compatible streaming device.

It's also important to note that Netflix does not support AirPlay, so you cannot rely on AirPlay to display Netflix content in the usual way.

AirPlay is one of the easiest ways to display Apple devices' content on a TV without needing cables; all you usually need is a compatible device, shared Wi-Fi network, and enable AirPlay, then select the TV from the list of devices. When an app doesn't support AirPlay, you can use the screen mirroring feature, but keep in mind that some apps may prevent this feature.