Airplay Keeps Disconnecting From TV – Here’s What to Do
Have you ever experienced the frustration of trying to watch a movie or show on your TV through AirPlay, only to have it keep disconnecting?
I certainly have, and it’s not a pleasant experience. It’s not uncommon for Apple AirPlay to keep disconnecting from your TV, and it can be a real headache to troubleshoot.
There are a few reasons why AirPlay might keep disconnecting from your TV. One common issue is that the devices you’re using with AirPlay aren’t updated to the latest software.
It’s also possible that the devices aren’t on the same Wi-Fi network, or that there are restrictions turned on that are preventing the connection. In some cases, distance can be the major cause of this issue since it gives room to interference.
Whatever the cause, it’s important to get to the bottom of the problem so you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming from your Apple device to your TV screen. Let’s check some things out.
Why Does Airplay Keep Disconnecting
As someone who uses Airplay to stream content from my Apple devices to my TV, I have experienced the frustration of Airplay disconnecting or cutting out in the middle of a movie or TV show.
After some research and troubleshooting, I have identified a few common reasons why Airplay may keep disconnecting.
Common Reasons for Airplay Disconnecting
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Weak Wi-Fi Signal
One of the most common reasons for Airplay disconnecting is a weak Wi-Fi signal. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak or spotty, it can cause Airplay to disconnect or cut out.
Quick fix you can adapt in this situation is by ensuring that your Apple device and your TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that your Wi-Fi signal is strong and stable.
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Outdated Software
Another common reason for Airplay disconnecting is outdated software. If your Apple device or your TV is running outdated software, it can cause compatibility issues and lead to Airplay disconnecting or cutting out.
Checking both devices’ update pages always helps in critical cases when the connection is being affected by outdated versions.
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Interference From Other Devices
Interference from other devices can also cause Airplay to disconnect or cut out. If there are other devices in your home that are using the same Wi-Fi network or operating on the same frequency as your Airplay-enabled devices, it can cause interference and lead to Airplay disconnecting.
Such devices include your home wireless printers, smart thermostats, or smart speakers.
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Distance Between Devices
The distance between your Apple device and your TV or Airplay-enabled device can also affect the stability of your Airplay connection.
If your devices are too far apart while it exceeds the normal connection range, this can probably cause Airplay to disconnect, cut out or freeze all of a sudden.
How to Fix Airplay Keeps Disconnecting From TV
Basically, creating a standard and secure connection between the Airplay and your TV shouldn’t be a daunting process if everything is in check. If you’re experiencing the same issue, you’re not alone.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to fix this problem. Here are things I did that actually work in my case. These fixes are proven troubleshooting works well for many Airplay users as well.
Restart Both Devices
To begin with, take some minutes to practice the conventional act that works well in fixing sudden errors on gadgets.
When my AirPlay connection keeps disconnecting from my TV, I find that restarting all the devices involved usually does the trick. Restarting refreshes the device state by clearing out the running programs, both background and forefront.
It’s highly recommended to firstly reboot both devices if you’re experiencing Airplay sudden disconnection, pausing, and lagging. The program might have bottle-necked the device mainframe which may cause the Airplay function to stop periodically.
Here are the steps I take:
- Turn off the TV by pressing the power button on the remote or the TV itself.
- Unplug the TV from the power outlet for a proper power cycle.
- Wait for some time and plug it back in to turn it on.
For restarting your Apple device, either you’re on iPhone, iPad, or MacBook computer.
Locate the power button on the device and turn it off, wait for several seconds before you turn it on again. When it comes to your wireless network – your home router;
- Unplug the Wi-Fi router from the power outlet.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds before plugging everything back in.
- Plug the Wi-Fi router back in and wait for it to fully restart.
After following these steps, I usually find that my AirPlay connection is much more stable and doesn’t keep disconnecting. Sometimes, a simple restart can fix any issues that might be causing the AirPlay connection to disconnect.
In case it’s the other way around in your case as the Airplay keeps disconnecting, there are a few more fixes you can try out below.
