How to Fix a Missing AirPlay Icon on iPhone and Mac

Wi-Fi is probably turned off and, without it, you can't use AirPlay

By
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Writer
  • Ithaca College
Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
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Updated on July 20, 2023

This article explains how to get a missing AirPlay icon to reappear.

The instructions in this article apply to iPhones and iPod touch devices running iOS 10 and later. They also apply to Macs running macOS 10.15 Catalina and later.

How to Fix Missing AirPlay Icon on iPhone or iPod Touch

AirPlay is built into iOS, so you don't need to install anything to use it, and it can't be uninstalled. It can, however, be turned on and off.

Follow these steps to solve a missing AirPlay icon:

  1. Turn on Wi-Fi. AirPlay only works over Wi-Fi, not cellular networks, so you must be connected to Wi-Fi. To enable Wi-Fi on your iOS device, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and tap the toggle so it turns green.

  2. Ensure you're using AirPlay-compatible devices. Not all multimedia devices are compatible with AirPlay. Ensure you're trying to connect to devices that support AirPlay.

  3. Make sure your iPhone and device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Your iPhone or iPod touch can only communicate with the AirPlay device if all devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If your iPhone is on one network and the AirPlay device is on another, AirPlay won't work.

  4. Restart the devices. It never hurts to restart your iPhone, iPod touch, Mac, or Apple TV if the AirPlay icon is missing. A good restart will often clear out pesky glitches.

  5. Update to the latest version of iOS. If you've tried all the earlier tips, ensuring you're running the latest version of iOS on your iPhone or iPad touch never hurts.

  6. Ensure AirPlay is enabled on Apple TV. If you're trying to use an Apple TV with AirPlay but the AirPlay icon is missing from your phone or computer, ensure AirPlay is enabled on the Apple TV. On the Apple TV, go to ​Settings > AirPlay and make sure AirPlay is turned on.

  7. Solve common Wi-Fi interference or router issues. In rare cases, your iOS device may not communicate with an AirPlay device due to Wi-Fi network interference. Other devices or Wi-Fi router configuration problems can cause interference. Restart your router to see if this solves the problem. If that doesn't work, remove other Wi-Fi devices from the network one at a time to reduce interference, or consult your router's technical support information. (Non-Wi-Fi appliances like microwaves can also cause interference.)

To use AirPlay on Windows, you'll need to use iTunes for Windows or a third-party application.

How to Fix Missing AirPlay Icon on a Mac

AirPlay is also built into recent versions of macOS, letting you AirPlay content from all kinds of apps and even mirror your Mac's screen to other devices. If the AirPlay icon is missing from your Mac, try these steps to get it back:

  1. Turn on Wi-Fi. AirPlay only works over Wi-Fi, not cellular networks, so you must be connected to Wi-Fi. To enable Wi-Fi on your Mac, go to System Preferences > Network and select Turn Wi-Fi On.

  2. Ensure you're using AirPlay-compatible devices. Not all multimedia devices are compatible with AirPlay. Ensure you're trying to connect to devices that support AirPlay.

  3. Ensure your Mac and device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Your Mac can only communicate with the AirPlay device if both are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If your Mac is on one network, but the AirPlay device is on another, AirPlay won't work.

  4. Update your macOS. Like with the iPhone, running old software could cause the AirPlay icon to disappear. An update may fix the issue.

  5. Check your Mac's firewall settings. The firewall software built into your Mac protects it from attack by blocking unknown attempts to connect to your computer. That functionality can sometimes block helpful features like AirPlay. Try changing your firewall settings. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall > Firewall Options. Check the box next to Automatically allow signed software to receive incoming connections.

  6. Enable AirPlay Mirroring in the menu bar. Make it easier to find the AirPlay icon by adding it to the menu bar in the top right corner of the screen. To do this, go to System Preferences > Displays and check the box next to Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available. Now, whenever there are AirPlay devices to connect to, the AirPlay icon will appear in your menu bar. Click the AirPlay icon and select the device you want.

  7. Solve common Wi-Fi interference or router issues. In some rare cases, your Mac may not be communicating with an AirPlay device due to Wi-Fi network interference. Other devices or Wi-Fi router configuration problems can cause interference. Restart your router to see if this solves the problem. If that doesn't work, remove other Wi-Fi devices from the network one at a time to reduce interference, or consult your router's technical support information. (Non-Wi-Fi devices like microwaves can also cause interference.)

How to Fix Missing AirPlay Icon on Apple Music

AirPlay is also available in Apple Music, allowing you to stream audio and video from your music library/Apple Music service to AirPlay-compatible devices. If you don't see the AirPlay icon in Apple Music on your Mac, follow these steps:

  1. Turn on Wi-Fi. AirPlay only works over Wi-Fi, not cellular networks, so you must be connected to Wi-Fi. To enable Wi-Fi on your Mac, go to System Preferences > Network and select Turn Wi-Fi On.

  2. Ensure you're using AirPlay-compatible devices. Not all multimedia devices are compatible with AirPlay. Ensure you're trying to connect Apple Music to devices that support AirPlay.

  3. Ensure your Mac and device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Your Mac can only communicate with the AirPlay device if connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If your Mac is on one network, but the AirPlay device is on another, using AirPlay for Apple Music won't work.

  4. Update your macOS. An older version of macOS could be the cause of a missing AirPlay icon on Apple Music on your Mac. An update may fix the issue.

  5. Solve common Wi-Fi interference or router issues. In rare cases, your Mac may not communicate with an AirPlay device due to Wi-Fi network interference. Other devices or Wi-Fi router configuration problems can cause interference. Restart your router to see if this solves the problem. If that doesn't work, remove other Wi-Fi devices from the network one at a time to reduce interference, or consult your router's technical support information. (Non-Wi-Fi devices like microwaves can also cause interference.)

  6. Upgrade Apple Music. If the other fixes don't solve the issue, try upgrading to the latest version of Apple Music.

FAQ
  • How do you access AirPlay controls?

    There are two ways to access AirPlay controls. The first way is from the Control Center, which lets you access AirPlay Mirroring options and choose audio outputs for AirPlay in the music controls. You can also use AirPlay from apps that support it. In those apps, the AirPlay icon will appear when available.

  • What does the AirPlay icon look like?

    The latest version of the icon is a triangle pushing into the bottom of a rectangle. In older versions, a triangle is pushed into the bottom of three concentric rings.

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