Your AirPlay speaker doesn't show up on your Mac

Why it happens

Your Mac only finds AirPlay speakers on the same network that are awake and ready. If the speaker is asleep, on another Wi-Fi network, or stuck after a power cut, it doesn't announce itself and simply doesn't appear. A restart of both usually clears it.

How to fix it

1. Check that the speaker is switched on and close to your Wi-Fi router. Wake it if it has a sleep mode.

2. Make sure the Mac and the speaker use the same Wi-Fi network. Many routers have a separate guest network, and devices on it can't see each other.

3. Restart the speaker by unplugging it for a few seconds, then restart your Mac from the Apple menu.

4. Open System Settings > Sound and look under Output. Click the speaker's name to send sound to it.

   Sound›Output

Still not fixed?

1. If your Mac connects by Wi-Fi, check that Wi-Fi is on and joined to your home network, not a neighbour's or a hotspot.

   Wi-Fi

2. Turn off any VPN for a moment and look again. A VPN can stop your Mac seeing devices on your home network.

3. Check the speaker's own app or manual for an update and make sure AirPlay is turned on in its settings. A new speaker has to be set up and joined to your Wi-Fi first, usually with its own app or an iPhone.

4. If the speaker shows on your iPhone but never on your Mac, contact Apple Support. If it doesn't show on any device, contact the speaker's maker or a repair shop.