Many users buy the Apple TV set-top box (you can buy it here) solely to wirelessly stream content from Mac and iOS devices via AirPlay to the TV. This is a very convenient feature that usually works great.
AirPlay works differently on macOS and iOS. AirPlay is a powerful tool that offers many options, such as sharing photos with family and friends, giving a presentation, or moving the Mac desktop outside of the laptop (for example, onto a TV).
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What is Apple AirPlay?
AirPlay is Apple's proprietary wireless streaming protocol that allows you to send video and audio from a Mac or iOS device to an AirPlay-enabled receiver such as an Apple TV (wireless speaker, headphones, transmitter, etc.). This technology was first introduced as AirTunes for iTunes in 2004.
At that time, AirPlay's capabilities were limited to wireless audio transmission only, but in 2010, Apple added AirPlay support to iOS with the ability to stream video. A year later, the company implemented the “mirroring” function in AirPlay, and in May 2021 introduced a new version of the protocol - AirPlay 2.
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Replica
Replica is a screen mirroring application that is ideal for giving presentations at business meetings and sharing photos, videos and movies from the Internet or for personal entertainment.
It takes just two steps to start watching your favorite videos and photos in the best quality. Additionally, the developer is incredibly responsive and will fix any issues you report to them.
Price: Free ($2.99/month for Premium).
What is “mirroring” (screen repeating, screen duplication, mirroring) AirPlay
AirPlay mirroring – the ability to duplicate the screen display of a Mac or iOS gadget to a receiver (Apple TV + TV) with AirPlay support. This functionality is supported by both iPhone and iPad, and Mac. Although mirroring can be used to send video and audio files, some content may be subject to restrictions due to the risk of copyright infringement. If you try to mirror your Mac screen while playing protected iTunes content, such as an Apple Music video, you'll see a gray window instead of the video. But displaying any video from movie sites on your TV is no problem.
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Screen Mirroring for Chromecast
This application is very easy to learn and does not require much technical knowledge. All you need to do is download and follow the instructions. So this is a great solution if you want to stream HD videos or games to your TV with Chromecast.
It mirrors your screen at full resolution and quality, making it ideal for work. However, one notable downside is that you will have to upgrade to the Pro version in order to stream audio.
Price: Free (Monthly Subscription: $1.99)
What is AirPlay 2?
Apple presented a new version of the AirPlay protocol as part of the WWDC 2021 developer conference. The manufacturer planned to add support for AirPlay 2 in version 11 of iOS 11, but the technology became available only in May 2021 with the release of the iOS 11.4 update. In AirPlay 2, for the first time, support for multiroom mode appeared, thanks to which owners of Apple devices can use several gadgets to play music.
AirPlay 2 is also supported by Apple TV devices running tvOS 11.4 and later. Apple HomePod speakers update automatically. Legacy third-party devices may not be compatible with AirPlay 2; please check with your vendor for support.
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How to use AirPlay to stream content or mirror
You can use the AirPlay feature to either stream content to the receiver (audio or video) or mirror the current device's screen (including audio) to it. Before using the feature, make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections are active and Airplane mode is turned off on your device. The simplest method of working with AirPlay: click on the AirPlay icon and select the desired receiver from the list that appears.
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How to output video, photo, audio from iPhone/iPad to Apple TV (TV) using AirPlay function
1. Swipe up on the screen to open Control Center. iPhone owners with Face ID need to swipe down from the top right corner.
2. Tap and hold the Now Playing widget on the right side of the display until it expands
3. Click on the wireless transmission icon (the icon with three circles and a triangle) next to the playback items.
4. Wait until the list of receivers appears on the screen.
5. Click on the desired receiver and start playing media content.
To stop streaming, repeat the process, but in step 5, select iPhone or iPad.
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To mirror (repeat) the iPhone or iPad screen
1. Open Control Center.
2. Tap Screen Repeat on the left side of the screen.
3. Wait until the nearest AirPlay device appears on your display.
4. Select the receiver to which you want to display the image.
To stop broadcasting, repeat the process by selecting “Stop Screen Repeat” in step 4.
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How to output videos, photos, audio from Mac to Apple TV (TV) using the AirPlay function
To connect your Mac to Apple TV, select the AirPlay icon in the menu bar, iTunes or QuickTime, or go to System Preferences → Displays to define an AirPlay display (it will act as a wireless display connected to your Mac). We talked about how to broadcast (transmit) video from a Mac to a TV screen in this article.
The easiest way to mirror a Mac is through the icon on the menu bar.
On macOS Big Sur and later:
Click the Control Center icon in the macOS menu bar and select Screen Mirroring.
On the screen that appears, select your device.
Once the connection is established, you can mirror the built-in display, mirror the Apple TV, or turn off the monitor and use the Apple TV as an external screen.
On older versions of macOS:
Tap the AirPlay icon in the top right corner of the screen, then select your desired receiver.
Once the connection is established, you can mirror the built-in display, mirror the Apple TV, or turn off the monitor and use the Apple TV as an external screen.
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How to cast iPhone screen on Windows
This is only possible through third-party programs that turn a Windows computer into a receiver and make iOS think that an Apple TV is nearby. There is a lot of similar software on the Internet – both paid and free. The principle of working with it is the same everywhere: both devices connect to the same WiFI network, after which the desired program is launched. On Windows, problems with computer detection often occur; disabling the firewall can help.
