AirPlay is one of the most convenient and useful Apple features. It allows users to wirelessly stream content from their Mac to other Apple devices, like Apple Smart TV or AirPlay-compatible speakers. Users can easily watch their favorite content shows on the big screen by connecting their Mac to the Apple TV.
Unfortunately, many users encountered an issue with the AirPlay feature on their macOS Sonoma. This can be irritating if you want to connect your Apple TV to a big screen to watch your favorite content shows using the AirPlay feature. If you’re having the same issue and cannot access it, worry not.
In this article, we will walk you through the most effective solutions that you can take to troubleshoot on your own. We will also discuss why AirPlay is not working on your macOS Sonoma. By following the solutions carefully, you can easily get back to solving the AirPlay feature on your device. So, without any further ado, let’s get right to it.
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Why Is macOS Sonoma AirPlay Not Working?
AirPlay in macOS Sonoma fails to perform well or not work for various reasons. Let’s have a look at the possible reasons behind the issue in detail and figure out what’s actually causing the issue.
AirPlay Isn’t Compatible: There might be a chance that the AirPlay isn’t compatible with your Apple TV and AirPlay-compatible speakers causing it not to work. You’ll have to verify whether the AirPlay is compatible on your Mac.
You’re Connected with the Same Wi-Fi Network: It is also possible that you’re not connected with the same Wi-Fi network. However, Apple AirPlay works when both the devices are connected with the same network at a time. Therefore, if the device isn’t connected with the same network, you may face trouble.
AirPlay Isn’t Working Due to Far Distance: It could be possible that the AirPlay is not working due to far distance. If you’re trying to connect your Mac with Apple TV using the AirPlay feature from a long distance, you won’t be able to connect your Mac with the Apple TV.
Software Bugs and Issues: Software bugs and glitches are the other common reasons that cause the AirPlay feature to not work on your macOS Sonoma. This will happen with most of the devices, but you can solve them by restarting the device.
Firewall or Security Settings: Most of the time, the firewall or security settings can Interface with system settings and certain applications on the device. It also blocks the AirPlay connections, causing the tool not to work. In that case, you can adjust your settings accordingly.
Fix macOS Sonoma Airplay Not Working Issue
Now that you have understood the reasons why AirPlay is not working on your macOS Sonoma. Let’s focus on the troubleshooting strategies to resolve the problem. We have tried to tackle each and every problem and to solve the issue. Make sure to try all of the solutions we have listed below.
Fix 1: Check If Airplay is Compatible
The first thing you have to do is check if the AirPlay is compatible with your Mac. There is a possibility that the AirPlay feature isn’t compatible with your macOS Sonoma and that’s why it’s not working while connecting with the Apple TV. Make sure to check whether the Airplay feature is compatible on your Mac or not.
To check this, head over to Apple Menu and navigate to System > Preferences > Display. Here, if you see “Show mirroring options” in the menu bar, then the AirPlay feature is compatible with your Mac. In case the option isn’t available, the AirPlay isn’t compatible with your Mac device.
Additionally, you should check whether the device you’re trying to connect to your Mac using the AirPlay feature is compatible or not. Here is the list of devices you can stream and access the AirPlay feature:
- Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation)
- HomePod
- Speakers connected to the Audio Out port on AirPort Express or labels words “Works with AirPlay” on the packaging.
Alternatively, you can check out the other devices that support AirPlay, if you use modern Apple devices.
Fix 2: Make Sure You’re on the Same Wi-Fi
If you are unable to access AirPlay on your macOS Sonoma or unable to connect with Apple TV, then ensure you’re on the same Wi-Fi network. There’s a possibility that the macOS Sonoma and the device you are trying to connect to aren’t connected on the same Wi-Fi network.
Make sure to connect your Mac and Apple TV with the same Wi-Fi network and try checking if the AirPlay feature is working. If the issue persists, you should follow the next solution.
Fix 3: Toggle Wi-Fi Network
If both the macOS Sonoma and Apple TV are connected with the same Wi-Fi network and still you’re unable to access Airplay, try disabling and enabling the Wi-Fi network. This will help you in refreshing the network connection and you’ll get back to access the AirPlay feature again on your device.
To toggle Wi-Fi network on your macOS Sonoma, click on the “Apple” icon at the top-left on your Mac screen and then click “System Settings” from the pop-up menu. Now, from the left sidebar, then click the “Network” option and choose “Wi-Fi” from the right side. Toggle the Wi-Fi network and check if the issue has been resolved.
Fix 4: Check AirPlay Receiver Settings
Occasionally, if you have disabled AirPlay Receiver on your macOS Sonoma then it may cause several issues, preventing you from operating the AirPlay correctly. Make sure to check whether the Airplay Receiver has been enabled or not. In case you have the feature is disabled on your Mac, then ensure to enable it.
You can enable AirPlay Receiver to receive audio and video content from your Mac or other Apple device on the same network. To check AirPlay Receiver settings on your macOS Sonoma, follow these steps:
- On your Mac, click on the Apple menu icon at the top-left corner.
- From the pop-up menu, select System Settings.
- Click on the General in the left sidebar.
- Next, click AirDrop & Handoff on the right side.
- Here, enable AirPlay Receiver and click the pop-up menu next to “Allow Airplay for.”
- Select whose devices can use AirPlay to stream content to this Mac:
Current User: This means that the devices signed in to your Apple ID can use AirPlay to stream content to this Mac.
