Apple's huge macOS Monterey update brings a feature that the Mac has been missing out on for years: You can now use your Mac as an AirPlay receiver device. This means you can stream content to your Mac right from your iPhone, iPad, or even another Mac.
Previously, Apple limited AirPlay receiver functionality to the Apple TV, HomePod, and select third-party AirPlay-compatible smart TVs, but not anymore. Here, we'll look at how you can AirPlay videos and music to a Mac from your iPhone or iPad.
What Is AirPlay?
Let's start with the basics since not everyone knows what AirPlay is. In the simplest terms, AirPlay lets you wirelessly play content from one device on another.
You can use AirPlay to stream videos, music, photos, and even mirror the screen from your iPhone or iPad. While AirPlay has been around for a decade on Mac, you were always limited to streaming content away from the Mac. But Apple has finally added AirPlay receiver functionality to Macs with the macOS Monterey update, which means that will all change.
How to AirPlay to a Mac From an iPhone
Before you go ahead, we want to quickly point out that not all Macs that can run macOS Monterey support this feature. Apple limits the AirPlay receiver functionality to the following computers:
- MacBook Pro (2018 and later)
- MacBook Air (2018 and later)
- iMac (2019 and later)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac mini (2020 and later)
- Mac Pro (2019).
Also, you need a Wi-Fi connection to use AirPlay.
Once you've updated your devices to iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey, follow these simple instructions to AirPlay video from your iPhone or iPad to your Mac:
- First, you need to load a native video player on your iPhone or iPad. For example, you can try the Apple TV app or load a video in Safari. Of course, you can also use any third-party app that supports streaming content, too.
- Once you're in the player, tap on the AirPlay icon.
- You'll find your Mac under the list of AirPlay-ready devices. Select your Mac and wait a second.
The video playback will now pause on your iPhone or iPad and resume on your Mac. You don't have to open anything specific on your Mac, as it all happens automatically. However, if you can't see your Mac under the list of AirPlay devices, make sure your Mac is unlocked and try again.
When you're done streaming to your Mac, you can tap on the AirPlay icon again and choose your iPhone from the list.
How to Mirror Your iPhone's Screen on Your Mac
Although most people would use AirPlay to Mac for streaming content from their iPhones, some users would want to mirror the entire iPhone screen. This option may be necessary if a particular app doesn't support AirPlay or you want to play mobile games on a bigger screen.
Once you've updated to iOS 15 and macOS Monterey, here's what you need to do to mirror your iPhone to your Mac:
- Open the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on the Screen Mirroring toggle.
- Now, select your Mac from the list of AirPlay-compatible devices.
Within a second or two, your Mac desktop will display the same content as your iPhone. When you're done mirroring the screen, simply tap on Stop Mirroring to quit the AirPlay session.
You'll notice a minor lag due to the wireless connection, but you can get rid of this latency by connecting your iPhone to the Mac using a USB cable. AirPlay works over a wired connection as well.
Send and Receive AirPlay Content on Your Mac
Thanks to macOS Monterey, your Mac is finally an AirPlay receiver. This is a feature long-time Mac users have patiently waited for. While we covered the steps for the iPhone and iPad here, you can AirPlay from another Mac too. The steps you need to follow are pretty similar, even if it's a different operating system. All you need to do is look for the AirPlay icon or access the screen mirroring option from the macOS Control Center.