AirPlay can be your Samsung TV’s best friend, allowing you to stream a treasure trove of audio and video files from Apple devices. But like any friendship, AirPlay can have issues that throw a wrench in its connection to the Samsung box.
When AirPlay is not working on your Samsung TV, it is usually due to device incompatibility or the wireless feature being turned off. This can be fixed by power cycling or checking if both devices are connected to the same WiFi network.
If you feel like it’s an uphill climb, fret not. This guide will cover all the bases for you, showing you all the steps you need to apply 8 proven fixes to AirPlay issues on your Samsung TV and get the connection going in less than an hour.
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Duration | 43 minutes |
| Number of Ways | 8 |
| Things You Need | Samsung Smart TV Samsung remote control An iPhone/iPad/Mac computer USB stick A working internet connection |
How to Fix AirPlay Not Working on Samsung TV
Fix AirPlay not working on Samsung TV by ensuring the feature is turned on, both devices are connected to the same network, and the WiFi has internet. If not, update and factory reset the Samsung TV or its network settings.
That’s a general idea. To apply all 8 proven fixes, just follow the guide below and be done with it in record time.
1. Confirm if your Samsung TV Supports AirPlay 2.
AirPlay may be a great friend, but it’s not for every smart device on the planet. Compatibility with Apple’s proprietary tech is at the heart of it all.
Only a handful of Samsung TV models support the AirPlay 2 feature, allowing you to cast images and content from your Apple device. This lets you enjoy the experience on your iPhone or Mac on the bigger and higher quality display of your Samsung TV.
If your Samsung TV doesn’t support AirPlay, no amount of troubleshooting will get you anywhere. You need to ensure your Samsung TV is compatible with AirPlay by looking up its specifications online.
Refer to the table below that lists some Samsung TV models that are AirPlay 2 compatible. If your unit is there, you can proceed to the other solutions so you can begin working on the issue with AirPlay not working on Samsung TV.
| Samsung TV Models (Year) | |||||
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Frame TVs | 8K QLED TVs | 8K QLED TVs | 8K QLED TVs | 8K QLED TVs | 8K Neo QLED TVs |
| 4K QLED TVs | 4K QLED TVs | 4K QLED TVs | 4K QLED TVs | 4K QLED TVs | 4K Neo QLED TVs |
| 4K UHD TVs | Frame TVs | Frame TVs | Frame TVs | 8K OLED TVs | Frame TVs |
| Smart FHD TV N5300 | Serif TVs | Serif TVs | Crystal UHD TVs | 4K OLED TVs | QLED TVs |
| 4K UHD TVs | Crystal UHD TVs | Frame TVs | OLED TVs | ||
| Sero TVs | |||||
| Sero TVs |
Note: The list may be updated by Samsung anytime.
2. Make sure that AirPlay is turned on.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 5 |
| Duration | 15 seconds |
Another thing that you need to look into is the AirPlay feature itself. While this might seem obvious, it’s also easy to overlook, so it’s better to confirm if it’s turned on before messing around with other troubleshooting tricks.
If it’s still turned off, that could explain why you’re experiencing an issue with AirPlay not working on Samsung TV. All you need to do from here is turn this feature on to get started.
Follow the steps below to turn on AirPlay on your Samsung TV:
Step 1: Launch the Smart Hub on the TV by pressing home on the remote control. |
Step 2: Go to the settings menu by scrolling left/clicking All Settings. |
Step 3: Scroll down/click Connection. |
Step 4: Scroll down/click Apple AirPlay Settings. |
Step 5: Select/click AirPlay to toggle it on. |
3. Update the firmware/software of your Samsung TV and Apple device.
One important thing you must ensure is that your Samsung TV and Apple device must have the latest version of their firmware or software installed. Keeping your devices updated is paramount to avoid running into problems along the way.
Using a Samsung TV and Apple device with the latest software version means they’re running at their best condition. Not only is this helpful for thwarting bugs, but it also improves compatibility with features necessary for AirPlay to work.
Please note that with your Samsung TV, you can choose between updating over the internet or using a USB stick. These options should yield the same result and help fix the issue with AirPly not working on Samsung TVs.