Anyone on the Same Network: This means any nearby Mac, iPhone or iPad can use AirPlay on the same network.
Everyone: This allows you to use AirPlay on any Mac, iPhone, or iPad to stream content to this Mac.
We suggest you select the “Everyone” option, so you can use AirPlay on your Mac and as well as other Apple devices. After that, try checking if the issue has been resolved. If the issue persists, try the next solution.
Fix 5: Restart Your Mac
Restarting your Mac is one of the effective and simple methods that you can take to troubleshoot the problem by removing the software bugs and system glitches. There’s a possibility that due to temporary files and processes, the AirPlay feature isn’t working as usual.
A simple restart clears the temporary files and caches, refreshes system resources, and helps fix any underlying issues on the device. It will help you in fixing the AirPlay not working issue and you will be back to use the feature again with your Apple TV.
To restart your macOS Sonoma, click on the Apple Menu icon in the top left corner of the screen. From the pop-up menu, you have to click on Restart. Afterwards, try checking if the issue has been resolved.
Fix 6: Restart Your Router
If the network is unstable on your macOS Sonoma,, you can’t connect the AirPlay feature with the Apple TV. In that case, you must restart your Wi-Fi router to refresh the network connectivity. This will help you in fixing the AirPlay not working issue.
To restart your Wi-Fi router, unplugging the power source or cable from the wall socket and wait for a couple of minutes. After that, plug the power source back or cable to the wall socket and connect the same Wi-Fi network with both devices including your macOS Sonoma and Apple TV. Make sure to check whether the issue has been fixed.
Fix 7: Check macOS Updates
If you’re running on the outdated macOS version, it may cause several issues with certain applications and settings. For that scenario, you will have to check whether the macOS Sonoma update is available.
Apple frequently releases software updates to improve the overall performance of the device. The latest updates fixes unknown bugs and software issues. Therefore, if the AirPlay isn’t working on your Mac, probably you’re running on the oldest version of the macOS Sonoma.
To check for macOS Sonoma updates, follow the steps below:
- On your Mac, click on the Apple Menu icon at the top of the screen.
- From the pop-up menu, select System Settings.
- Click on General on the left hand side.
- Next, click on Software Update on the right side.
- If you see any pending updates available on the screen and click on the Upgrade Now.
Once you have updated the latest macOS Sonoma on your Mac, install it by restarting your Mac to apply changes. Afterwards, try checking if the issue has been resolved. If the issue persists, follow the next solution.
Fix 8: Disable Firewall
If you’re using any firewalls and protections, then ensure to disable it on your Mac. Most of the time, the firewall prevents you from operating the AirPlay feature in the correct way.
Disabling the firewall temporarily removes any such obstacles to communicate that could be causing AirPlay to not work. To disable firewall on your macOS Sonoma, follow the steps below:
- On your Mac, click on the Apple Menu in the top left corner of the screen.
- From the pop-up menu, click on System Settings.
- Next, click on Network from the sidebar.
- Click on Firewall and click on the Firewall toggle to disable it.
After disabling the firewall on your macOS Sonoma, try checking if the issue has been resolved by connecting the AirPlay with the Apple TV and ensuring to connect both devices with the same Wi-Fi network. If the issue persists, you should follow the next solution.
Fix 9: Factory Reset Your Mac
If you have tried the above solutions on the macOS Sonoma and still you’re unable to access AirPlay feature, you should factory reset your Mac. By attempting this method, you’ll easily get back to solve Airplay not working issue on your macOS Sonoma.
This will completely erase all your personal data including documents, photos, videos, and installed programs. Make sure to take a complete backup before proceeding to this method. Once you’re ready with the backup file, follow the below steps to reset the Mac.
- On your Mac, click on the Apple Menu in the left corner of the screen.
- From the pop-up menu, click on System Settings.
- Next, click on the General in the right sidebar.
- Under the General Menu, click Transfer or Reset option on the right side.
- Click on the Erase All Content and Settings.
- Here, you will have to enter your passcode once the prompt appears on the screen.
- Now, you will get a confirmation message that you’re sure that you want to Erase All Content and Settings.
- Click on the Continue button and enter the Apple ID passcode.
- Finally, click on Erase All Content & Settings to confirm the process.
- Now your device screen will automatically get black, this means the reset process is going on. So, have some patience.
Once the Mac device turned back on, you need to setup your macOS Sonoma by following the screen prompts. Afterwards, try checking if the issue has been resolved by connecting the AirPlay with the Apple TV. Make sure to connect both devices with the same Wi-Fi network.
Fix 10: Contact Apple Support
If none of the above workarounds helps you to solve the “AirPlay not working” issue on your Mac, you must contact the Apple customer support team for further help. The support team will probably suggest you with their best solutions and you’ll easily get back to access AirPlay. You can also visit a nearby Apple service center for help.
Final Words
AirPlay is one of the convenient and useful features that allows the users to connect their Mac, iPhone, iPad with Apple TV. With AirPlay feature, you can watch your favorite content shows on the big screen. However, it could be irritating when these features are not working on your macOS Sonoma.
With every latest release of macOS, there are software bugs and issues which is a common part. Fortunately, there are several methods we have listed above that you can take to troubleshoot on your own. In case the above solutions don’t work, you should contact the Apple support team for help. Let us know which of the solutions works for you. Also, if you have any queries of doubts related to this, let us know in the comments section. Cheers!
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