AirPlay or HomePod not showing up on my iPhone, Mac or TV

AirPlay lets you send music, video or your screen from an Apple device to a HomePod, Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible speaker or TV. If you cannot see your device in the list, the cause is usually the network. Apps change their wording and menus from time to time, so what you see may differ slightly from the steps below.

Quick checks

1. Make sure both devices are switched on and awake.
2. Make sure they are on the same Wi-Fi network. If your router has two networks, check both devices are on the same one.
3. Check Wi-Fi is turned on, and Bluetooth is on, on your iPhone or Mac.
4. Update both devices if updates are available.

On an iPhone

1. Swipe to open Control Centre.
2. Use the AirPlay icon in the music panel, or the Screen Mirroring button.
3. Choose your device from the list.

On a Mac

• Click Control Centre in the menu bar and look for Screen Mirroring or the AirPlay icon in the sound or music section.

If it is missing

1. Restart the device you are playing to. For HomePod, unplug for 10 seconds. For an Apple TV or smart TV, restart it from its settings.
2. Restart your iPhone or Mac.
3. Restart your router, waiting five minutes afterwards.
4. On iPhone, check Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Local Network. Make sure the app you use has access.
5. Turn off any VPN while testing.

On a TV

Some TVs have AirPlay switched off in their settings. Look for AirPlay or Apple Home options in the TV's settings menu. The exact location depends on the TV make.

Other tips

• Guest Wi-Fi can block AirPlay.
• Some routers stop devices from seeing each other. If so, ask us to check, as the router settings can be fiddly.

When to get more help

Get help if the device is never listed, or it appears and then keeps disconnecting. Do not factory reset the HomePod or the TV unless we advise it, as this removes settings.