Check if It’s Airplay Supported
Did your Apple device still support the Airplay feature? Both the Airplay device and Airplay receiver must support Airplay streaming before it can work well, including the App you’re streaming from.
If you’re experiencing issues with AirPlay continuously disconnecting from your TV, one of the possible causes could be that your TV or the App you’re streaming from does not support AirPlay. To ensure that AirPlay is supported on your TV, follow these steps:
Check TV Compatibility
Consult the user manual or manufacturer’s website of your TV to verify if it supports AirPlay.
Look for any mentions of AirPlay, Apple devices compatibility, or wireless streaming capabilities. Alternatively, you can search online using your TV’s model number along with the term “AirPlay compatibility” to find relevant information.
Apple’s AirPlay Compatible TV List
Apple maintains a list of officially supported AirPlay-compatible TVs on their website. Visit the Apple support page for AirPlay and look for the list of supported TVs. If your TV model is listed, it confirms that your TV supports AirPlay.
Check your App Compatibility
Verify if the app you are trying to stream from supports AirPlay. AirPlay compatibility varies across different apps and services. Check the app’s official website, user manual, or support documentation to see if AirPlay streaming is supported.
Look for any specific instructions or settings related to AirPlay. And also, ensure that you have the latest version of the App installed on your device.
Developers often release updates that address compatibility issues and improve AirPlay functionality
By verifying if your TV supports AirPlay and ensuring it is compatible, you can eliminate the possibility of connection issues caused by unsupported devices.
If your TV is not AirPlay compatible, you may need to consider alternative methods or devices for wireless streaming to your TV.
Update OS Version
In addition to checking if your TV supports AirPlay, another important step in fixing AirPlay disconnecting issues is ensuring that both your Apple device and TV have the latest operating system (OS) versions installed.
Running an outdated and unsupported operating system either on the Airplay device or its receiver may cause the Airplay sudden disconnection, lagging and freezing.
Keeping both your Apple device and TV updated to the latest OS versions ensures that you have the most stable and compatible software for AirPlay functionality.
It can often resolve connectivity issues and improve overall performance. Here’s how to update the OS on your devices:
Update Apple Device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac):
- Connect your device to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- On iOS devices (iPhone or iPad), go to Settings.
- Scroll down and tap on General.
- Choose Software Update to access the device update page.
On a Mac, click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select System Preferences, and then click on Software Update.
If an update is available, will probably see a prompt with details about the update. Tap Download and Install (or Update Now on Mac) to initiate the update process.
Make sure your device is connected to power or has sufficient battery life to complete the update.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update. Once the update is installed, restart your device to ensure the changes take effect.
Steps to Update your TV OS:
- Depending on your TV’s brand and model, the steps to update the TV’s OS may vary.
- Usually, you can access the settings menu by using your TV remote.
- Look for an option related to system settings or software updates.
- It might be named System Update, Software Update, Firmware Update, or something similar.
- Select the option and follow the on-screen instructions to check for available updates.
- If an update is found, proceed with the installation.
- Ensure that your TV remains connected to a stable internet connection throughout the update process.
- Once the update is complete, restart your TV to finalize the changes.
Note: The specific steps for updating your Apple device and TV may differ depending on the models and operating systems involved. Refer to the user manuals or support documentation for detailed instructions related to your specific devices.
Turn on Wi-Fi Access
The functionality of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection while using Airplay is no joke, since the Airplay technology is a proprietary wireless media streaming communication protocol, which relies on Wi-Fi or Ethernet for transmitting Airplay signals to the Airplay receiver.
Apparently, establishing a connection with no Wi-Fi or misconfigured Wi-Fi connection on both devices may cause the Airplay not connecting and sudden disconnection issue in short time.
Having Wi-Fi access turned on is crucial for AirPlay functionality as it allows your TV to connect wirelessly to your devices and receive content.
It’s recommended to ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access is enabled on both devices and make sure they’re both connected to the same wireless network, which may either be your home or office network.
If you’re still experiencing disconnections after enabling Wi-Fi access, you may need to troubleshoot further or consider other potential causes such as signal interference or network issues which lead us to the next affix.