Follow the steps below to update the Samsung TV over the internet:
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 6 |
| Duration | 10 minutes |
Step 1: Launch the Smart Hub on the TV by pressing home on the remote control. |
Step 2: Go to the settings menu by scrolling left/clicking Settings. |
Step 3: Scroll down/click Support. |
Step 4: Select/click Software Update. |
Step 5: Select/click Update Now to initiate the firmware/software update process. |
| Step 6: Wait as your TV checks, downloads, and installs the firmware/software update.  |
Follow the steps below to update the Samsung TV through a USB stick:
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 17 |
| Duration | 15 minutes |
Step 1: Launch the Smart Hub on the TV by pressing home on the remote control. |
Step 2: Go to the settings menu by scrolling left/clicking Settings. |
Step 3: Scroll down/click Support. |
Step 4: Check the unit’s information by scrolling down/clicking About This TV. |
| Step 5: Write down the Samsung TV model number and software version listed here to make a note of it.  |
| Step 6: Use a PC to go to the download section of Samsung’s support page. Click the search bar and find your Samsung TV by entering its model number.  |
| Step 7: Scroll down to the Firmware/Software section of Samsung’s download page. Select/click the Download button under Upgrade File(USB type).  |
| Step 8: Unzip the firmware/software update you’ve downloaded into any location on your PC.  Note: Don’t think of modifying or renaming the firmware/software update as it will prevent your Samsung TV from detecting it later. |
| Step 9: Copy/move the firmware/software update into a USB stick that’s plugged into your PC.  |
| Step 10: Unplug the USB stick from the PC and insert it into the USB port located at the back panel of your Samsung TV.  |
| Step 11: Launch the Smart Hub on the TV by pressing home on the remote control. |
Step 12: Go to the settings menu by scrolling left/clicking Settings. |
Step 13: Scroll down/click Support. |
Step 14: Select/click Software Update. |
Step 15: Select/click Update Now. Note: Make sure your Samsung TV isn’t connected to the internet so it can fail to check for any existing firmware/software update. |
| Step 16: Select/click Yes to make your Samsung TV check the contents of the USB stick instead.  |
| Step 17: Select/click Yes to install firmware/software update inside the USB stick once it’s detected.  |
Follow the steps below to update your Apple iPhone to the latest OS version:
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 9 |
| Duration | 10 minutes |
Step 1: Open Settings on the iPhone. |
Step 2: Scroll down/click General. |
Step 3: Click Software Update. |
Step 4: Click Download and Install. |
Step 5: Enter your iPhone’s passcode. |
Step 6: Click Agree to accept the iOS Terms and Conditions. |
Step 7: Click Agree again to proceed to the next page. |
Step 8: Click Use Cellular Data to download the iOS update. |
Step 9: Click Install Now to install the iOS update you’ve downloaded. |
Follow these steps to update your Mac computer to the latest iOS version:
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 6 |
| Duration | 10 minutes |
Step 1: Select/click the Apple button on the menu panel of your Mac’s home. |
Step 2: Select/click About This Mac. |
Step 3: Select/click Software Update on the window that appears next. |
Step 4: Click Update Now on the next window that also appears. |
Step 5: Select/click Agree to accept the software license agreement and continue. |
Step 6: Wait as your Mac computer downloads the latest macOS version. |
4. Restart the Samsung TV and Apple device.
A quick and easy way to troubleshoot the AirPlay not working on the Samsung TV issue is to restart the TV and the Apple device you’re trying to link. This is an effective way to reset these devices and correct their errors.
Restarting your Samsung TV and the Apple device allows them to shut down their programs and apps. This will result in a refreshed system, which will clear all their loaded memory and improve their performance once rebooted.
You can also push it further with your Samsung TV and perform a power cycle while shutting down. This eliminates the residual electrical energy stored inside its components, which helps fix malfunctions and misbehaving apps or features.