LetsView
A simple and “lightweight” program for any version of Windows, which is distributed free of charge. She can not only transmit a broadcast from the iPhone screen to a PC, but also record what is happening. After installing the program, you can adjust the resolution of the broadcast screen and stretch it across the entire window.
Basic algorithm:
- Install the program and run it.
- Select “AirPlay” or “Screen Mirroring” on your iPhone, find “LetsView” in the list and wait for the desired picture to appear on your computer.
The screen is displayed in a small window, which expands as needed. You can also pin it above the others and take a screenshot from it. To record a video, click on the element with the red dot in the center.
LonelyScreen AirPlay Receiver
One of the most stable programs for mirroring screens from iPhone to Windows, which is released for OS 2000 and older. The interface is English, but simple. The program is paid, but there is a trial period, and you can also find a “patched” version of it.
Scheme of work:
- Install “LonelyScreen” on your computer and run it. Optionally rename the server for easier discovery.
- In the iPhone control panel, find “Screen mirroring” or “AirPlay” (depending on the iOS version).
- Find a computer in the list by server name. Confirm his choice.
The peculiarity of this program is that it not only reproduces what is happening on the iPhone screen, but also can record this process on the computer.
Streaming, quality and other problems with AirPlay
In most cases, poor-quality video or audio broadcasting is due to an overload on the Wi-Fi network. Too many Wi-Fi connections on the same channels that the receiver uses will reduce the quality of the signal coming to Apple TV. A similar situation can occur when using outdated devices that do not support high-speed connections. In this case, you need to either get as close to the Apple TV as possible or replace the iOS device with a more modern model.
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Other Airplay features
In addition to the main function - broadcasting video files and mirroring the screen on an iPhone, Apple TV and other devices, there are third-party AirPlay capabilities, which include:
- Using the Siri voice assistant to play files and control playback of recordings or broadcasts.
- Stream music, podcasts, and other files to Apple TV , HomePod, and other streaming systems that support airplay.
- For ease of use, the user can immediately add compatible playing centers and TVs to the Home application .
- To resolve issues that arise when working with devices, the developers have prepared detailed instructions (https://support.apple.com/ru-ru/HT204289).
Thus, the Airplay technology developed by Apple is another leap in the world of technology. The main task of wireless file playback is to facilitate the operation process and use of a smart home system. Thanks to Airplay, choosing movies and listening to audio files has become much easier.
How to change the Apple TV name
If you have multiple Apple TV boxes or your neighbor's Apple TV constantly appears in the list of devices, you can give the receivers unique names. To do this, open “Settings” → “General” → “About this device” → “Name”.
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Cast your iPhone screen to AppleTV
It's the easiest way to display photos, videos and other media on the big screen and requires minimal outside help. All you need is absolutely any HD TV (the presence of Smart TV and other modern functions does not matter) to which you can connect an Apple set-top box. You also need it itself - Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K.
Further actions:
- Connect Apple TV to your TV using an HDMI cable. Important: 4K HDR uses a separate wire, which provides higher data transfer rates. It is purchased separately.
- Connect the set-top box to the network. On your TV, select the HDMI input.
- The Apple TV setup screen appears on your iPhone: connect to the same WiFi network as your iPhone. This will happen thanks to the transfer of passwords through Keychain Access. However, setup from an iPhone is only possible with iOS older than 9.1.
- Open the control center through the lower curtain or the upper one (from the right corner, for iPhone with Face ID), select the “Screen repeat” button.
- Wait for the list of devices available for synchronization to load. Tap on the line “Apple TV” or the name of the TV (if there are several of them).
- Give permission to connect to AirPlay and enter a password if required - a request will appear on the TV screen.
The picture from the iPhone will be broadcast in its standard aspect ratio and size, so there will be black fields on the sides. Changing the format to horizontal is done by rotating the screen, and the resolution must be adjusted separately on the TV.
Also, if you have an Apple TV, you can start watching a movie or TV series through this service on your iPhone, and continue on your TV by sharing media content via AirPlay.
The principle is simple:
- In video mode, look for the AirPlay icon on the bottom panel: a screen with an arrow at the bottom. Tap on it.
- The system will display a list of available receivers - select the one you need.
- Wait until the image appears on the TV screen. You can control playback both through the remote control and through your iPhone.
If you don’t have an Apple TV set-top box, you can cast your iPhone screen to a TV that supports AirPlay 2. Such models began appearing in 2021, and some of those released in 2021 gained access to “screen mirroring” thanks to new firmware. The following Smart TVs are equipped with AirPlay 2 support: LG UHD and NanoCell, Samsung QLED Q6–Q9, UHD 6–8 Series, The Frame Series, Sony 2021 and 2020, as well as VISIO QLED and P, M, E series, D, V. A special sticker indicates the presence of the desired function.
How to turn AirPlay on/off on Apple TV
You can completely disable the Apple TV feature or limit its use in the “Settings” → “AirPlay” section. Then you can select the options at your discretion: allow all users to broadcast via AirPlay; limit the use of AirPlay only to devices on the same network; disable the function completely; Set password.
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