Your TV or Apple TV isn't showing in Screen Mirroring

Why it happens

Your Mac finds TVs by looking around your own Wi-Fi network. If the TV is asleep, has AirPlay turned off, or sits on a different network, like a guest network or a Wi-Fi extender with its own name, your Mac can't see it. Older TVs without AirPlay never show up at all.

How to fix it

1. Wake the TV or Apple TV with its remote and leave it on its home screen. A TV in standby often doesn't show up.

2. On the TV, open its settings and make sure AirPlay is turned on. The name of that menu depends on the TV maker. While you're there, install any software update it offers.

3. On your Mac, open Wi-Fi settings and note the network name. Then check the TV is on exactly the same network, not a guest network or a second name from an extender.

   Wi-Fi

4. Restart your Mac, and turn the TV fully off at the wall or with its power menu, then on again.

5. Click Control Center in the menu bar, then Screen Mirroring, and wait a few seconds for the list to fill. Click your TV when it appears.

   Menu bar›Control Center›Screen Mirroring

Still not fixed?

1. When you pick the TV, it may show a code to type on your Mac, or ask on the TV screen whether to allow your Mac. Type the code or accept the request, and try again if it timed out.

2. Turn off any VPN on your Mac for a moment and try again. Some VPNs stop your Mac seeing devices on your home network.

3. Restart your Wi-Fi router. Devices sometimes lose sight of each other until the router starts fresh.

4. No luck over Wi-Fi? Connect your Mac to the TV with an HDMI cable or adapter. It works without the network at all.

5. If other Apple devices can AirPlay to the TV but your Mac can't, contact Apple Support. If no device can find it, the TV maker's support team is the right place to ask.