8 Fixes for "AirPlay Not Working on macOS Tahoe"

It’s frustrating when AirPlay suddenly stops working, especially right after upgrading to macOS Tahoe. You might notice that your iMac can no longer stream music or mirror the screen to other devices, even though AirPlay still works fine from your iPhone or iPad (both updated to the latest OS), or from a MacBook Pro that’s still running macOS Sequoia.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many users have run into AirPlay issues after upgrading to macOS Tahoe. In this guide, we’ll explain why AirPlay isn't working on your Mac and walk you through several practical fixes.

Why Is AirPlay Not Working on My Mac (Tahoe)?

A major macOS upgrade can sometimes break features that previously worked fine. With Tahoe, AirPlay issues are often caused by corrupted display or network-related settings after the update. That said, there are several other common reasons AirPlay may fail on your Mac:

• Your devices aren’t connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• A VPN is rerouting DNS traffic or blocking the multicast traffic AirPlay relies on.
• The firewall is blocking incoming AirPlay connections.
• iOS or macOS is outdated, or contains system bugs.
• Third-party apps are hijacking the audio or video path.
• One of the devices is asleep, too far away, or has Bluetooth turned off.
• System-level display settings were corrupted after a major update.
• The target device requires a password you haven’t entered yet.
• The hardware is too old to support AirPlay.
• AirPlay Receiver is turned off or restricted on the Mac.

8 Ways to Fix AirPlay Not Working on Mac

Based on the causes above, try the following fixes one by one until AirPlay works again.

Check the Wi-Fi Connection

AirPlay is extremely sensitive to network configuration. It relies on Apple’s Bonjour protocol, which uses local multicast DNS to discover nearby devices. If your Mac and the receiving device (such as an Apple TV, HomePod, or smart TV) are on different networks or subnets, AirPlay won’t appear in the menu bar or Control Center.

Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network:

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
2. Confirm that your Mac and the receiving device are connected to the same network name.

Avoid VPN Interference

AirPlay requires all devices to be on the same local network. Many VPN apps reroute traffic through virtual networks, which can block the local “I’m here” broadcasts that AirPlay depends on.

If you’re using a VPN, temporarily turn it off and reconnect to your local Wi-Fi network. Once both devices are on the same native network, AirPlay should be able to detect the receiver again.

Adjust Firewall Settings

The built-in macOS firewall can block the multicast Bonjour packets and incoming audio/video streams that AirPlay needs.

To check your firewall settings:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to Network > Firewall > Firewall Options.
3. Turn off Block all incoming connections and make sure built-in software is allowed.
4. Temporarily disable the firewall to test AirPlay, then re-enable it if needed.

Quit or Uninstall Third-Party Apps

Apps like Duet Display, AirParrot, Zoom, or even some cleaning utilities can install virtual display or audio drivers that interfere with AirPlay. These apps may hook into the same system paths that AirPlay uses.

Try quitting or uninstalling these apps:

1. Open Activity Monitor via Spotlight.
2. Check the CPU or Memory tab for audio or video–related processes.
3. Select the app and click the X button to force quit it.

If quitting doesn’t help, uninstall the app completely. Simply dragging it to the Trash often isn’t enough, as leftover files can remain in the system. Tools like BuhoCleaner can help you remove both the app and its residual files using the App Uninstall feature.

After removing these apps, restart your Mac and test AirPlay again.

Wake Devices, Reduce Distance, and Enable Bluetooth

AirPlay won’t work if the receiving device is asleep, too far away, or has Bluetooth disabled. Make sure:

• The Apple TV or HomePod is awake.
• Devices are within about 30 feet (10 meters) of each other.
• Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.

To restart Bluetooth on your Mac:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth and toggle it off, then back on.

If the receiving device uses an AirPlay password, unlock it or enter the password when prompted, especially if this is your first time connecting.

Check Hardware Compatibility

AirPlay requires specific hardware capabilities, including compatible Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips. Both sending and receiving devices must meet Apple’s model and year requirements.

For example, AirPlay 2 generally requires:

• MacBook Pro or Air (2018 or later)
• iMac (2019 or later)
• Mac mini (2020 or later)
• Apple TV 4K (2018 or later)
• Newer AirPlay-compatible smart TVs

If your hardware doesn’t support AirPlay 2, consider upgrading or using a wired HDMI connection instead.

Update iOS and macOS

System updates often include important bug fixes and protocol improvements. If AirPlay isn’t working reliably, make sure all devices are running the latest software.

To update macOS:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to General > Software Update.

To update iOS:

1. Open Settings > General > Software Update.
2. If a newer version (such as iOS 26.2) is available, tap Download and Install.
3. Enter your passcode and follow the on-screen instructions.

Enable AirPlay Receiver on Mac

Your Mac can act as both an AirPlay sender and receiver. If you want to mirror your iPhone or iPad to your Mac, AirPlay Receiver must be enabled.

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to General > AirDrop & Handoff > AirPlay Receiver.
3. Set Allow AirPlay for to Everyone or Anyone.
4. Make sure both devices are connected to the same network.

Conclusion

AirPlay issues after upgrading to macOS Tahoe are common, especially following a major system update. In most cases, the problem comes down to network settings, system compatibility, or software conflicts. By following the fixes above—from checking Wi-Fi and disabling VPNs to updating macOS—you can usually restore AirPlay within minutes and get back to streaming without hassle.