Check Internet Connection
Another crucial step in troubleshooting AirPlay disconnection issues is to check your internet connection.
Leaning on unstable internet connection for Airplay may also cause freezing or disconnection while streaming. The Airplay feature requires strong and stable connection for streaming video and audio.
In such cases, here’s what you can do:
Verify Router Status
Check the status of your router to ensure it is functioning properly. Make sure all the indicator lights on the router are stable and not showing any signs of malfunction. If you notice any issues, such as slow or intermittent connection, consider restarting your router.
Restart Router
Restarting your router can often resolve temporary network issues. Simply power off the router by unplugging it from the power source, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. Allow the router to reboot completely before attempting to use AirPlay again.
Reset Network Settings
If you’re experiencing persistent connectivity problems, resetting the network settings on your devices can help. On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, navigate to the Settings app, then go to the General or Network section.
Look for the option to Reset Network Settings and confirm the reset. Keep in mind that this will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords, so you’ll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network afterward.
Check Ethernet Cable
If you’re using an Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi, ensure that the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both your TV and the router.
If the cable appears loose or damaged, remove and reconnect it firmly. If the cable is damaged, consider replacing it with a new one to ensure a reliable connection.
Switch to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Band
In case you own a router that has multi band channel for connection, switching to less busy Wi-Fi band which is said to be the 2.4 GHz is an option to try out, as it offers Wi-Fi users a wide coverage area with a usable speed of 50-70 Mbps. By switching to the 2.4 GHz band, you will experience a more stable AirPlay connection.
Confirm Connection Settings
It’s essential to ensure that the connection between your AirPlay device (such as an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch) and the TV receiver is set up correctly.
Improper connection can lead to subsequent issues and disconnections. Here are some steps you can take to confirm the connection settings
If you’re unsure about how to connect AirPlay devices with other AirPlay 2 supported devices, you can refer to Apple’s official guide on how to use AirPlay to stream video from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
However, take a moment to inspect the connection between your AirPlay device and the TV receiver.
And also, If you suspect that the disconnection issues are due to an incorrect or faulty connection, try disconnecting the AirPlay device from the TV receiver.
Wait for a few seconds and then reconnect the devices following the proper connection steps outlined in the Apple guide or your TV’s user manual.
This simple reset may help establish a stable connection and resolve any connectivity problems you may be facing.
Disable Auto Lock and Sleep Mode
The inbuilt iPhones and iPads auto-lock mechanism can hinder the Airplay function if it locks automatically, as this may tamper the connection with the Airplay receiver. Facing the issue of AirPlay disconnection when iPhone sleeps.
It’s recommended to try switching off the auto-lock and sleep mode option on your device if you have it turned on, and reconnect if the issue has been resolved.
The auto-lock function is set to restore default once you perform a software upgrade on your device.
However, to disable this on your Apple device; Navigate to Settings on the iPhone or iPad, swipe up to locate and tap General, then tap Auto-Lock, switch the default selected option to Never, to prevent it from locking automatically to avoid interruption.
Disable Firewall for PC
Choosing MacBook as your Airplay device, the computer firewall protection might be the cause of Airplay sudden disconnection and interruption while streaming.
With the firewall protection turned on, the security system has been commanded to alter all unrecognized incoming connections as it may be a threat to your computer.
To workaround and test out if the Airplay keeps disconnecting and sudden interruption is caused due to firewall protection, take some minutes to disable blocking all incoming connections in the security preferences of your MacBook. To so this;
Navigate to System preferences on your computer, stroll to locate and click Security & Privacy, click the Firewall tab and disable Block all incoming connections. In addition, enable Automatically allow signed software to receive incoming connections option to set things right.
Contact Your Device Support
If all else fails to rectify the Airplay problem that keeps turning off, you might want to resort to the last option which is getting in touch with devices customer support. Both Apple and your TV manufacturer.
This involves reaching out to Apple or your TV manufacturer’s support team and seeking their assistance to troubleshoot the problem.
