• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

AppleToolBox

Tools and Fixes for Mac, iPad, iPhone & iWatch

Search posts

  • About
  • Contact

CONNECT WITH US

CATEGORIES

  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • iPod
  • Apple Watch
  • Mac/MacBook
  • AirPods
  • Apple TV
  • News
  • Apple Services
  • HomePod
  • Reviews

SITE

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Advertise

Search posts

You are here: Home / Apple TV / Apple TV: AirPlay icon missing on iPhone, iPad, Mac

Apple TV: AirPlay icon missing on iPhone, iPad, Mac

By SK 36 comments Last updated July 13, 2019

After updating to a new version of iOS, some readers report their AirPlay icon missing or not found. If the AirPlay icon does not appear on your device (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac), or if the icon suddenly disappears, follow the steps below to troubleshoot this issue.

Contents

  • Quick Tips 
  • Can’t Find AirPlay on iOS 11+?
    • Find AirPlay Settings on iOS 11+
  • Steps to Fix AirPlay icon missing

Quick Tips 

  • AirPlay problems with Apple TVs are usually on the TV side of things. So check that AirPlay is ON via your Apple TV Settings Menu. Go to Settings > AirPlay. And turn AirPlay on or toggle off, then back on
  • Try using your Apple TV’s Conference Mode. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > AirPlay > Conference Room Display and turn it ON

Related Articles

  • AirPlay not working? How to Fix Your AirPlay Problems
  • AirPlay Mirroring not working, fix AirPlay Mirroring problems
  • Apple TV: Missing AirPlay icon, fix
  • Airplay Issues with MacBook, How-To Fix
  • How to put your Apple TV into DFU mode

Can’t Find AirPlay on iOS 11+?

If you’re using iOS 11 and above, finding AirPlay is not as easy as other iOS versions. In iOS 11+, AirPlay is located in Control Center within your Music Controller. Apple TV: AirPlay icon missing on iPhone, iPad, Mac

Find AirPlay Settings on iOS 11+

  • Open Control Center
  • Find the Music controls and 3D touch or long press it
  • Tap on the AirPlay icon in the upper right corner
  • Select your AirPlay device, Apple TV, or tap on iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to disable AirPlay

Steps to Fix AirPlay icon missing

  • Make sure that AirPlay is turned on your Apple TV. To do so, you can enable (and disable) this feature by going to Settings > AirPlay on your Apple TV
    • Setting Allow Access to Everyone also helps! That means anyone can see and AirPlay to your Apple TVTurn On AirPlay and Access Everyone on Apple TV with tvOS 12
  • Try Conference Room Display Mode. When you use your Apple TV as a conference room display, anyone in the room can mirror their Macs or iPhone/iPad/iPod’s screen to your Apple TV
    • Go to your Apple TV > Settings > AirPlay > Conference Room Display and turn it on
    • You should see on-screen instructions on how to connect to the Apple TV immediately Apple TV AirPlay Conference Room Display Mode tvOS 12
  • Make sure that both devices (e.g. Apple TV and iPad/iDevice) are connected to the same WiFi network
  • To be able to use AirPlay, you need compatible devices. If your device is not supported, then you will not see the AirPlay icon. They are:
    • iOS: iPhone 4 (or later), iPad, iPad mini, iPod touch (4th generation or later)
    • macOS (any version) OR OSX:  iMac (Mid 2011 or newer), Mac mini (Mid 2011 or newer), MacBook Air (Mid 2011 or later), MacBook Pro (Early 2011 or newer), Mac Pro (Late 2013)
    • Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation)
  • Ensure that your Apple TV has the latest software installed. You may need to update your device. To update your Apple TV, navigate Settings > General > Update Software
  • Ensure that your iOS device is up to date. You may need to update your iOS device. To update your device, tap Settings > General > Software Update.
  • Restart your Apple TV. To do so, go to Settings > General > Restart
  • Restart your Wi-Fi router
  • Restart your iOS device or Mac
sudz - apple
SK

Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the original editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.

Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.

In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.

