How to Use AirPlay

With AirPlay, you can stream all kinds of content from your computer or iOS device to other computers, speakers, and TVs. It's a powerful technology that has grown more useful as more products supported it.

To start using AirPlay, here are some tips on using it with existing devices and apps.

Get the Free Remote App

If you have an iOS device, you'll probably want to download Apple's free Remote app from the App Store. Remote allows you to use your iOS device to control your computer's iTunes library and the devices it streams content to, which saves running back and forth to your computer each time you want to change something.

How to Use AirPlay With iTunes

When you have a version of iTunes that supports AirPlay or the Music app and at least one other compatible device, you'll see the AirPlay icon, which looks like a triangle beneath three concentric circles.

Depending on the version of iTunes you have, the AirPlay icon appears in different locations. In iTunes 11, the AirPlay icon is on the top left side next to the Play, Forward and Backward buttons. In Music, it's on the top right side.

Clicking this button lets you select a device to stream audio or video via AirPlay. While earlier versions of AirTunes required you to set iTunes to seek out these devices, that's no longer necessary; iTunes now automatically detects them.

As long as your computer and the device you want to connect to are on the same Wi-Fi network, you'll see the names you've given the devices in the menu that appears when you click the AirPlay icon.

Use this menu to select the AirPlay device you want the music or video to play through, and then begin playing music or video and you'll hear it playing through the device you selected.

Using AirPlay and HomePod

Apple's HomePod is a wireless speaker that connects to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to let you stream audio content from iOS devices and computers. It also works with digital assistant Siri so you can cue up playlists and select play podcasts by asking for them.

Using AirPlay With Third-Party Speakers

Other than the HomePod, third-party manufacturers make speakers that offer built-in AirPlay support.

Some come with built-in compatibility, and others require aftermarket upgrades. Either way, with these components, you don't need a HomePod or Apple TV to send content to; you can send it directly to your stereo from iTunes or compatible apps.

Set up your speakers (and consult the manual for directions on using AirPlay). Then select the speakers from the AirPlay menu in iTunes. the Music app, or other apps to stream audio to them.

Using AirPlay and Apple TV

Another simple way to use AirPlay in the home is via the Apple TV, the tiny set-top box that connects your HDTV to your iTunes library and the iTunes Store. It supports music, video, photos, and content you stream from apps.

With the tap of a button, you can take the video you're watching on your iPad and send it to your HDTV via the Apple TV.

If you're sending content from your computer to the Apple TV, use the method already described. If you're using an app that displays the AirPlay icon (most common in web browsers and audio and video apps), use the AirPlay icon to select the Apple TV as the device to stream that content to.

With Apple TV, you can also mirror an iOS device to your TV. Use this option to play mobile games on the larger screen or share videos with a whole room

You can access the Screen Mirroring setting through an iOS device's Control Center.

AirPlay and Apps

A growing number of iOS apps support AirPlay, too. Since iOS 4.3, third-party apps have been able to take advantage of AirPlay. Look for the icon in the app. Support is most common in audio or video apps, but you may also find it in videos embedded in web pages.

Tap the AirPlay icon to select the destination you want to stream content to from your iOS device.