Modern users often need to display their laptop's screen contents or a specific video on a larger display. Modern TV screens are significantly superior in quality and size to even top-end laptop models. Using a wireless connection eliminates unnecessary cables and allows you to enjoy content with maximum comfort.
macOS has built-in tools for setting up a multimedia network, but not all TVs support Apple's native protocols. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to set up streaming, what alternatives exist, and how to avoid common mistakes when setting up your equipment.
Preparing your home network and equipment
The foundation for stable video streaming is a high-quality local network. Both devices, that is, yours MacBook The device and the TV must be on the same subnet. This means they must be connected to the same router. If your router broadcasts two networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), make sure both devices are connected to one of them, although modern routers often combine them into a single network.
Wireless channel speed plays a critical role in transmitting high-definition video. 4K or 1080p A wide channel is required to avoid compression artifacts. Standard Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer Wi-Fi 6 will provide the necessary bandwidth. If your router is old, delays and audio desynchronization may occur.
⚠️ Important: If your router is distributing a guest network with AP Isolation enabled, devices will not be able to see each other. In this mode, data exchange between devices within the network is prohibited by the router's security settings.
Check that your software is up to date. On TVs with Smart TV Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve compatibility with external signal sources. Go to your TV's settings menu and find the software update section.
Using AirPlay 2 technology for broadcasting
The simplest and most effective way for Apple device owners is to use the protocol AirPlayThis technology allows for the transmission of video, audio, and photos, as well as screen mirroring. Many modern TV manufacturers, such as Samsung, LG, Sony And Vizio, are integrating AirPlay 2 support directly into their operating systems.
To start broadcasting, open the video in any supported application, for example, in Safari or VLCIn the player interface, find the rectangle icon with an arrow at the bottom. Click it and select your TV from the list. If you want to mirror your entire desktop, click the Control Center icon in the menu bar and select "Screen Mirroring."
AirPlay streaming quality is usually very high, thanks to hardware encoding. However, it's important to remember that this feature consumes processor resources. When working with heavy tasks on a laptop, performance may temporarily decrease.
Broadcasting via apps from TV producers
If your TV doesn't natively support AirPlay, manufacturers often offer their own solutions. These are dedicated apps installed on macOS that act as a bridge between the computer and the TV. They emulate protocols understood by the TV.
The most popular solution is to use applications like LG TV Plus or Samsung Smart View (although support for the latter is gradually declining). There are also universal snails, such as JustStream or AirBeamTVThey allow you to broadcast the contents of folders or the entire screen to TVs that support DLNA or Miracast.
Why might apps run slowly?
Intermediary applications often use software encoding of the video stream, which places additional load on the MacBook's CPU. This can lead to interface lag during active user interactions.
Installing third-party software requires granting permissions to record your screen. In macOS, this is strictly controlled by the security system. You'll need to go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy and check the box next to the application you are using.
Using browser extensions and Chrome Cast
If you have a TV with built-in function Chromecast or a set-top box is connected Chromecast, you can use the browser Google Chrome for broadcasting. This method is universal and works on any operating system, including macOS.
Open the Chrome browser on your Mac. Click the three dots in the upper-right corner and select "Cast." The browser will scan the network and prompt you to select a device. You can cast a single tab, the entire desktop, or a specific file from your hard drive.
| Method | Picture quality | Latency | Difficulty of setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay 2 | High (up to 4K) | Low | Minimum |
| Chrome Cast | Medium/High | Average | Low |
| DLNA (via VLC) | Depends on the codec | High | Average |
| HDMI cable | Maximum | Absent | Minimum |
It's important to note that when streaming a browser tab, there may be a slight delay in audio. This isn't a deal-breaker for watching movies, but it can be noticeable for games or karaoke.
Configuring VLC Media Player for DLNA
Many users store movie collections on their hard drive. A player bundle is ideal for playing them on a TV. VLC and protocol DLNAThis method does not require screen mirroring; the TV itself decodes the video stream, reducing the load on the computer.
Launch VLC on your Mac. From the menu, select View → PlaylistsIn the left panel, find the "Local Network" section and enable "Service Discovery." If your TV supports DLNA (UPnP), it will appear in the list.
☑️ Checking the DLNA connection
Double-click the TV's name, then drag the video file into the playback area. The image should appear on the screen. This method is ideal for watching large videos, as it requires less WiFi stability than screen mirroring.
Troubleshooting connection and buffering issues
Even with a perfect setup, glitches may occur. The image may appear blocky, and the sound may be intermittent. This most often indicates an overloaded wireless channel or interference from neighboring networks. Try moving closer to the router or rebooting it.
If the issue persists, check your firewall settings. In macOS, built-in firewall protection may be blocking incoming connections needed to establish a handshake with the TV. Go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Firewall and make sure it doesn't block system services or selected applications.
⚠️ Note: Third-party antivirus software (such as Kaspersky or ESET) often has its own firewalls, which can be more aggressive than macOS's built-in firewalls. If you experience problems, try temporarily disabling the firewall.
It's also worth paying attention to the video stream format. Some older TVs cannot decode modern codecs, such as HEVC (H.265) or AV1In this case, the computer must transcode the video on the fly, which requires a lot of processing power. Use files in the following format: H.264 for maximum compatibility.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't the TV see the MacBook in the list of devices?
Most likely, the devices are on different networks (for example, one on guest WiFi, the other on the main one) or client isolation is enabled on the router. Also, check that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices, as it is used for initial discovery.
Is it possible to broadcast audio separately, without video?
Yes, when using AirPlay, you can select your TV as the audio output device in macOS's Sound Preferences. This will turn your TV into a powerful wireless speaker.
Does broadcasting affect internet speed?
Streaming is done over your local network and doesn't use your ISP's data plan unless you're streaming online video. However, it does use up your WiFi bandwidth, so file download speeds on other devices may decrease.
How to remove sound delay while watching?
Some TVs have a "Game" or "PC" mode that disables unnecessary image post-processing and reduces lag. Also, try using a wired connection or HDMI if your wireless connection is intermittent.
Does streaming work over guest WiFi?
Generally, no. Guest networks are designed specifically to isolate devices from each other for security purposes. A connection to the main network is required for streaming.