Related Posts:

  • iOS 13 or iPadOS problems and how to fix them - Troubleshooting Guide
    iOS 13 or iPadOS problems and how to fix them -…
  • Getting a message to Update Apple ID Settings on iPhone, iPad, or Mac?
    Getting a message to Update Apple ID Settings on iPhone,…
  • iMessage Not Working iOS 12? Fix Message App Problems
    iMessage Not Working iOS 12? Fix Message App Problems
  • Which Smart TVs support streaming services like Apple TV+ or Disney+?
    Which Smart TVs support streaming services like Apple TV+ or…
  • How To Fix Messages and iMessage Problems in iOS 11
    How To Fix Messages and iMessage Problems in iOS 11
  • iMessage not working iOS 13 or iPadOS? Fix it today
    iMessage not working iOS 13 or iPadOS? Fix it today
  • Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie Not Working, How-To Fix
    Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie Not Working, How-To Fix
  • AirPods Pro---The Complete Guide
    AirPods Pro---The Complete Guide
  • How To Reset the Screen Time Passcode on iOS, iPadOS, or macOS
    How To Reset the Screen Time Passcode on iOS, iPadOS, or…

Reader Interactions

Write a Comment Cancel reply

Show 36 Comments

  1. Ram Flores says

    August 18, 2022 at 10:48 PM

    I hope this helps some of you. I have been racking my brain all day trying to get the airplay icon back on top menu. I have tried all the solutions listed : check the box, disable fire wall, go to applications , ec t. My problem is that I got a new router today. And I have spent all day inserting my new pass word to all my devices, printers. After 10 hrs I figured out everything was changed except the tv .I go into tv setting , go to air play , click on it, and icon appears on iMac

    Reply
  2. Abigail says

    December 7, 2019 at 9:27 PM

    I am unable to use Air Play (or even find it!) to play from my iPad to my Apple TV.

    I cannot find an air play icon.

    Both devices are up to date.

    I have searched for instructions, but nothing seems to apply. Please help!!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      December 8, 2019 at 8:37 AM

      Hi Abigail,

      Bring your iPad into the same room as your Apple TV–then restart both of them.

      Once restarted, get them connected to the same WIFI network.

        On your iPad, go to Settings > Wi-Fi
        On your Apple TV, go to Settings > Network
        Choose the same network for both
        Then, turn on Bluetooth on your iPad
        Next, turn on AirPlay on your Apple TV–go to Settings > AirPlay and turn it on
        Under allow access, set this to everyone

      If your iPad still doesn’t see your Apple TV, try changing its name. On the Apple TV, go to Settings > General > About > and select Name to change it.

      Hope that helps,

      Liz

      Reply
  3. Sylvia Weiser says

    November 30, 2019 at 3:42 AM

    I especially bought the Apple TV icon box so that I could watch Netflix from my iPad onto my television but it doesn’t seem to work very disappointed.”

    Reply
  4. G rassam says

    July 13, 2019 at 7:53 AM

    Where is Airplay on my ipad? I tried your instructions fir ios 11plus..but there is no music center in settings and no airplay icon..crazy

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      July 13, 2019 at 9:46 AM

      Hi G,

      Swipe down control center from the top-right corner of your screen (where your battery info is)–you should find the music card there, the deep press it to open up the card and deep press the AirPlay icon in the top right corner to see AirPlay device options.

      Liz

      Reply
  5. Jim Parison says

    February 24, 2019 at 8:51 AM

    Since updating my iPad there is no control center when I swipe up from the bottom of the screen. So, no AirPlay, flashlight, etc. just a new menu bar of recently used apps.

    Reply
    • SK says

      February 24, 2019 at 10:14 AM

      Hi Jim,

      With iOS 12, the location of the control center changed to the upper-right corner. Swipe down to reach all your control center features.

      See this article for more details.

      Reply
  6. Ørjan says

    February 10, 2019 at 4:26 AM

    After an uppdate, the hole shortcut where the airplay button used to be is missing. What can I do?
    Best regards Ørjan

    Reply
    • Elizabeth says

      February 10, 2019 at 2:30 PM

      Hi Orjan,

      On an iPad, iPhone, or iPod find AirPlay in Control Center’s Music tile—press it to reveal a new menu and then tap the AirPlay icon (looks like a triangle with a transmission signal around it.

