Are you gettings issues while establishing an AirPlay connection between your iPhone / iPad to Apple TV or TV with AirPlay support? Although AirPlay is the popular wireless protocol developed by Apple for seamless wireless streaming. It may not be perfect every time. Some users are encountering an “AirPlay Unable to Connect” issue occasionally while connecting the devices. As a result, you will find difficulty in screen mirroring your favorite media content on your TV. You can easily get rid of this AirPlay error by following the troubleshooting techniques listed below.
Common Reasons for the AirPlay Unable to Connect Issue
If you cannot make an AirPlay connection between your iPhone or iPad to the targeted device, here are the most common reasons.
- AirPlay incompatible device.
- In-correct AirPlay Code.
- Outdated device firmware.
- Improper WiFi connection.
- AirPlay is Disabled on Apple TV / Smart TV.
9 Best Ways to Fix AirPlay Unable to Connect Issue
Here are the possible solutions to establish an AirPlay connection between two AirPlay-compatible devices
- Check the AirPlay Compatibility
- Update the Apple TV and iOS device
- Restart the iOS and Apple TV / Smart TV
- Recheck the AirPlay Code
- Ensure proper WiFi connection
- Enable AirPlay on Apple TV / Smart TV
- Use AirPlay Apps
- Keep Devices Closer
- Reach Customer Support
Check the AirPlay Compatibility
This is the primary reason for the AirPlay not connecting issue. First, check whether the TV or speaker you use is compatible with AirPlay or not. Then, check whether you have updated the iOS or Mac to the latest version. If not, update it to fix the AirPlay not working issue.
Update the Apple TV and iOS Device
If you cannot AirPlay your iPhone or iPad to the Apple TV, first, you need to check whether both devices are running the updated software. If you find either of the devices running outdated software, update it and check whether you can be able to establish the AirPlay connection.
Update iPhone / iPad
Firstly, connect your iPhone or iPad to the internet.
Now, Navigate to Settings → General → About → Hit Software Update.

If the software update is available, tap on Download and Install.
Update Apple TV Software
Follow the steps below to update the software on Apple TV
Head to Settings → System → Software Updates → Update Software.

Restart the iOS and Apple TV / Smart TV
If you were unable to establish the AirPlay connection even after updating both the device’s software to their latest version, then try rebooting the iPhone and Apple TV / Smart TV. After rebooting them, enable the AirPlay mode and check whether the problem is resolved.
Recheck the AirPlay code
If the AirPlay code is not working correctly, it may prevent you from making an AirPlay connection between two devices. It is important to note that the AirPlay code is case-sensitive, which means if the AirPlay code displayed on the Apple TV or Smart TV appears in the capital letter, you need to enter the code in the capital letter in order to make the connection successful.

Ensure Proper WiFi Connection
If you cannot establish the proper connection even after entering the correct passcode, check whether the WiFi connection is properly made. Ensure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi Network. Let’s say; for instance, you are looking to AirPlay your Mac computer on the LG Smart TV. By mistake, instead of your Mac, you have connected your iPhone and LG Smart TV under the same Wi-Fi Network. This will lead to AirPlay not connecting issues. So it is important to ensure that your target device and casting device are connected to the same Wi-Fi.
Enable AirPlay on Apple TV / Smart TV
Another possible reason for the “AirPlay unable to connect” issue is that the AirPlay option is disabled on Apple TV and Android TV. To fix it, enable the AirPlay option on Android TV or Apple TV. Then, try mirroring the iPhone, iPad, or Mac screen to Apple TV / Android TV via AirPlay.
Use AirPlay Apps Instead
If you try to make an AirPlay connection between Firestick and iOS, you will end up in an Unable to connect scenario. Since Firestick does not have in-built AirPlay support, you cannot establish Screen Mirroring using AirPlay. However, there are the best AirPlay apps for Firestick, which are available on the Amazon App Store. You shall install and use it to mirror the iPhone / iPad screen via AirPlay.
The few best AirPlay Apps for FireStick are listed below.
Keep Devices Closer
This is self-explanatory. If you place the targeted devices which you want to AirPlay far from the other device, it will prevent you from a successful AirPlay connection. For instance, if the distance between TCL Roku TV or any TV and iOS device is too long, you will face the AirPlay unable to connect issue. However, you can overcome this by keeping both devices closer to each other. This will prevent you from having other Network interruptions and get you a proper AirPlay connection.
Reach Customer Support
If none of the troubleshooting techniques helped you establish a successful AirPlay Connection, the next and only step was to reach out the customer support. Ensure that which device was preventing you from making an AirPlay connection, and if you found the issue is with Apple TV, then report it on the Apple official website.
FAQ
If AirPlay is not working on Samsung Smart TV, check for TV firmware updates. If the update is available, then update the Samsung TV firmware to its latest version and try again.
If the distance between your iPhone and Homepod is too long, then the AirPlay will be frequently disconnected. To fix this problem, keep both devices close to each other.
If the LG TV and iOS device are connected to a different WiFi, you will face this problem. To fix it, connect the LG TV and iPhone / iPad to the same WiFi to resolve the AirPlay not working on LG TV.