5 Fixes MacBook Could Not Connect with Apple TV in 2025

🗓️ April 19, 2025, By ✍️ Karly Wood

If your MacBook is having trouble connecting to Apple TV, you’re not alone. Many users experience issues when trying to stream content or mirror their screen from a MacBook to an Apple TV. Whether it’s a connection error, display problems, or something else, there are several common solutions you can try.

In this article, we’ll walk you through some quick fixes to get your MacBook and Apple TV back in sync. Let’s dive in!

Could not connect with Apple TV MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac

Quick Tips:

  • Connect Apple TV and MacBook to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Disable/Enable Airplay several times.
  • Restart MacBook and Apple TV.
  • Reboot Wi-Fi Modem/Router.
  • Disable Bluetooth on Mac.
  • Not to mention, but don’t try to Airplay more than one device at the same time.

Solution 1. Update Apple TV and MacBook

A software update can eliminate half of our issues. Therefore, make sure the Apple TV and MacBook are updated to the latest version.

On Apple TV,

  1. Go to the Settings of the Apple TV.
  2. Choose System.
  3. Then, Software Update > Update Software.
  4. Download and Install software updates, if available.

On Mac,

  • macOS Mojave or later: Open the System Preferences and click Software Update.
  • macOS High Sierra or earlier: Go to the Mac App Store and then click on Updates Lastly, click Update All. The latest update is MacOS 12 Monterey.

Solution 2. Check Internet Connectivity

When the error says, “could not connect to Apple TV” MacBook Pro; why not cross-check the Wi-Fi connection is live or stuck. Try playing YouTube video, this is the best alternative to verify the signal of internet connectivity.

On the other side, to Airplay MacBook with Apple TV, both Apple TV and MacBook must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

On your Apple TV,

  1. Navigate to the Settings app.
  2. Select Network.
  3. There check the name of the Wi-Fi.

On Mac,

Likewise, click on the Wi-Fi icon on the top menu bar of the Mac and make sure the Wi-Fi network is the same.

Solution 3. Make Sure Show Mirroring Options in the top menu bar is Enabled

To Airplay MacBook on Apple TV, the screen mirroring options must be turned on. Here’s how to check and enable show mirroring options,

  1. Click on the Apple logo in the top menu bar.
  2. Choose System Preferences.
  3. Go to Displays.
  4. Check the box of, ‘Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available.

Solution 4. Change Firewall Settings

If something is preventing incoming connections between the Apple TV and MacBook, then the following settings may be the cause, as mentioned below. Change the Firewall settings on the Mac, and check if Apple TV and MacBook are connecting or not.

  1. Go to System Preferences.
  2. Click Security & Privacy.
  3. Select the Firewall
  4. To make changes, click on the Lock icon and enter the admin password.
  5. Select the Firewall
  6. The checkbox of, ‘Automatically allow built-in software to receive incoming connections.
  7. Restart the MacBook or Mac.

Solution 5. Unable to Play Audio on Apple TV from MacBook via Airplay

Yes, it is possible to only Airplay audio to the Apple TV from MacBook Pro, Mac. For that, you may have to check the requirements listed below.

First of all, both Apple TV and Mac must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

  1. Go to the System Preferences on your MacBook, Mac.
  2. Click Sound.
  3. Find Output? If yes, then select the Apple TV under the Output section.

Follow the troubleshooting given above, and share your response in the comment below. Hope you enjoy an error-free connection from Mac to TV.

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Karly Wood
Karly Wood

Karly Wood is a journalist based in Ohio who specializes in covering Apple and technology trends. With a varied experience in reporting on public safety, government, and education, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at karlywood.ohio@gmail.com or through (Facebook)

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