Follow the steps below to restart and power cycle your Samsung TV:
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 3 |
| Duration | 1 minute and 15 seconds |
| Step 1: Unplug the power cable of your Samsung TV from the wall/power outlet to power it off.  |
| Step 2: Discharge your Samsung TV of its residual electrical energy by pressing and holding its power button for 30 seconds.  Note: Refer to the user manual to find where the power button is on your Samsung TV. Its placement varies between TV models, but it’s usually located on the underside, left/right side, or at the back of the unit. |
| Step 3: Wait for another 30 seconds to pass. Plug the power cable of the Samsung TV into the wall outlet to turn it back on.  Note: If your Samsung TV doesn’t boot up after plugging it into a power source, you can press its power button to power it on manually. You can also press the power button on the remote control. |
Follow the steps below to restart an Apple iPhone:
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 8 |
| Duration | 30 seconds |
Step 1: Press/release your iPhone’s volume up button. |
Step 2: Press/release your iPhone’s volume down button. |
Step 3: Press/hold your iPhone’s side button. |
Step 4: Press the power icon on the slider that pops up and swipe it to the right. |
Step 5: Wait until your iPhone has shut down completely. |
Step 6: Press/hold your iPhone’s side button. |
Step 7: Hold your iPhone’s side button until the Apple logo appears. |
Step 8: Wait until your iPhone has completed its boot-up sequence. |
Follow the steps below to restart an Apple Mac computer:
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 4 |
| Duration | 3 minutes |
Step 1: Select/click the Apple button on the menu panel of your Mac’s home. |
Step 2: Select/click Restart. |
Step 3: Click Restart to confirm the restart process. |
Step 4: Wait until your Mac completes its reboot sequence. |
5. Check the network connections and settings.
A network connection is vital for AirPlay to work on your Samsung TV. One of the most important things you must consider when trying to use AirPlay on your TV and an Apple device is that they must first be connected to the same WiFi network.
The internet connection provided by your WiFi network must also be fast and reliable to stream content without any issues. If not, we recommend switching to a better WiFi network or troubleshooting your modem/router to fix your internet connection.
If the Apple device you’re using is a Mac computer, we suggest turning off its firewall in the meantime to prevent it from interfering with the AirPlay feature. You can turn the firewall back on after you’re done using AirPlay.
Follow the steps below to reboot your modem/router and fix the internet:
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 6 |
| Duration | 2 minutes and 20 seconds |
Step 1: Unplug the power and ethernet cable from your modem. |
Step 2: Unplug the power and ethernet cable from your router. |
| Step 3: Wait for 2 minutes to give both devices time to fully shut down. |
| Step 4: Plug the power and ethernet cable back into your modem. |
| Step 5: Plug the power and ethernet cable back into your router. |
| Step 6: Watch as the indicator lights on both devices turn on indicating that they’re good to go.  |
Follow the steps below to turn off the firewall on your Mac computer:
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 8 |
| Duration | 20 seconds |
Step 1: Select/click the Apple button on the menu panel of your Mac’s home. |
Step 2: Click System Preferences. |
Step 3: Select/click Security & Privacy. |
Step 4: Select/click Firewall. |
Step 5: Select/click the lock icon to unlock the firewall settings. |
Step 6: Click Use Password to continue. |
Step 7: Enter your Mac computer’s password and hit Unlock. |
Step 8: Select/click Turn Off Firewall to disable it. |
6. Reset the paired devices on AirPlay.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 6 |
| Duration | 20 seconds |
If you’re experiencing connection issues between your Samsung TV and the Apple device, you can always reset the pairing and try again. This is a good way to refresh both devices and prepare them to establish a new pairing.
Once this action is done, you’ll need to pair your Samsung TV and the Apple device once more. After both devices are paired, you can test and check whether AirPlay is back in working condition.
Follow the steps below to reset the paired devices on AirPlay:
| Step 1: Launch the Smart Hub on the TV by pressing home on the remote control. |
| Step 2: Go to the settings menu by scrolling left/clicking All Settings. |
| Step 3: Scroll down/click Connection. |
| Step 4: Scroll down/click Apple AirPlay Settings. |
Step 5: Scroll down/click Require Code. |
Step 6: Scroll down/click Reset Paired Devices. |
7. Reset the TV’s network settings back to their factory defaults.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 6 |
| Duration | 20 seconds |
Sometimes, making a change in the settings of your Samsung TV can mess with certain apps and features, which results in them misbehaving and not working properly. In some cases, you might not even be aware of these changes yourself.
The network settings, which are tied to AirPlay, are a common culprit. Since network settings affect your Samsung TV’s connections, even a small change here can likely have massive impacts on the AirPay functionality of the TV.
We think that your best course of action against this is to reset the network settings back to their default configuration simply. This should help fix the issue of AirPlay not working on Samsung TV if you’re unaware of the changes made to the network.
