How to fix the missing AirPlay icon on a Mac

Apple’s built-in AirPlay feature is available on some Apple devices and typically only requires a few clicks to set up. When everything works as expected, the AirPlay icon will appear in the menu bar. However, the icon may disappear for common reasons, including connection problems.

Continue reading for troubleshooting tips to get the icon to appear in your Mac’s menu bar and the feature to work again.

Tips to Fix Airplay Icon Missing on a Mac

MacOS allows you to use AirPlay for content from different apps and mirror your Mac screen to other devices. Try these troubleshooting tips to get the AirPlay icon to appear again.

Make sure your Wi-Fi is on

AirPlay must be connected to a Wi-Fi network to work. Here’s how to enable Wi-Fi on your Mac.

1. Click on the Apple icon menu.
   
2. Click “System Preferences,” “Network,” and then select “Turn on Wi-Fi.”
   

Make sure your Mac and Airplay device are connected to the same network

Your Mac can only connect with AirPlay when both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. If they are connected to different networks, AirPlay will not work and the icon will not be displayed.

Make sure you are using compatible Airplay devices

Not all of your media devices will be compatible with AirPlay, so check to see if you have AirPlay compatible devices.

Like any wireless network, one device will transmit the information and another will receive it. A Mac running iTunes can be configured as an AirPlay sending device. AirPlay receiver hardware includes all Apple TV models except the first generation and Air-Play compatible speakers.

Make sure you are running the latest version of macOS

Running an older macOS could cause the AirPlay icon to disappear. An update might be all that’s needed.

1. At the top left, click the Apple icon.
   
2. From the menu, select “System Preferences” and then “Software Update.”
   
3. Select “Update now.” But if you haven’t updated to macOS Monterey yet, choose “Upgrade now.”
4. Check the box next to “Keep my Mac updated automatically” if you prefer updates to be installed automatically.
   

Try restarting your Wi-Fi router

AirPlay will not work if there is a problem connecting to Wi-Fi. Restarting your router is sometimes referred to as a “power cycle.” This will clear the devices cache to help them continue running smoothly. Your router will also have the opportunity to reselect the least busy frequency channel for a stronger connection to your devices. Simply power cycle your router to reset it.

Try restarting your Apple devices

Restarting your Apple devices will clear the RAM and any software glitches that may be causing a problem.

Restart your Mac

1. Access the Apple menu.
   
2. Click “Restart.”
   
3. Confirm the reboot by clicking the “Restart” button in the pop-up window. Otherwise, your Mac will automatically restart after 30 seconds.

Restart your Apple TV

1. Press and hold the “Back” button (on the 2nd generation Siri remote) or “Menu” button (1st generation Siri remote) and the TV buttons via the Siri remote until the status light flashes quickly.
   
2. Disconnect your Apple TV through the power source.
   
3. Wait five seconds and plug it back in.
4. Open “Settings” on your Apple TV and go to “System.”
   
5. Select “Restart.”
   

Restart your iPhone

To reset your iPhone 13 or later:

1. Press and hold any of the volume buttons with the side button until the power off slider appears.
   
2. Drag the slider; Your iPhone will turn off after 30 seconds.
   
3. To turn it back on, press and hold the side button on the right until the Apple logo appears.
   

To reset your iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd generation) 6, 7, or 8:

1. Press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears.
   
2. Drag the power slider; Your iPhone will turn off in 30 seconds.
   
3. To turn it back on, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.
   

To reset your iPhone SE (1st generation) 5 or earlier:

1. Press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears.
   
2. Drag the slider on the screen and wait 30 seconds for your phone to turn off.
   
3. Turn on your phone by long pressing the top button until the Apple logo appears.
   

Restart your iPad

To restart your iPad without a home button:

1. Press and hold any of the volume buttons with the top button until the power off slider appears.
   
2. Drag the slider; your iPad will turn off in 30 seconds.
   
3. Turn your iPad back on by holding down the top button until the Apple logo appears.
   

To restart your iPad with a home button:

1. Press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears.
   
2. Drag the slider and wait 30 seconds for your iPad to turn off.
   
3. Turn it back on by holding the top button until the Apple logo appears.
   

Check firewall settings

Your Mac’s firewall settings protect you against attacks by blocking unknown connection attempts. However, this feature can become a hindrance as it occasionally blocks features like AirPlay. It may be helpful to make some adjustments to your firewall settings. That is how.

1. Access the Apple menu and choose “System Preferences.”
   
2. Click “Security and Privacy,” “Firewall,” and “Firewall Options.”
   
3. Check the “Automatically allow signed software to receive incoming connections” option.
   

Enable AirPlay mirroring again

Try adding the AirPlay icon to your menu bar again.

1. Click the Apple icon to access the Apple menu.
   
2. Press “System Preferences” and then “Displays.”
   
3. Check the “Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available” option.
4. If there are AirPlay devices to connect to, the AirPlay icon should appear in the menu bar.

Still no joy? Consider contacting Apple for technical support.

Frequently asked questions

How is AirPlay different from Bluetooth?

The difference between AirPlay and Bluetooth is that AirPlay can send video and audio. Bluetooth works with audio only. Because AirPlay uses Wi-Fi, it can support higher quality audio streaming compared to Bluetooth. On the other hand, Bluetooth can support some audio features that AirPlay cannot.

Make your AirPlay icon show again on your Mac

AirPlay should work once your Mac and another device support AirPlay and are on the same Wi-Fi network. When the AirPlay icon disappears from your Mac’s menu bar, the cause is usually due to a connection issue, settings, or outdated software. Fortunately, there are a few things you can try yourself to resolve the problem. Many solutions include restarting your router, your Mac, and the other device, and making sure everything is fine with the settings on both devices. And if all else fails, Apple support is available to help you.

Did you get your AirPlay icon to appear again? What did you do to solve it? Tell us in the comments section below.