AirPlay is one of the iPad's coolest features, especially when you useAirPlay to connect your iPad or iPhone to your TV via Apple TV.Whether you are giving a presentation, surfing the web, or playing a game, there's nothing quite like seeing it happen on your widescreen TV.

Because AirPlay seems to work magically, it can seem confusing to troubleshoot, but AirPlay works on simple principles. Solving AirPlay connection problems is usually simple as well.

How to Fix AirPlay Problems

Confirm Apple TV AirPlay Is Turned On

This is a simple first step, but it's an important check to run.

In the Apple TV Settings app, verify that the AirPlay feature is activated by going toSettings>AirPlay and HomeKit> AirPlay.

Verify the Wi-Fi Network Connection

Check which network your iPad or iPhone is connected to by opening the Settings app. Your Wi-Fi network's name should appear next toWi-Fiin the left panel. 

If the Wi-Fi setting readsOff, go toWi-Fiin the main part of the screen and move the slider to the On/green position. Then select a network from the options that appear.

Check the Wi-Fi network on your Apple TV by going intoSettingsand choosingNetwork(for the 4th generation Apple TV or later) orGeneral>Network(for earlier versions of Apple TV).

It must show that it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iOS or iPadOS device.

Restart Both Devices

If problems persist, restart both devices. For Apple TVs, this means disconnecting it from the power outlet or unplugging the cord from the back of the Apple TV.

Leave the TV unplugged for a few seconds and then plug it back in. After the Apple TV restarts, wait until it is connected to the network to try AirPlay.

To restart your iPhone or iPad, depending on the model, you may need to press and hold theSleep/Wakebutton and then slide the on-screen slider to power off the device, or press and hold theSideor top button and one of the volume buttons for a restart.

Restart the Router

In most cases, verifying that both devices are connected to the same network and restarting them solves the problem.

However, in rare instances, the router itself becomes the issue. If you have tried everything else, reboot the router.

If you don't see an on/off switch on the back of the router, unplug it from the outlet, wait a few seconds and then plug it in again.

It takes several minutes for a router to boot up and reconnect to the internet. Usually, you know when it is connected because the lights flicker. Many routers also have a network light to show you when the internet connection is made.

It's a good idea to warn everyone in the household that the router is being rebooted, so they can save any work on computers that need the internet connection.

Making an AirPlay Connection

When everything is working correctly, you access AirPlay by swiping down on the upper-right side of the iPad or iPhone screen to open the Control Center. Pull up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center in earlier versions of iOS.

When everything isn't working properly, follow these troubleshooting steps and you'll be back to mirroring your iOS device on your TV in no time.

Causes of AirPlay Not Working

AirPlay works through the Wi-Fi network, so both devices must be on the same network for the feature to work. If they aren't on the same network or the Wi-Fi is not working that will cause AirPlay not to work.