With macOS Monterey, you can finally AirPlay to a Mac. Mirroring iPhone to Mac is now possible thanks to extended AirPlay 2 support. You can even share your Mac screen with another macOS computer. So what is AirPlay 2 and how does it work? And more importantly, is your device compatible with this brand new macOS 12 feature? In this detailed guide, we have answered all the questions and also discussed how to AirPlay from iPhone to Mac with ease.
How to Set Up and Use AirPlay on Mac in macOS 12 Monterey
For the inexperienced, Apple AirPlay is a wireless streaming protocol that allows Apple devices to stream audio and music, videos, podcasts and photos to other supported devices. Prior to macOS Monterey, Macs could only AirPlay to Apple TV or other devices like the HomePod and HomePod mini. With the introduction of AirPlay to Mac in macOS 12, Macs can now also act as AirPlay receivers. This means you can AirPlay content from your iOS device to your Mac.
What’s more, your Mac can even turn into a speaker to brighten up your multi-room audio time. And if necessary, you can also use another Mac as your Mac’s external display. That’s what makes AirPlay to Mac a nice addition to the latest iteration of macOS.
AirPlay to Mac Compatibility
Unfortunately, not all macOS Monterey compatible Macs support AirPlay to Mac. The story is no different for iPhone and iPad. So be sure to check compatibility before proceeding.
List of Mac Models that Support AirPlay to Mac:
- MacBook Air 2018 and later
- MacBook Pro 2018 and later
- iMac 2019 and later
- Mac Pro 2019
- Mac Mini 2020 and later
- iMac Pro 2017 and later
List of iPhone and iPad Models that Support AirPlay to Mac:
- iPhone 7 and above
- iPad Pro 2 and above
- iPad Air 3 and above
- iPad mini 5 and above
- iPad6 and above
Customize AirPlay Receiver Settings in macOS Monterey
Depending on your needs, you can customize the AirPlay Receiver settings in macOS 12 Monterey to prevent anyone from sending AirPlaying content to your Mac without your permission. For example, you can only allow your devices syncing with the same Apple ID to stream content or let everyone around you beam content without any hindrance.
1. Start to get started System Preferences on your Mac.
2. Now, click Sharing.
3. Next, make sure to check the box on the left of the screen. AirPlay Receiver. Inside Allow AirPlay section, there are three options to choose from:
- Current user: Select to only allow AirPlay content from Mac to device signed in with same Apple ID. It is selected by default.
- Everyone on the same network: Select this to allow anyone on the same Wi-Fi network to AirPlay content to the Mac.
- Everyone: It lets you AirPlay anyone’s content to your Mac without any hindrance.
Note that you also have the option to force everyone to enter the password. To do this, check the box to the left of Require password and then set it.
How to AirPlay from iPhone to Mac?
After you customize the AirPlay receiver settings on your Mac, you can stream audio and video content from your iPhone or iPad to a macOS device. Whether you want to send music, stream videos or send your favorite podcast, you can do it with ease.
Look for and tap the AirPlay icon while streaming content in a supported app. Next, select your Mac and you’re ready. It’s as simple as it gets. What’s more, you can also take advantage of the control center to quickly transfer content from your iPhone or iPad to your supported Mac. Simply bring control center -> AirPlay icon in top right corner of Music card -> select your Mac. If you want to mirror the screen, Screen Mirroring icon and then select your Mac.
If you want to send a photo from your iOS device to your Mac, Share button and then hit AirPlay icon on the share page. After that select your Mac. If prompted, enter the password.
Best of all, you can even turn your Mac into a speaker for multi-room audio alongside other AirPlay 2 supported devices. Again, the process of turning your Mac into a speaker is just as simple. While streaming content, simply select your Mac using the AirPlay option to let it join the party with other AirPlay 2 devices; then everything works as usual.
AirPlay Content from Another Mac to Your Mac
As I said above, you can also set your Mac to use another Mac as an external display. It’s worth noting that AirPlay to Mac works both wirelessly and using a cable. While having the flexibility of a wireless connection is great, a wired connection is useful when you want to reduce latency. So save this helpful tip for when you want to have lag-free streaming.
To do this, all you have to do is open the Control Center on your Mac and click on Screen Mirroring to see all available Macs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I mirror my iPhone to my Mac?
Whether you want to stream audio and video or mirror your iPhone to Mac, you can do so easily by going to Control Center on your iPhone and tapping Screen Mirroring.
Do all Macs have AirPlay?
No, not all Macs have AirPlay. We mentioned compatible devices in the article, so be sure to check it out.
Why can’t I screen mirror from my iPhone to my MacBook?
If you are unable to screen mirror from your iPhone to Mac, check if AirPlay is enabled on both devices and then make sure Bluetooth and WiFi are turned on.
Use AirPlay on Mac to Stream Content Like a Pro to Your Mac
Please! So you can get the most out of AirPlay to Mac. Since this all-new macOS 12 feature makes it possible to use your Mac as an AirPlay receiver, you can take advantage of it to turn your Mac into a solid speaker for multi-room audio, or an external display for boosting your productivity or sending photos. video for better viewing experience.
That said, what is your feedback on the most talked about features including AirPlay to Mac and Shortcuts and Safari tab groups? Drop any questions you may have about the AirPlay to Mac feature in the comments section below, and feel free to share your thoughts.