      Sometimes after an update, the Airplay feature gets turned off on your iDevice or Apple TV. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > AirPlay. If AirPlay is off, toggle the button on.

      Also, make sure you connect to the exact same WiFi network on both the Apple TV and the iDevice.

      Reply
  7. Charles says

    January 31, 2019 at 11:04 AM

    Hi, I used to have my AirPlay working when I’m using iOS 11 something…after I updated to 12.1.3 my AirPlay won’t connect to my amplifier ( MARANTZ NR1509. )

    I couldn’t see the AirPlay button like the WiFi on the upper right of music or any.

    Then I called the Apple and they told me to back up my stuff first in case I lose it when I update!

    So I did but still, it didn’t work and the other told me to restore iPhone could help me get it back..till now I already restored the iPhone and still I don’t get AirPlay…

    is there a chance for me to get it back? Or this update really don’t have any airplay functions? Thank u

    Reply
    • SK says

      February 1, 2019 at 10:04 AM

      HI Charles,

      Have you check if there is a firmware update for your Marantz NR1509. Your device may need an update since iOS 12 includes support for AirPlay 2.

      Check with Marantz on how to update your amplifier’s firmware.

      Once you update the firmware, restart your Apple device(s) and see if AirPlay now sees them.

      Sam

      Reply
  8. Brian says

    January 5, 2019 at 11:26 AM

    As of today, 1/5/19, this problem happened and was solved by investigating the Apple TV settings, not the iPad nor iPhone nor MacBook Pro.

    AirPlay was turned off on the Apple TV settings. Wasn’t like that earlier this week.

    Prior to this I had checked software updates on Apple TV and it was set for automatic updates, no other updates found.

    Fickle updates.

    Reply
  9. Annie Lee MacDonald says

    January 6, 2018 at 3:23 PM

    The airplay icon no longer appears on my iPad.How do I get it back?

    Reply
    • SK says

      January 7, 2018 at 10:23 AM

      Hi Annie,

      Sorry about not finding your AirPlay icon on your iPad. If you’re using iOS 11, things are a little different, AirPlay is located on your Music Controller.

      Find AirPlay Settings in iOS 11
      1. Open Control Center

      2. Find the Music controls and 3D touch or long press it

      3. Tap on the AirPlay icon in the upper right corner

      4. Select your AirPlay device, Apple TV, 4 or tap on iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to disable AirPlay

      If AirPlay still doesn’t show up, let us know.

      Good luck,

      SK

      Reply
  10. KH says

    May 3, 2016 at 3:09 PM

    Yeah, airplay has vanished from my iPad without a trace. Nothing’s working. Apple guys, have you been tinkering with the good points of your technology? Bring it back!!!

    Reply
  11. Larry Jantz says

    February 28, 2016 at 10:12 AM

    Have no Apple TV play icon. Tried all suggestions in these threads plus other sites and no success.

    We also have a wireless printer which loses wifi connection often so thinking these issues are related. Use a Cisco Linksys ea6500 router.

    Appreciate some help..

    Reply
  12. Tomasena says

    January 30, 2016 at 11:26 AM

    I have tried all of these steps and still cannot get apple TV to work. The Icon no longer appears on any of my apple devices. Its was fine until the update. Any advice or tips on how I can sort this out.

    Reply
  13. apple blows says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:46 PM

    One more reason Apple sucks. A smartphone costing half the price of of an iphone6 easily hooks up to a TV for screen mirroring. Meanwhile I’m spending hours googling why no airplay icon appears on my iphone, and more time trying to find out why airplay doesn’t work on my airbook. Never again will i waste money on apple products of any kind, they are buggy and difficult to use.

    Reply
  14. cesar says

    May 17, 2015 at 6:17 AM

    i tried evrything for 1 day. reset all , update all and finally i just went to the apple tv / network and click the test internet connection sand viola the icon is here

    Reply
  15. Dave says

    April 13, 2015 at 12:50 PM

    I turned Bluetooth off but it did not produce the airplay icon. It did not work for me. I’ve tried a number of suggestions but not of them work.

    Reply
  16. Ian says

    April 5, 2015 at 2:47 PM

    Found this issue today on my iPad and iPhone. It worked fine yesterday and I haven’t installed any updates.
    My Bluetooth was already off. Turning it on brought AirPlay back. So I guess the action of toggling Bluetooth, either on or off, seems to rectify the problem.

