AirPlay is an extremely useful feature that allows you to wirelessly stream or mirror content from your Apple devices to your TV. However, sometimes AirPlay doesn’t work properly on Samsung TVs, leaving you unable to enjoy this connectivity.
There can be several reasons why AirPlay is not working on your Samsung TV. The issue could originate from the TV settings, your Wi-Fi connection, the Apple device you’re trying to stream from, or even the AirPlay app itself. Fortunately, you can take several troubleshooting steps to get AirPlay working again on your Samsung TV.
How to Fix AirPlay not Working on Samsung TV: Unable to Connect
Here are the top tips for fixing AirPlay problems and getting seamless streaming from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your Samsung TV:
Check Samsung TV AirPlay Settings
The first thing to check is whether AirPlay is enabled on your Samsung TV in the first place. AirPlay may have been accidentally disabled, which would instantly stop any AirPlay streaming.
To check this, go to your Samsung TV settings menu and look for the “AirPlay” option. Make sure the toggle is switched on. If AirPlay was disabled, turning this back on should fix any streaming issues straight away.
You’ll also want to check any other relevant settings to allow AirPlay connections from Apple devices. This includes ensuring things like “Media Sharing” and “Remote Access” are enabled. Toggling these on gives the green light for AirPlay.
Finally, check settings like HDMI-CEC and Anynet+ are enabled. These settings allow devices connected via HDMI, like an Apple TV, to control the TV and vice versa. Having these turned on can help AirPlay connectivity.
Update Software on Samsung TV
Another common culprit for AirPlay problems is having outdated software on your Samsung TV. AirPlay functionality depends on having the latest firmware installed.
Check your TV settings for a “Software Update” option. If updates are available, install them and then test AirPlay again. Keep your TV software updated whenever new versions roll out to maintain compatibility with AirPlay on Apple devices.
Update iOS or macOS on Apple Devices
Just as TV software needs to stay up-to-date, so does the software on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer. Old iOS or macOS versions may not fully support AirPlay on the latest Samsung TVs.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your Apple device and install the latest iOS or macOS updates. Keep on top of any new updates released. Having the most current Apple software improves connectivity across the board.
Reboot the Samsung TV and Apple Device
An easy troubleshooting step is to restart both your Samsung TV and the Apple device you’re streaming from. Rebooting can clear out any software glitches or connectivity issues.
Turn off your TV at the wall and unplug it for one minute before plugging it back in. Also, fully restart your iPhone, iPad, or Mac – don’t just reopen apps. After restarting both devices, try AirPlay again. This simple reboot can get AirPlay working again.
Check Wi-Fi Connections
For AirPlay to work, your Samsung TV and the Apple device need a solid Wi-Fi connection. Check both devices’ Wi-Fi status and ensure they are connected to the same wireless network.
If the connections are poor or dropping out, reset your home router and make sure it’s situated in a central location. Connect your devices to your 5GHz Wi-Fi band if available, as this offers faster speeds for streaming. You can also move devices closer to the router or use an ethernet cable to connect the TV.
Enable AirPlay on the Control Centre
Ensure AirPlay is readily enabled in the Control Centre for quick access on your iPhone or iPad. Swipe down from the top right of the screen to open Control Centre. If the AirPlay icon isn’t showing, tap the “Customise Controls” button and enable AirPlay from the “More Controls” menu.
Now, when you want to use AirPlay, swipe down and tap the AirPlay icon. This makes it easy to get AirPlay up and running to start streaming to your Samsung TV.
Check App Permissions on Apple Devices
Certain iOS or macOS permissions can affect whether AirPlay works properly. Double-check that the operating system has granted the required app permissions.
On iOS, go to Settings > Privacy > Media and ensure the AirPlay apps have permission to access Media Libraries. On Mac, check System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy, and grant permissions to AirPlay apps like Photos or Safari to allow access.
Allow Screen Recording on Mac
On Mac computers, one specific permission to check is Screen Recording access. This is required for AirPlay mirroring, where your entire Mac screen is streamed to the TV.
Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Screen Recording and make sure the checkbox next to the AirPlay utility is ticked. If screen recording access was disabled, this would block mirroring via AirPlay.
Use AirPlay Diagnostics on Mac
Your Mac computer has a dedicated AirPlay Diagnostics app that can pinpoint connectivity issues.
Go to Finder > Applications > Utilities and launch AirPlay Diagnostics. It scans your network and AirPlay settings, highlights any problems found, and suggests fixes. Using its detailed reports can help troubleshoot what’s preventing your Mac AirPlay from streaming to Samsung TV.
Update AirPlay Apps
Check if you have any third-party AirPlay or streaming apps installed on your Apple device or Samsung TV, like AirPin Pro. Update these apps, as the developers may have resolved bugs preventing AirPlay from working properly with Samsung TVs.
Uninstall any outdated AirPlay apps that are no longer maintained, as compatibility issues could be disrupting connections. Stick to using Apple’s own AirPlay if you don’t need the advanced features of third-party apps. Keeping apps up to date improves AirPlay stability.
Reset TV to Factory Settings
If you still can’t resolve your Samsung TV AirPlay issues using the above tips, a factory reset may be necessary. Just be aware this resets everything on your TV, deleting your custom settings.
Go through the reset process in your Samsung TV settings. Once returned to factory settings, test if AirPlay now works properly again straight out of the box. Set the TV back up, avoiding any older settings that may have previously caused conflicts.
Use Alternate Screen Mirroring Apps
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps but AirPlay mirroring still isn’t working reliably from your Mac or iOS device, consider using third-party mirroring apps.
Apps like Reflector and AirScreen provide AirPlay-like wireless mirroring as an alternative. You install the app on your Samsung TV from its app store, then mirror your Apple device to the TV over the Wi-Fi network.
The connection process differs from AirPlay but achieves a similar end result. Quality mirroring apps can give you a workaround method for screen sharing if AirPlay is having major issues.
Connect with HDMI Cable
If you can’t get AirPlay working wirelessly, using a physical HDMI cable is the best option. Connect your Apple device to one of your Samsung TV’s HDMI ports. This will provide a direct digital connection for mirroring your device.
While not as convenient as wireless casting, a cable guarantees a solid, lag-free feed. HDMI cables are also inexpensive. Keep one handy to quickly connect your Apple device if you’re having persistent AirPlay difficulties.
Contact Samsung Support
If the problem seems to be isolated to your Samsung TV model, get in touch with Samsung Support. Provide details on your setup and the streaming issues being experienced. Samsung should be able to advise if they are aware of problems specifically affecting AirPlay on your TV.
Support can confirm whether your TV’s firmware is current or if updates will be released to fix bugs. They may be able to diagnose software faults preventing AirPlay from functioning correctly on the set. Get in contact before trying drastic steps like a factory reset or TV replacement.
In summary, most AirPlay issues on Samsung TVs can be resolved by following troubleshooting steps like checking settings, updating software, rebooting devices, diagnosing connections, and allowing permissions. But for persisting problems, resetting the TV, using third-party apps, connecting via HDMI, or contacting Samsung Support may be your final options to restore AirPlay functionality.
With Samsung being a top smart TV brand, it’s well worth taking the time to get AirPlay working properly again on their sets. The convenience of beaming videos, photos, music, and screen mirroring wirelessly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your TV is something you’ll use time and time again.
