How to AirPlay from an iPhone to a Mac

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 3 October 2026

Short answer

On the Mac, open System Settings, General, AirDrop & Handoff and switch on AirPlay Receiver. On the iPhone, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring and choose the Mac. To send only a video or music, tap the AirPlay button in the app and choose the Mac.

A Mac can act like an Apple TV: its screen and speakers become the target for video, photos, music or the whole screen of an iPhone or iPad. It is handy for showing holiday pictures on the larger display or for using the Mac's better speakers.

Menu names are from recent versions of macOS, where the settings app is called System Settings.

Step by step

  1. Check the Mac

    The Mac needs macOS Monterey or later, and it has to be one of the models from about 2018 on that support receiving AirPlay.

  2. Turn on AirPlay Receiver

    Choose Apple menu, System Settings, click General and then AirDrop & Handoff. Switch on AirPlay Receiver. On macOS Monterey the switch is in System Preferences under Sharing.

  3. Choose who may send

    Under Allow AirPlay for, pick Current user (only devices signed in to your Apple Account), Anyone on the same network, or Everyone. Current user is the safe choice at home.

  4. Add a password if others are around

    Switch on Require password and set one, so nobody in a shared office or flat can put something on your screen.

  5. Mirror the iPhone screen

    On the iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center, tap the Screen Mirroring button and tap the name of the Mac. The first time, enter the code shown on the Mac.

  6. Send only a video or music

    In the app that plays it, tap the AirPlay button, the rectangle with the triangle (for music: the circles with the triangle), and choose the Mac.

  7. Stop

    On the iPhone, open Screen Mirroring again and tap Stop Mirroring. On the Mac you can also press Escape.

Good to know

Both devices should be on the same Wi-Fi network, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth switched on. With Current user, they also need the same Apple Account.

On a Mac managed by an employer, the AirPlay Receiver option may be switched off by the organisation.

The other direction, from the Mac to a television: how to mirror a Mac screen to a TV with AirPlay. From the phone to a TV: how to mirror an iPhone screen to a TV.

To control the iPhone from the Mac instead of only showing it: how to use iPhone Mirroring on a Mac.

In short: Mac: System Settings, General, AirDrop & Handoff, AirPlay Receiver on, choose who may send. iPhone: Control Center, Screen Mirroring, choose the Mac.

Sources
  • Apple Support: Set up your Mac to be an AirPlay receiver

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