How to Connect a Mac to a Samsung TV via Wi-Fi: 5 Proven Methods

Wireless connection MacBook or iMac to the TV Samsung opens up new possibilities for watching movies, presentations, or playing games on the big screen. However, many users encounter problems: AirPlay can't find my TV., the image slows down, or the sound disappears. In this article, we'll look at all the current connection methods—from the standard AirPlay to alternative applications, and we will also explain why sometimes Samsung Smart TV refuses to work with macOS and how to fix it.

It is important to understand that the success of the connection depends on three factors: TV models (not everyone supports AirPlay 2), macOS versions (starting from Monterey the algorithms have changed) and Wi-Fi network stability. If your Samsung produced before 2018, you'll most likely have to use workarounds. And owners of new QLED or Neo QLED They are luckier - they receive full support Apple TV+ And AirPlay "out of the box".

Before proceeding with the settings, please check:

• 📶 One Wi-Fi router: And Mac, And Samsung TV must be connected to the same network. If you use 5 GHz And 2.4 GHz At the same time, turn off one of the frequencies during tuning.
• 🔄 Software updates: on TV, go to Settings → Support → Software Update, on Mac - V System Settings → Software Update.
• 🔌 TV power supply: some models Samsung Turn off the Wi-Fi module in power saving mode. Switch the TV to power saving mode. Standard in the power settings.

1. Connect via AirPlay (for Samsung TVs 2018 and newer)

AirPlay 2 — the easiest way to mirror your screen Mac on Samsung TV, but it only works on models released after 2018 (series Q60R, Q70R, RU7100 and above). If your TV is older, skip this section and move on to alternative methods.

To activate AirPlay:

1. On the remote control Samsung press the button Home (home) → go to Settings → General → External Devices → Apple AirPlay Settings.
2. Turn on the switch Apple AirPlay and install Access in position All (or Only for devices on this network, if you are afraid of outside connections).
3. On Mac open System Preferences → Displays → click the button Add a screen (or AirPlay in the menu bar) → select your Samsung TV from the list.

If your TV does not appear in the list:

• 🔄 Reboot the router and both devices.
• 📵 Make sure that on Mac disabled Modem mode (V System Preferences → Sharing).
• 🔒 Check if it's blocking firewall or antivirus (For example, Kaspersky, Avast) network connections. Temporarily disable them.

2. Using Smart View (official Samsung app)

Samsung Smart View — a branded application for streaming content with Mac on TV. It's less stable than AirPlay, but supports more models, including 2016-2017 releases (MU6100, KU6000 etc.). The main disadvantage is there is no full screen mirroring, only transfer of media files (photos, videos, music).

How to set up Smart View:

1. Download the app Samsung Smart View from the official website Samsung (or from Mac App Store, if available).
2. Launch Smart View on Mac and on TV (via Settings → General → Smart View).
3. On Mac in the app, click Connect to TV → select your model from the list → enter the PIN code that appears on the TV screen.

Restrictions Smart View:

Why can't Smart View see my TV?

Most often, the problem lies in the network settings. Check that the router is disabled. AP Isolation (Client Isolation) - This feature blocks devices on the same network from communicating with each other. You can also try temporarily disabling IPv6 in the router settings.

3. Mirroring via third-party applications (ApowerMirror, AirServer)

If AirPlay And Smart View If they don't work, third-party programs come to the rescue. The most reliable ones are:

• 🖥️ ApowerMirror - supports screen mirroring, control with Mac and recording the broadcast. The free version limits session time to 10 minutes.
• 📱 AirServer - emulates AirPlay- a receiver on the TV. Works even with older models. Samsung, but requires installation on TV (via USB or App Store).
• 🎮 Mirror for Samsung TV — a specialized solution for gamers (low latency when streaming games).

Instructions for ApowerMirror:

1. Download and install ApowerMirror on Mac and TV (application for Samsung TV installed via Samsung App Store).
2. On Mac Run the program → select Phone Mirror (yes, despite the name, it works with Mac).
3. Open on your TV ApowerMirror → select Screen Mirroring → connect to Mac via PIN code.

Important: Some apps (such as Netflix or Disney+) block streaming through third-party programs due to DRM protection. In this case, the image will be black, but the sound will still play.

4. Connection via DLNA (for media files)

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard for transferring media files between devices on a local network. It doesn't support screen mirroring, but it does allow you to stream movies, music, and photos from Mac on Samsung TV without additional programs.

How to set up DLNA:

1. On TV: Settings → General → External devices → Playback devices → Enable DLNA.
2. On Mac:
   • Open Finder → go to Go → Network.
   • Find yours Samsung TV in the list of devices (may appear as SAMSUNG-XXX).
   • Drag media files to the TV folder or open them through a standard player (for example, VLC).

