iPhone (iOS) · Devices
Stream Audio and Mirror Your Screen Wirelessly
AirPlay settings control which devices can receive streamed audio, video, and mirrored screen content from iPhone, including Apple TVs, HomePods, and AirPlay 2-compatible smart TVs and speakers.
How to open AirPlay & Screen Mirroring
- Open Control Center and tap the Screen Mirroring or AirPlay icon
- Select the target device from the list
- Enter a password if the receiver requires one
- Adjust receiver access under Settings → General → AirPlay & Handoff
- Tap Stop Mirroring or disconnect from Control Center when finished
What you should know
- Screen Mirroring projects the full iPhone display, including apps without native AirPlay support
- AirPlay 2 supports multi-room audio to several speakers simultaneously
- Automatically AirPlay to receivers can be restricted to devices on the same network or Everyone nearby
- Password protection can be required for AirPlay in supported receiver setups
Why it matters
AirPlay is central to how Apple devices integrate with home entertainment and audio systems, letting content move seamlessly from a phone screen to a television or a set of speakers without cables or third-party apps. Screen Mirroring specifically extends this to any app, including ones without native casting support, which matters for presentations, gaming, or sharing content that wasn't built with AirPlay in mind. Controlling who can AirPlay to your devices also matters for shared or public spaces, preventing unwanted content from appearing on a screen.
Best practices
- Restrict AirPlay receiver access to your own network in shared or public Wi-Fi environments
- Use AirPlay 2 multi-room audio to sync music across multiple HomePods or speakers
- Use Screen Mirroring for presentations when an app lacks native AirPlay output
- Require a password for AirPlay on receivers used in shared households or offices
Common problems and fixes
- AirPlay device doesn't appear in the list
- Confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and the receiver isn't in a restricted-access mode
- Screen Mirroring lags or drops
- Move closer to the Wi-Fi router or reduce network congestion from other streaming devices
- Audio plays on the wrong speaker
- Reselect the correct output device from Control Center's AirPlay menu
Tips and tricks
- Use Control Center's AirPlay icon for the fastest way to switch audio or video output
- Group HomePods into a stereo pair or room-based set for richer multi-room sound
Frequently asked questions
Does AirPlay require Wi-Fi?
Yes, both devices generally need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, though peer-to-peer AirPlay works in some cases without a shared network.
Can I stream to multiple speakers at once?
Yes, AirPlay 2 supports simultaneous multi-room playback to several compatible speakers.
Is Screen Mirroring the same as casting?
It's Apple's equivalent, projecting the entire screen rather than a single app's dedicated video stream.
Related settings
- Bluetooth DevicesBluetooth settings let you pair AirPods, headphones, speakers, keyboards, and other accessories, and manage previously connected devices.
- HandoffHandoff lets you start something — a webpage, email, document, or FaceTime call — on your iPhone and instantly pick it up on a nearby iPad or Mac signed in with the same Apple ID, without saving or sending anything manually.
More Devices guides for iPhone (iOS)
- KeyboardKeyboard settings let you add languages and layouts, configure autocorrect and predictive text, and connect a physical Bluetooth or Magic Keyboard for a more traditional typing experience.
- AirPods SettingsOnce AirPods are paired, a dedicated settings page appears for them with controls for noise control modes, spatial audio, press-and-hold gestures, and battery levels for each earbud and the case.
- Apple WatchPairing an Apple Watch is done through the dedicated Watch app on iPhone, which then manages the Watch's settings, apps, and complications, while the paired connection itself is visible under Bluetooth.
- Bluetooth AccessoriesBeyond audio devices, the Bluetooth settings screen manages any paired accessory — external keyboards, game controllers, car infotainment systems, fitness sensors, and more — under the 'My Devices' list.
- CarPlayCarPlay settings let you pair a vehicle, arrange which apps appear on the CarPlay screen, configure Siri and notification behavior while driving, and control automatic connection when you get in the car.
- MagSafe & Charging AccessoriesMagSafe and wireless charging settings show connected chargers and battery accessories, support Optimized Battery Charging to protect long-term battery health, and can trigger automatic behaviors when a MagSafe accessory attaches.