How to stream video and audio from your iPad with AirPlay

With AirPlay, you can stream video and audio from your iPad to a nearby Mac or TV. You can also mirror what’s on your iPad screen, using a Mac, an Apple TV 4K, or another TV.

Both devices need Wi-Fi turned on and must be connected to the same network, and to stream to a TV, you need an Apple TV 4K or an AirPlay 2-enabled smart TV. A Mac needs to be set up to allow streaming from your iPad, too.

Here’s how to stream video and audio from your iPad with AirPlay.

Before you begin

Before you start streaming, check that all of these are true:

• Both devices have Wi-Fi turned on and are connected to the same network.
• If you’re streaming between your own Apple devices, it’s useful to sign in to the same Apple Account.
• To use AirPlay to stream content to a Mac, both devices meet minimum system requirements.
• To use AirPlay to stream content to a TV, make sure you’re using an Apple TV 4K or an AirPlay 2-enabled smart TV.

Running a VPN? Its configuration shouldn’t prevent local networking, as that may interfere with some Continuity features.

Set up a Mac to allow streaming from your iPad

1. On a Mac, open the System Settings app.
2. Click General in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)
3. Click AirDrop & Handoff, then turn on AirPlay Receiver.

   Note: If you’re using a Mac with macOS 12.5 or earlier, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Sharing, then turn on AirPlay receiver.

4. Click the pop-up menu next to Allow AirPlay for and choose the devices that can use AirPlay to stream content to this Mac.
   • Allow only your devices: If you only want to allow AirPlay from devices where you’re signed in to the same Apple Account, select Current User.
   • Allow any device: Select Anyone on the Same Network or Everyone.
5. To require a password to use AirPlay with the Mac, select the option and then enter a password.

Stream photos or videos from your iPad to a Mac or TV

Photos and videos on your iPad can stream to an Apple TV 4K, a Mac, or an AirPlay 2-enabled smart TV.

1. On your iPad, find the photo or video that you want to stream.
2. Tap the AirPlay button.

   Note: In some apps, you may need to tap a different button first, like the Share button.

   

3. Choose your Mac or TV from the list.
4. Use the playback controls on your iPad.
5. To stop streaming, on your iPad, tap the AirPlay button and then tap Turn Off AirPlay.

   Tip: You can set up your iPad to discover and automatically connect to any Apple TV 4K or smart TV that you use frequently when you play content from apps that you use regularly with AirPlay. To turn this feature on or off on your iPad, go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity, tap the Automatically AirPlay pop-up menu, then choose Automatic, Never, or Ask.

Mirror your iPad on a Mac or TV

1. Open Control Center on your iPad.
2. Tap the Screen Mirroring button and choose your Mac or TV as the playback destination.

To switch back, open Control Center, tap the Screen Mirroring button, then tap Stop Mirroring.

Play audio from your iPad on a Mac or TV

With AirPlay, you can stream audio from your iPad to a Mac or TV. When you’re streaming to your Mac, first set up the Mac to allow streaming from another device. If you need the steps, see Allow streaming from another device.

1. Go to an audio app, such as Podcasts or Music on your iPad and choose an item to play.
2. Tap the AirPlay button, then choose a playback destination.

AirPlay also streams audio from your iPad to a HomePod.

Use AirPlay in your hotel room

Staying in a hotel room with a TV that supports AirPlay? It can play movies, TV shows, music, and more from your iPad.

1. Open Camera on your iPad.
2. If it’s not already on, turn on the room’s TV and locate the AirPlay QR code.
3. Scan the QR code with your iPad camera. Then follow the onscreen instructions to connect to your hotel Wi-Fi (if you’re not already connected) and the room’s TV.
4. Use your iPad to display content on the TV screen by streaming photos or video, mirroring your screen, or playing audio. Choose your hotel TV as the playback destination.
5. To stop streaming or mirroring, tap the AirPlay or Screen Mirroring button on your iPad. Tap your iPad in the list or tap Stop Mirroring.

Note: AirPlay in hotels is available in certain countries and regions.

If AirPlay isn’t working

• Make sure that both of your devices are on the same network.
• Check that your Mac is set up to allow streaming from another device.

See also

• Use Continuity to work across Apple devices
• Wirelessly stream videos and photos to Apple TV 4K or a smart TV from iPad
• Play audio from iPad on HomePod and other wireless speakers