Problems and solutions:

• 🚫 Files are not playing: Samsung TV Not all codecs are supported. Convert video to MP4 (H.264) or MKV (H.265) through HandBrake.
• 🔍 The TV is not visible on the network: check that the router is turned on UPnP (in settings LAN or DHCP).
• 📁 No access to folders: on Mac open System Preferences → Sharing and turn it on File sharing for a guest user.

5. Alternative method: connecting via Chromecast or Fire TV Stick

If none of the above methods worked, you can use external devices:

• 📺 Google Chromecast (from 3rd generation) - supports AirPlay through Google Home and allows you to mirror your screen Mac.
• 🔥 Amazon Fire TV Stick - requires installation of the application AirScreen for emulation AirPlay.
• 🍎 Apple TV — the most reliable solution for the ecosystem Apple, but more expensive than the others.

Instructions for Chromecast:

1. Connect Chromecast To HDMI-TV port and set it up through the app Google Home on a smartphone.
2. On Mac open Chrome → click ⋮ → Broadcast → select Broadcast tab or Broadcast your screen.
3. Choose yours Chromecast from the list of devices.

The advantages of this method:

• ✅ Works even with old TVs (before 2012).
• ✅ Low latency when watching videos.
• ✅ Support 4K HDR on new models Chromecast.

6. Solving common problems

Even after proper setup, errors may still occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the problem is not resolved:

• 🔧 Reset network settings on your TV: Settings → General → Network → Reset network settings.
• 📡 Switch to a wired connection: connect Mac and TV through Ethernet adapter (For example, USB-C to Ethernet) and use DLNA or Smart View.
• 🛠️ Update your TV firmware manually: download the latest version from the website Samsung and install through USB.

How to check Wi-Fi speed between Mac and TV?

Use the app WiFi Explorer on a Mac or the built-in speed test in the Samsung TV settings (Settings → Support → Self-diagnostics → Network Speed ​​Test). For stable mirroring, the speed required is at least 15 Mbps.

7. Comparison of connection methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on the TV model, version macOS and your tasks. Here's a brief comparison:

For most users, the best choice is:

• 🆕 New TVs (2018+): AirPlay - simpler and more stable.
• 📺 Old models (before 2018): Chromecast or ApowerMirror.
• 🎬 For movies/music only: DLNA or Smart View.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

My 2017 Samsung TV doesn't support AirPlay. Is there a workaround?

Yes, there are three options:

1. Use ApowerMirror or AirServer (installed on the TV via USB or App Store).
2. Connect Chromecast or Fire TV Stick To HDMI-TV port.
3. Set up DLNA for transferring media files (but without screen mirroring).

The most universal way is Chromecast, as it works even with 2012 TVs.

The image is lagging when mirroring via AirPlay. How can I fix it?

The problem is usually related to insufficient Wi-Fi bandwidth. Try:

• Switch to frequency 5 GHz (less busy than 2.4 GHz).
• Reduce mirroring resolution by Mac to 1080p.
• Disconnect other devices from the network (smartphones, tablets, smart speakers).
• Connect Mac to the router via Ethernet-cable (if possible).

If nothing helps, use Chromecast - it is optimized for streaming.

Is it possible to connect a Mac to a Samsung TV without Wi-Fi (via cable)?

Yes, but for this you will need:

• HDMI cable + adapter (for example, USB-C to HDMI for new ones MacBook).
• Thunderbolt-to-HDMI adapter for older models Mac.

After connecting the cable on Mac The screen is duplicated automatically. If not, go to System Preferences → Displays → Discovery.

Why is there no sound in the video when connected via Smart View?

This is a typical problem. Samsung Smart ViewSolutions:

• Check that on Mac in the sound settings (System Preferences → Sound) selected Built-in speaker (and not HDMI or AirPlay).
• Convert video to format MP4 with codec AAC for sound (through HandBrake).
• Use alternative programs, such as VLC with option Play on device.

How do I disable the PIN code request when connecting via AirPlay?

To remove the PIN code request:

1. On the TV, go to Settings → General → External Devices → Apple AirPlay Settings.
2. Select Security → First connection.
3. Set value Allow all (or Only for devices on this network).

⚠️ Attention: Disabling the PIN code reduces security - other devices on the network will be able to connect to your TV.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔧 Settings firewall on Mac (System Preferences → Network → Firewall).
• 📡 Wi-Fi channel on the router (try changing it to 1, 6 or 11 For 2.4 GHz).
• 🔄 Router firmware (update it via the device's web interface).

⚠️ Attention: some functions (for example, AirPlay 2 or Smart View) may vary depending on the region of the TV firmware. If you purchased Samsung TV When abroad, check if services are blocked. Apple in this country.