You can reach them in many ways which include phone, email, live chat, or submitting a support ticket on their website.
Bottom Line
Hope you found this post helpful. In conclusion, if you are experiencing issues with AirPlay constantly disconnecting from your TV, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to fix your Airplay connection that keeps cutting out.
By following these steps mentioned in this post, you can potentially resolve the problem of Airplay keeps turning off you’re experiencing and enjoy uninterrupted Airplay connection with your TV.
In such instances, remember to check your network connectivity, update software on both devices, restart your devices, and ensure you have the latest firmware updates.
If you’re looking for an easy way to stream content from your Mac to an Insignia Fire TV, I’ve got you covered. Check out my latest post on how to Airplay from Mac to Insignia Fire TV for all the tips and tricks you need to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does airplay disconnect when the iPhone sleeps?
Yes, AirPlay will disconnect when the iPhone goes into sleep mode. When an iPhone enters sleep mode, it automatically disconnects from AirPlay.
As a result, any audio or video content being played through AirPlay will pause until the iPhone is awakened. To resume the connection, you may need to reconnect both devices, as the previous connection might have been severed.
What TV works best with AirPlay?
When it comes to finding a TV that works seamlessly with AirPlay, there are a few key factors to consider. Look for a TV that supports Apple AirPlay 2, as this is the latest version that offers the most compatibility and features.
Additionally, ensure that the TV has Wi-Fi connectivity and is compatible with the Apple ecosystem. Some popular TV brands known for their AirPlay compatibility include LG, Samsung, Sony, and Vizio.
It’s recommended to check the specifications and reviews of specific TV models to ensure they meet your requirements for AirPlay functionality to avoid facing Apple Airplay keeps disconnecting in later times.
Can you AirPlay to a regular Smart TV?
No, you cannot AirPlay directly to a regular Smart TV. AirPlay is an Apple proprietary technology that allows you to wirelessly stream content from Apple devices to AirPlay-compatible devices such as Apple TV or AirPlay-enabled speakers.
Regular smart TVs typically do not support AirPlay natively. However, some smart TVs may offer alternative mirroring or screen-sharing options that allow you to stream content from your Apple device to the TV.
And also, you can resort to streaming devices to bring Airplay to your Smart TV.
What does the Apple AirPlay icon look like?
The Apple AirPlay icon is represented by a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom center. The rectangle symbolizes a screen, while the triangle indicates the direction of the wireless transmission.
When you see this icon, it typically signifies the availability of AirPlay functionality, allowing you to wirelessly stream content from your Apple device to compatible AirPlay-enabled devices, such as Apple TV or certain smart TVs and speakers.
Can I use AirPlay without Wi-Fi?
While AirPlay typically requires a Wi-Fi network for communication, there is a peer-to-peer function available for connecting two Apple devices without Wi-Fi.
This means that if you have two Apple devices, such as an iPhone and an iPad, they can establish a direct connection and use AirPlay without relying on a Wi-Fi network.
However, it’s important to note that AirPlay functionality to non-Apple devices, like Android devices or other platforms, still requires a Wi-Fi network connection and may not be possible without it.
What can I use instead of AirPlay?
There are several alternatives you can consider instead of AirPlay, depending on your specific needs and devices. Some popular options include:
- Chromecast
- DLNA: DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance)
- Miracast
- Bluetooth: If you’re looking to stream audio content.
- Third-party Apps
It’s important to note that the availability and compatibility of these alternatives may vary depending on your devices and operating systems.
I recommend checking the specifications and capabilities of your specific devices to determine the most suitable alternative to AirPlay for your needs.
Is AirPlay for iPhone only?
No, AirPlay is not exclusive to the iPhone. This is a software made available in almost all Apple’s products. While it was initially introduced for iPhone, it has been expanded to other Apple devices such as iPad, iPod Touch, Mac computers, and Apple TV.
This enables users to wirelessly transmit content from these devices to compatible AirPlay-enabled devices like speakers, TVs, and receivers, creating a seamless multimedia streaming experience across a range of Apple products.
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