How to Use AirPlay on the iPad

AirPlay is one of the coolest features of the iPad, but it can be frustrating when things go wrong. Daniel Nations
Updated December 02, 2016

How to Turn On AirPlay and Stream Music and Video

AirPlay is the best way to mirror your iPad's display on your TV via Apple TV, and if you are watching a streaming video or using apps built for AirPlay, the iPad is capable of sending full-screen video to your TV.  AirPlay also works with compatible speakers, allowing you to wirelessly stream your music similar to Bluetooth, but instead of being limited to staying close by, AirPlay works over Wi-Fi, so you can put more distance between your iPad and the speakers.

 

How to Use AirPlay

First, you will need to access the new control panel.

To open the control panel, slide up from the very bottom of the iPad's display.  If you are having problems, put the tip of your index finger below the screen and then slide up.  The control panel will appear as you slide your finger up the display.  Read More About the iPad's Control Panel

If you are trying to connect to an Apple TV, the Apple TV button should appear next to the AirDrop button on the control panel.  If you do not see an Apple TV button, make sure the Apple TV unit is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPad.   If Apple TV is connected to a different Wi-Fi network or if you are connecting to the Internet via 4G LTE on your iPad, AirPlay will not work.  

If you are connecting to some other AirPlay-compatible device like a speaker system, you should see a button for it in the same place the Apple TV button would appear.

 

To activate AirPlay, tap the button and then choose your device from the menu that appears.  If you are connecting to Apple TV, you will have the additional option of turning on display mirroring.  This will duplicate your iPad's screen on your TV.  If you only want to watch Netflix or YouTube, you don't need to choose this option.

 Once you play the video on your iPad, it will start playing on your TV.

What to Do If the AirPlay Button Doesn't Appear

The first thing to check is the Wi-Fi connection.  Make sure both devices are connected and that they are connected to the same network.  

Next, make sure AirPlay is turned on in Apple TV's settings.  You can check this by going to the Apple TV's settings app and choosing AirPlay within the settings. 

If everything checks out but you still can't get the AirPlay button to appear, reboot both devices one at a time.  First, reboot Apple TV.  After it reboots, wait several seconds for the Internet connection to be established and check to see if AirPlay is working.  If not, reboot your iPad and check the connection after the iPad powers back on.   

If you still cannot get it working, you will need to contact Apple Support.

Find out more about using Apple TV with the iPad.