This article is part of our guide IPTV on iPhone and iPad: Players, Settings and Tips.
AirPlay is Apple's wireless technology for sending video and audio from an iPhone, iPad or Mac to a TV. It is built into iOS and iPadOS, so there is nothing to install. This guide explains the two ways to use it, what your TV needs and how to fix the most common problems. On an Android phone, the equivalent is casting with Google Cast.
What you need
- An iPhone or iPad with a recent iOS or iPadOS version.
- An Apple TV or a smart TV that supports AirPlay (many recent models from several major TV brands do — check your TV's specifications or settings).
- Both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
Apple lists AirPlay requirements and compatible devices on its support site.
Two ways to use AirPlay
| AirPlay from the app | Screen Mirroring | |
|---|---|---|
| What appears on the TV | The video only | Your entire screen |
| Quality | Usually better | Can be lower, with more delay |
| Use your phone meanwhile | Often yes | Everything you do is visible on TV |
| Needs app support | Yes | No |
Method 1: AirPlay from your player
- Connect your iPhone or iPad and the TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Start playing a stream in your player.
- Tap the AirPlay icon (a screen with a triangle at the bottom) in the player controls.
- Choose your Apple TV or smart TV.
- If a code appears on the TV, enter it on your iPhone or iPad.
Method 2: Screen Mirroring
Use this if your player has no AirPlay button.
- Open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner on most current models).
- Tap Screen Mirroring.
- Choose your TV and enter the code if prompted.
- Open your player and start the stream. Rotate the device to landscape for full screen.
To stop, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring and choose Stop Mirroring.
Fixing common AirPlay problems
The TV does not appear
- Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network (not a guest network).
- Make sure AirPlay is switched on in the TV's settings.
- Restart the TV, your iPhone or iPad, and the router.
- Allow the player to access your local network: Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network.
- Temporarily disable VPN apps.
Audio plays but no video
Some apps restrict AirPlay for certain content. Try Screen Mirroring instead, or use a player installed directly on the TV or an Apple TV.
The picture stutters
- Move closer to the router or use the 5 GHz band.
- Prefer AirPlay from the app over mirroring.
- Connect the Apple TV with Ethernet if possible; see Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet.
Mirroring stops when the screen locks
Mirroring ends when the device locks. Use AirPlay from the app where possible, or adjust Auto-Lock under Settings → Display & Brightness while you watch.
When to use a TV app instead
AirPlay is great for occasional viewing. If you watch on the TV every day, a player installed on the TV or an Apple TV avoids phone battery drain and interruptions. See IPTV on Apple TV and the Smart TV setup guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an Apple TV to use AirPlay?
No. Many smart TVs support AirPlay directly. Check your TV's specifications or look for an AirPlay option in its settings.
Does AirPlay use mobile data?
When you AirPlay from a supported app, the TV often fetches the stream itself. With Screen Mirroring, your iPhone or iPad streams the video, so keep it on Wi-Fi.
Why is there a delay with Screen Mirroring?
Mirroring encodes your screen in real time and sends it over Wi-Fi, which adds a small delay. AirPlay from an app avoids most of it.
AirPlay tips to remember
Use AirPlay from your player when it offers the button, and Screen Mirroring when it does not. Keep both devices on the same Wi-Fi, allow local network access and prefer a wired Apple TV for the smoothest result. For more iOS tips, see the iPhone and iPad IPTV guide.