Use your Mac as an AirPlay screen or speaker

Why it happens

Your Mac can receive AirPlay just like an Apple TV, but only when AirPlay Receiver is switched on. Until then it won't appear in your iPhone's Screen Mirroring or AirPlay list. Who can see it depends on the Allow AirPlay for setting.

How to fix it

1. On the Mac, open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, click General and then AirDrop & Continuity. Turn on AirPlay Receiver.

   General›AirDrop & Continuity

2. Next to Allow AirPlay for, choose Current User for only your own devices on the same Apple Account, Anyone on the Same Network for family and guests on your Wi-Fi, or Everyone, which also lets in devices nearby that aren't on your Wi-Fi.

   General›AirDrop & Continuity

3. If other people will use it, turn on Require password and set one, so nobody nearby can take over your screen.

4. Keep the Mac awake and on the same Wi-Fi as your iPhone or iPad.

5. On the iPhone, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring and choose your Mac. To send only sound or a video, tap the AirPlay button in the app and pick the Mac instead.

6. To stop, open Control Center on the iPhone again, tap Screen Mirroring and tap Stop Mirroring.

Still not fixed?

1. Mac not in the list? Wake it up, check both devices are on exactly the same Wi-Fi network rather than a guest network or extender, and turn Wi-Fi off and on again on the iPhone.

   Wi-Fi

2. If someone else's iPhone can't see your Mac, set Allow AirPlay for to Anyone on the Same Network. Current User only lets in devices signed in to your Apple Account.

3. Check the firewall isn't blocking everything. Open Network, then Firewall, click Options and make sure Block all incoming connections is off.

   Network›Firewall›Options…

4. Update both devices. On the Mac use Software Update, and on the iPhone check for an iOS update too.

   General›Software Update

5. If it still won't connect with both devices updated and on the same Wi-Fi, contact Apple Support. Tell them what you see on the iPhone when you try.