    Reply
  17. Diane says

    February 18, 2015 at 9:31 AM

    I got AirPlay to display on our Gen 2 iPads. Go to Settings and turn on Airplane Mode this will turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Then open the iPad Control Center on the bottom of the iPad and turn on Wi-Fi. Airplane mode stayed on and in 3 seconds the AirPlay icon displayed in the Control Center.

    Reply
  18. John says

    February 17, 2015 at 1:11 PM

    Resolved: I HAD the same problem. The Airplay icon did not appear in the menu bar, nor did turning bluetooth off help the problem.
    Resolution: In spotlight search, type “airplay” and click enter. The Built-in-Display window appears. At the bottom, be sure that Airplay display says: AppleTV and then be sure to check the box that says: Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available. Almost immediately, the icon will appear in your menu bar.

    Reply
    • Lies says

      December 24, 2015 at 1:32 PM

      Thank you. This was the only working solution for my mcbook.

      Reply
  19. Lilli says

    January 15, 2015 at 10:15 AM

    computer says I will have no control if i disconnect Bluetooth.

    Reply
  20. miles says

    November 30, 2014 at 10:14 PM

    My iphone 4 legit has no airplay option my itunes can see that there is airplay on my computer and i can use it but my phone wont even have the button for airplay

    Reply
  21. Gren says

    October 11, 2014 at 12:58 PM

    Thank god for that. Ive looked everywhere for this solution and its been driving me mad. Something so simple as to turn the Bluetooth off
    Cheers!

    Reply
  22. Leonie Jennings says

    September 11, 2014 at 2:27 PM

    Airplay icon now missing from my Mountain Lion Mac. Just in the last few days. Tried all of the above. Airplay working on ipad & air book to my Samsung TV but not the MAC desktop. Has worked for years and now does not appear. No changes have occurred in moving my Mac. Same location. Unclear why it would work on ipad & air book but disappeared from Mountain Lion Mac. Look forward to any other suggestions given I have been through all the steps in this POST.

    Reply
  23. John says

    May 2, 2014 at 11:14 AM

    After spending a frustrating couple of days, I found that AirPlay seems to be incompatible with Bluetooth. As soon as I turned Bluetooth off, the Airplay icon appeared. I have an iPhone 4S.

    Reply
    • Natalie says

      October 1, 2014 at 2:46 AM

      Thankyou!!! Yes, Bluetooth on was the problem!

      Reply
      • Graeme Howard says

        January 6, 2015 at 10:45 AM

        Agreed – bluetooth off and airplay icon back on again. thanks

        Reply
  24. John says

    May 2, 2014 at 11:13 AM

    After spending a frustrating couple of days, I found that AirPlay seems to be incompatible with Bluetooth. As soon as I turned Bluetooth off, the Airplay icon appeared.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      January 12, 2015 at 6:19 PM

      THANK YOU!!!!! 😀

      Reply
    • Tom says

      January 22, 2016 at 10:06 AM

      Thanks so much! You get the prize. Why didn’t the author of the article start off telling us that?

      Reply
  25. Suren says

    April 10, 2014 at 2:16 PM

    Where is the rest if the answer?

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Can’t Set Up HomePod? How-to Fix
  • Apple Watch Tips and Tricks for 2023
  • How to Show and Hide Recent and Suggested Apps in Your iPad Dock
  • The Best iOS Apps and macOS Apps: January 2023
  • The Best iPad Tips and Tricks to Turn You into a Power User
  • Will The Apple Headset Come Out In 2023?

Connect with us

Footer

ABOUT

  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy
  • Terms of Use

GUIDES

  • iOS 13 & iPadOS
  • Apple ID
  • iCloud
  • App Store
  • iTunes
  • FaceTime
  • iMessage
  • Siri
  • Books and iBooks
  • Game Center
  • AirPlay

CONNECT

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • FeedBurner
  • YouTube

© Copyright 2010-2023 Guiding Tech Media · All Rights Reserved

This site and its content are in no way affiliated or endorsed by Apple, Inc. · Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited