This article covers using AirPlay on devices running iOS 7 and later.

What to Know

  • On your iPad, go to Control Center > Screen Mirroring and tap the appropriate device.To turn off AirPlay, go to Control Center > Screen Mirroring > Stop Mirroring.

How to Use AirPlay

To use AirPlay to display the iPad screen on a TV:

  • Open the Control Center. Swipe down from the upper-right corner of the Home screen.
  • Tap Screen Mirroring.
  • All devices available for AirPlay appear in this menu.
  • Tap the name of the device you want to connect to your iPad.
  • If this is the first time using the iPad with Apple TV, you may be asked to enter a code from the TV screen to pair the devices.
  • The iPad display appears on the TV.
  • To turn off AirPlay, go to the Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, then tap Stop Mirroring.

What to Do If the Screen Mirroring Button Doesn’t Appear

AirPlay should work the first time you try it. But if it doesn’t, here’s how to troubleshoot it.

Open the Control Center. Swipe down from the upper-right corner of the Home screen.

Tap Screen Mirroring.

All devices available for AirPlay appear in this menu.

Tap the name of the device you want to connect to your iPad.

If this is the first time using the iPad with Apple TV, you may be asked to enter a code from the TV screen to pair the devices.

The iPad display appears on the TV.

To turn off AirPlay, go to the Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, then tap Stop Mirroring.

  • Check the power: The iPad can connect to an Apple TV that’s asleep but not to one that’s powered off.
  • Check the Wi-Fi connection: Make sure both devices are connected and that they’re on the same network. If you use Wi-Fi extenders or a dual-band router, you may have multiple Wi-Fi networks in your house.
  • Reboot the iPad and TV: If everything checks out, but the AirPlay button doesn’t appear, reboot both devices one at a time. First, restart Apple TV and wait several seconds for it to establish an internet connection, then check to see if AirPlay is working. If not, reboot your iPad and try again after the iPad powers back on.
  • Contact support: If you still cannot get it to work, contact Apple Support.

About AirPlay

AirPlay is the best way to mirror the iPad display on a TV using Apple TV. If you watch streaming videos or use apps built for AirPlay, the iPad can send full-screen video to your TV. AirPlay also works with compatible speakers to wirelessly stream your music. This is similar to Bluetooth, but because it uses a Wi-Fi network, you can stream from longer distances.

  • How do I use AirPlay on my iPhone?
  • To use AirPlay on your iPhone for music, open Control Center, long-press Music, and tap the AirPlay icon. To mirror your iPhone’s screen, open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring or AirPlay Mirroring.
  • How do connect my iPad to my TV without AirPlay?
  • You can connect your iPad to a TV using Chromecast, HDMI, composite or component cables, or even a VGA adapter.
  • How do I keep my iPad awake for AirPlay?
  • To turn off auto-sleep on iPad, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock and set Auto-Lock to Never.

To use AirPlay on your iPhone for music, open Control Center, long-press Music, and tap the AirPlay icon. To mirror your iPhone’s screen, open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring or AirPlay Mirroring.

You can connect your iPad to a TV using Chromecast, HDMI, composite or component cables, or even a VGA adapter.

To turn off auto-sleep on iPad, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock and set Auto-Lock to Never.

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