Follow the steps below to reset the network settings back to default:
Step 1: Launch the Smart Hub on the TV by pressing home on the remote control. |
Step 2: Go to the settings menu by scrolling left/clicking Settings. |
Step 3: Scroll down/click General. |
Step 4: Select/click Network. |
Step 5: Scroll down/click Reset Network. |
Step 6: Select/click Yes to reset your TV’s network settings. |
8. Perform a factory reset with your TV.
After trying the abovementioned solutions, we suggest factory resetting your Samsung TV. This is a last resort, so you must only use it when other solutions fail to fix the AirPlay not working on the Samsung TV issue.
| WARNING: It’s best you proceed with caution when you factory reset your Samsung. Keep a copy of your saved files and preferences as all personal data will be erased in the process. |
If even this troubleshooting trick fails, there are two possible reasons for that. Either your Samsung TV has a hardware problem that you need to consult with an accredited technician, or the issue lies with the Apple device.
Whatever the case, this method is your best bet to make AirPlay work on your Samsung TV. As such, we’ve also included how you can perform this action even without access to a remote control.
Follow these steps to perform a factory reset using your TV remote control:
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 8 |
| Duration | 5 minutes |
Step 1: Launch the Smart Hub on the TV by pressing home on the remote control. |
Step 2: Go to the settings menu by scrolling left/clicking Settings. |
Step 3: Scroll down/click General. |
Step 4: Scroll down/click Reset. |
| Step 5: Enter the Samsung TV’s PIN code and click Done to proceed with the reset.  |
Step 6: Select/click Yes to reset your TV. |
| Step 7: Give your Samsung TV time to shut itself down and complete the reboot sequence. |
| Step 8: Set up the newly reset Samsung TV and configure its Smart Hub by following the instructions laid out on its display screen.  |
Follow these steps to perform a factory reset without the TV’s remote control:
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 13 |
| Duration | 5 minutes and 40 seconds |
Step 1: Run your phone’s Google Play Store/Apple App Store app. |
Step 2: Select/click the chosen app store’s search function. |
Step 3: Enter/search “SmartThings app.” |
| Step 4: Download the SmartThings app on your phone by pressing the Install/Get button.  |
Step 5: Open the SmartThings app on your phone by pressing the Open button. |
Step 6: Click the + sign located in the upper-right corner of the app’s home page. |
Step 7: Click Add device. |
Step 8: Click Scan nearby. |
Step 9: Select/click your Samsung TV. |
Step 10: Enter the PIN code displayed on the TV screen and hit Done to proceed. |
Step 11: Click Done again to finalize the setup. |
Step 12: Select/click your Samsung TV. |
Step 13: Use the remote control function on the app to operate the Samsung TV. Note: Follow the factory reset instructions from the previous section and use the SmartThings app as your remote control. |
How to Connect AirPlay to Samsung TV
A few things must be considered before you try to connect a Samsung TV and an Apple device via AirPlay. You must connect both devices to the same WiFi network and update them to the latest firmware/software version.
More importantly, the AirPlay feature has to be on as well. You can refer to the instructions below for a detailed presentation of connecting a Samsung TV and an Apple device via AirPlay.
Follow the steps below to AirPlay an Apple device to a Samsung TV:
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 5 |
| Duration | 20 seconds |
Step 1: Swipe down the home screen of your iPhone to open its control center. |
Step 2: Select/click Screen Mirroring. |
Step 3: Select/click your Samsung TV from the list of devices. |
Step 4: Enter the AirPlay that’s on your Samsung TV screen. |
| Step 5: Give both devices time to complete the connection. |
Now, if you’re still unable to connect your Samsung TV to AirPlay after all the fixes we’ve provided, then it might be a good time for you to contact Samsung support. Expert help should be your best shot at putting the issue to bed.
FAQs about AirPlay on Samsung TV
A few reasons can cause AirPlay not to work on your Samsung TV. You can refer to the rundown below for a quick list of the most common reasons that cause the issue with AirPlay not working on Samsung TVs.
• The Samsung TV isn’t compatible with AirPlay 2.
• The AirPlay feature is turned off on your Samsung TV.
• The firmware/software on the Samsung TV and Apple device are outdated.
• The Samsung TV and Apple device aren’t connected to the same WiFi network.
• The internet connection of your WiFi network is down or too slow.
Go to Settings > Connections > Apple AirPlay Settings to turn on the AirPlay feature on your Samsung TV. In some Samsung TV models, you can find the AirPlay switch by going to Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings.
Some Samsung TVs support AirPlay; you can look it up using the table in this guide. You can also check via Samsung’s support page.
Use a Lightning to HDMI cable or adapter and plug it into your iPhone and Samsung TV to screen mirror without a WiFi connection. You can also use a Samsung DeX cable that’s connected to a USB-C to Lightning adapter.
