macOS · Devices
Let other devices stream audio and video to your Mac
AirPlay Receiver turns your Mac into an AirPlay destination, so an iPhone, iPad, or other Mac can stream its screen or audio directly to your Mac's display and speakers.
How to open AirPlay Receiver
- Open System Settings → General → AirDrop & Handoff
- Turn on AirPlay Receiver
- Set 'Allow AirPlay for' to the desired access level
- Optionally enable 'Require password' for extra security
What you should know
- Choose who can AirPlay to this Mac: Everyone, Everyone on the same network, or Current User
- Require a passcode for connections from unknown devices
- Toggle whether AirPlaying pauses if the Mac isn't the active window
Why it matters
AirPlay Receiver is especially useful when a Mac has a larger or higher-quality display than the sending device, letting a phone's screen or a presentation be mirrored quickly without cables during meetings or casual sharing at home. Restricting who can connect matters in office or shared environments, since an unsecured receiver could let anyone on the same Wi-Fi network start streaming to your screen unexpectedly. It's a lightweight alternative to a dedicated AirPlay-enabled TV or speaker.
Best practices
- Set access to 'Current User' on a Mac used in a shared space to prevent unwanted connections.
- Enable the passcode requirement when using this on a network you don't fully control, like a coworking space.
- Turn the receiver off entirely when not in active use to avoid unexpected background connections.
Common problems and fixes
- A phone can't find the Mac as an AirPlay option.
- Confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and AirPlay Receiver is turned on under General settings.
- Unexpected AirPlay connection requests appear.
- Tighten the 'Allow AirPlay for' setting to 'Current User' or enable a passcode requirement.
Tips and tricks
- Use AirPlay Receiver combined with an external display to effectively add a wireless 'second monitor' for a phone or tablet.
Frequently asked questions
Does this work over a different network?
No, both devices generally need to be on the same Wi-Fi network unless using a wired peer-to-peer connection.
Can I stream from a non-Apple device?
No, AirPlay is an Apple protocol, so only Apple devices or apps with AirPlay support can stream to it.
Related settings
- Displays SettingsDisplays settings let you change resolution, brightness, arrangement of multiple monitors, and features like Night Shift and True Tone for more comfortable viewing.
- Wi-Fi ConnectionWi-Fi settings let you join, manage, and prioritize wireless networks on your Mac, including hidden networks and networks that require a captive-portal sign-in.
- Screen Sharing & Remote LoginScreen Sharing lets you view and control another Mac's screen remotely (or let someone control yours), while Remote Login enables secure command-line (SSH) access to your Mac from another computer. Both are toggled independently under Sharing settings.
More Devices guides for macOS
- TrackpadTrackpad settings control click pressure, tracking speed, scrolling direction, and the full set of multi-touch gestures used for navigating macOS — everything from a simple tap-to-click to four-finger app switching.
- MouseMouse settings control tracking speed, scrolling direction, and secondary-click behavior for any connected mouse, including Apple's Magic Mouse, which also supports its own set of swipe gestures.
- KeyboardKeyboard settings control key repeat speed, modifier key behavior, text input sources, and Dictation — plus Touch Bar customization on supported MacBook Pro models. It's also where you add languages and manage keyboard shortcuts across the system.
- Printers & ScannersPrinters & Scanners settings let you add, configure, and manage printers and scanners connected over USB, Wi-Fi, or a network, including setting a default printer and checking on active print jobs.
- BatteryBattery settings show battery level history, condition, and power usage by app on Mac laptops, and let you configure power modes and options like optimized battery charging.
- CDs & DVDsCDs & DVDs settings let you choose what happens automatically when you insert a music CD, picture CD, video DVD, or blank disc into a connected optical drive, such as opening a specific app.