Stream media on your devices with AirPlay

Use your TV as a second display or stream music to AirPlay speakers

IF YOU’VE ONLY ever considered AirPlay as a tool for streaming music to compatible speakers, think again. AirPlay allows you to stream audio and video, and that can be done from a Mac, to extend your desktop. You can even use it with non–AirPlay speakers, with the help of software like AudioBridge (free with IAPs, audiobridge.com), which turns Sonos speakers into AirPlay devices.

You don’t even need an Apple TV box for video streaming — many smart TVs now support AirPlay 2, allowing you to stream directly to them. If you add an Apple TV or compatible smart TV to the Home app and assign it to a room, you can even use Siri to control playback of video from an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Apple advises you should connect the devices you want to stream to and from, to the same Wi–Fi network. However, if that’s not possible, AirPlay will work in peer–to–peer mode, if Wi–Fi and Bluetooth are switched on, on both devices. KENNY HEMPHILL

Stream from iPhone or iPad

With audio playing, swipe down from the top right of the screen for Control Center, then tap the AirPlay icon (top right). Choose the device you want to stream to from the list of options.

Extend your Mac’s screen

Follow step 3, but choose Extend Mac Desktop. In System Preferences > Display, use the Display tab for TV settings. Then click Arrange and drag the screens to the order you want.

Display photos from an iPad

Launch the Photos app and navigate to a photo you want to display. Tap the Share icon at the bottom of the screen and choose AirPlay. Choose your TV.

Mirror your Mac’s screen

In Big Sur, choose Screen Mirroring in Control Center. Or go to System Preferences > Display, and choose your TV from the AirPlay Display menu. Choose Mirror Display from the menu.

Video from an iOS app

Launch the app you want to stream from. Tap the screen then tap the Cast icon. Choose AirPlay and Bluetooth devices, then choose the Apple TV or AirPlay–compatible TV you want to stream to.

Mirror your iPad screen

Swipe down from the top–right corner of the screen to bring up Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring and choose your Apple TV or AirPlay–compatible TV. To stop mirroring, tap Screen Mirroring and choose your iPad.