- If AirPlay isn’t working on your iPhone after iOS 26 update, there are several troubleshooting techniques to try.
- Ensure that your iPhone and the device you’re trying to stream to are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and turned on.
- Restarting your devices or turning the Wi-Fi off and back on may also fix AirPlay.
AirPlay offers easy wireless streaming from your iPhone to a compatible device. With just a tap or two, you can stream audio or video content from your iPhone to another Airplay compatible device, like a smart television, AV Receiver, Apple TV, smart speaker, or Mac.
If you’ve recently updated your iPhone to iOS 26 and noticed that AirPlay is no longer working properly, you’re not alone. Several users have reported problems such as AirPlay not detecting nearby devices, screen mirroring not starting, or lagging playback. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on AirPlay for streaming content to your Apple TV, smart TV, AV Receiver, or wireless speakers.
The good news is that there are several practical steps you can take to get AirPlay working again. Follow the guide below to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Causes of AirPlay Not Working on iPhone
AirPlay works through the Wi-Fi network, so your iPhone and the device you want to stream to must be on the same network for the feature to work.
If your iPhone and the device you’re trying to stream to aren’t on the same network (or the Wi-Fi is not working), AirPlay won’t work either.
Other common culprits include operating system bugs or incorrect AirPlay settings on an AirPlay-compatible device.
Here’s what to do if AirPlay is not working on your iPhone after iOS 26 update.
How to fix AirPlay not working After iOS 26 Update
When AirPlay doesn’t seem to be working on your iPhone running iOS 26, try these troubleshooting steps to resolve streaming or screen mirroring issues.
Check Wi-Fi connection
First, check to make sure that the your iPhone and the device you’re trying to stream to are not only connected to Wi-Fi, but connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
On your iPhone, choose Settings ⇒ Wi-Fi to confirm the network connection for your phone.
See also: iPhone Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi After iOS 26 Update? The Fix
Check the Wi-Fi network on your Apple TV from Settings ⇒ Network (for the 4th generation Apple TV or later) or General ⇒ Network (for earlier versions of Apple TV).
Confirm AirPlay is enabled on your TV
If you are trying to stream from your iPhone to an Apple TV, verify AirPlay is active by going to Settings ⇒ AirPlay and HomeKit ⇒ AirPlay.
On AirPlay-compatible smart TVs, locate AirPlay controls from your device’s settings.
Check devices audio
Raise the volume level on your iPhone and the device you’re streaming to and ensure neither are muted.
Turn Wi-Fi on and off
Enable airplane mode, then turn it off to force your devices to reconnect to Wi-Fi.
Make sure operating system is up to date
Check to see if your devices are running the latest version of their software. On your iPhone, go to Settings ⇒ General ⇒ Software Update. If a new iOS 26 update is available, tap Update Now and follow the onscreen instructions.
Check access settings on Apple TV
If you’re trying to stream from your iPhone to your Apple TV, double-check AirPlay access from Settings ⇒ AirPlay and HomeKit ⇒ Allow Access.
Note: If access is password-protected, AirPlay streaming won’t work unless you know the password.
Restart your devices
A simple, yet effective solution, restarting your iPhone along with the device you’re streaming to might just be the thing that fixes your iOS 26 Airplay issue.
To restart your iPhone, go to Settings ⇒ General ⇒ Shut Down. Drag the Slide to Power off slider towards the right. Wait for about 30 seconds, then press the Side button to turn your iPhone back on.
For AV Receivers, Apple TVs, Smart Speakers or smart TVs, this process means unplugging the device from the power outlet. Plug the cord back in after a few seconds and try again once the device connected to Wi-Fi.
Restart your router
Your wireless router may be the cause of your iOS 26 Airplay issues. You can resolve the problem by simply rebooting the wireless router. If you don’t see an on/off switch on the back of the router, unplug it from the outlet, wait a few seconds and then plug it in again.
It takes several minutes for a router to boot up and reconnect to the internet. Usually, you know when it is connected because the lights flicker. Many routers also have a network light to show you when the internet connection is made.
See also: iPhone Keep Disconnecting From Wi-Fi on iOS 26? How to Fix
