How to Connect Mac to TV [3 Methods with AirPlay & 1 Wired Option]

Nataliia Paraskeva Aug 1, 2024

There are many ways to show your Mac’s content or cast specific videos to a bigger screen, both wirelessly and with cable. The simplest method is using AirPlay, Apple's wireless technology that enables screen mirroring and media streaming from your macOS to your TV.

The method you choose may vary depending on whether you want to mirror your entire Mac screen to your TV or just display an individual media item like a video.

In this guide, you will learn everything about streaming movies from Mac to TV, as well as how to mirror your Mac’s screen seamlessly and with minimal hassle.

Top choice

Elmedia Player

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What you’ll need to AirPlay Your Mac to a TV:

First, make sure your devices are compatible and AirPlay-enabled. Many modern smart TVs, including those from Roku, Samsung, LG, and Sony, come with built-in AirPlay or AirPlay 2 support. To confirm if your TV supports AirPlay, visit the official Apple website and review the list of AirPlay-enabled TVs and video accessories, or check your TV manufacturer’s website.

How to AirPlay from Mac to TV [Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey and Ventura included]

Connect your Mac and your Apple TV to the same network.

To AirPlay Mac to TV, go to the menu bar and click the Control Center icon. Then choose Screen Mirroring. If you’re using macOS Catalina and Mojave, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar. If there is no such icon, go to System Preferences > Displays and check Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available.

Select your AirPlay-enabled TV from the list of available devices. Your stream will start.

To stop AirPlay:

macOS Monterey or later: Go to Control Center > Screen Mirroring > Display Preferences, then select Display Settings and click Disconnect.
macOS Big Sur: In the Screen Mirroring window, select Display Preferences, then choose Off next to AirPlay Display.
macOS Catalina or Mojave: Click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar and select Turn AirPlay Off.

Stream from Mac to TV using Elmedia Player

Elmedia Player can open and stream any format through AirPlay 2 or DLNA. It is also compatible with Chromecast and devices like Roku, so you have options for how you wish to stream.

It has numerous settings for better streaming compatibility, such as resolution adjustment (to help with low bandwidth), subtitle encoding and burning, and more. Also, the additional settings come in handy too - for example, external audio and subtitle tracks, and subtitle search which allows you to find specific ones for the video you are watching in many languages.

You can learn how to stream Mac to TV in the free trial version. The streaming feature can be tested for free - you get 5 minutes to try it out.

Pros

Resolution adjustment to give you control of your display (and adjust for bandwidth)
Cast to a variety of devices.
Subtitle support and search function.

Cons

Only a five-minute free trial, enough to check if it is working.
No option for full-screen mirroring.

How to Stream from Mac to TV via Elmedia Player

1. Download Elmedia Player and activate the PRO version. Or you can purchase it from the Mac App Store.

2. Make sure that your Mac and television are both turned on and linked to the same Wi-Fi network.

3. Open Elmedia Player from your dock or applications and play a video.

How to Stream from Mac to TV using Elmedia

4. You’ll see a Streaming icon in the bottom right, next to Settings and Playlist. Click it.

Stream Mac to TV wirelessly with Elmedia

5. Select the device or smart TV you want to cast to from the list and wait for the content to begin. You may have to allow access on your television.

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Mirror Mac to TV with JustStream

Stream Mac to TV wirelessly without any unnecessary features. JustStream is a specialized streaming player with a simple and user-friendly interface. It’s compatible with any format, most network media devices (AirPlay, DLNA, Chromecast), and even external subtitles.

Stream media or mirror your screen, enable or disable your mouse pointer, or adjust the streaming resolution - JustStream offers many features that the default Mac AirPlay functionality does not.

Pros

Includes an option to mirror Mac on TV.
Easy controls within the menu bar.
Compatible with many streaming devices.

Cons

The free version allows for only 20 minutes of uninterrupted streaming.

How to Screen Mirror Mac to TV Using JustStream

Download JustStream from the Mac App Store.
Click the JustStream icon on the Dock or from Applications to open the interface.
Click the WiFi icon at the bottom and choose your receiving device.
Click the + and select the files or folders you want to play.
When the list comes up showing playable files, double-click one to start streaming it.

How to connect a MacBook to a TV with a Cable

This is still one of the most reliable Mac to TV connection methods. It should work in most cases unless either of the devices is damaged.

You can use Thunderbolt, DVI, or HDMI cables to hook your Mac to the television. Keep in mind that you may need an adapter, such as a Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter, in order for this to work.

Use System Settings - Displays and System Settings - Sound to start using the wired connection. After that, your desktop will be projected directly to the other screen. Just choose a file and start streaming the video from Mac.

Step-by-step Guide:

Connect your Mac to your TV using an HDMI cable. If needed, use an appropriate adapter for the connection.
Click the Apple icon in the top left corner, then select System Preferences.
Choose Displays and ensure that Default for Display is selected.
To play audio from your Mac, go to the Apple menu > System Settings and then click Sound. Finally, choose your TV as the audio output device.
Once set up, open a video on your Mac and begin watching it on your TV.

FAQ

Why can't I AirPlay to my TV from my Mac?

If you are having trouble using AirPlay on your television from your Mac, check that both devices are compatible with AirPlay and connected to the same network, as this is required to allow them to connect. If you still have problems, you may wish to try a third-party app to stream your Mac.

How to connect Mac to TV wirelessly without Apple TV?

If you don't have an Apple TV, you can still broadcast over your network directly.

Check if your Smart TV and Mac computer are connected to the same WiFi network.
Next, decide which connection method to use: native Screen Mirroring or a third-party media app (e.g., Elmedia Player).
If you choose the Screen Mirroring option, click the Control Center icon and continue with the selected method.
If you prefer to connect your Mac to the TV wirelessly for streaming a single local video to a bigger screen, it's better to proceed with a third-party app like Elmedia Player.