Apple TV · Network & Internet
Stream to Apple TV with AirPlay and use it as a HomeKit hub
AirPlay lets you send video, audio, and screen mirroring from iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Apple TV. Apple TV can also act as a HomeKit home hub, letting you control smart accessories remotely and automate them.
What you should know
- Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay to turn AirPlay on or off and choose who can AirPlay (Everyone, Same Network, or Require Password).
- Set an AirPlay password or require an on-screen code under the same menu to prevent unwanted devices from casting to your TV.
- Sign in with the same Apple ID used in the Home app under Settings > Users and Accounts to enable Apple TV as a HomeKit hub.
- Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Home App shows hub status and lets you enable or disable it as the home hub.
Why it matters
AirPlay is the fastest way to get content from an iPhone or Mac onto the big screen without opening a streaming app, and having Apple TV serve as a HomeKit hub is what makes remote access and automations for smart home accessories work at all when you're away from home.
Best practices
- Require a password or on-screen code for AirPlay if the Apple TV is on a shared or dorm/office network.
- Only one Apple TV per home needs to run as the active HomeKit hub — having several is fine, but confirm at least one shows "This Home Hub Is Connected" in the Home app.
- Keep the Apple TV and the iPhone or Mac on the same Wi-Fi network — AirPlay across separate networks generally will not work.
Common problems and fixes
- Apple TV doesn't show up as an AirPlay target
- Confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay is set to Everyone or Same Network.
- HomeKit accessories show "No Response" remotely
- Open the Home app and check the home hub status; restart Apple TV under Settings > System > Restart if the hub shows disconnected.
Tips and tricks
- Screen Mirroring an iPhone or Mac uses the same AirPlay pipeline — swipe into Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring to pick the Apple TV directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I AirPlay from a Windows PC?
Not natively — AirPlay to Apple TV requires an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) or a third-party app that adds AirPlay sending support.
Related settings
- Wi-Fi & Network ConnectionApple TV can connect over 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi or, on models with the port, wired Ethernet. A stable connection matters most for 4K/HDR streaming and AirPlay responsiveness.
- Apple ID & iCloudYour Apple ID on Apple TV syncs purchases, subscriptions, Family Sharing, iCloud Photos for the screen saver, and app data across your other Apple devices.