Samsung TV AirPlay Not Working — How to Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

Samsung TV AirPlay not working is most often caused by the iPhone or Mac being on a different Wi-Fi network or band (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz) from the TV. Both the TV and the Apple device must be on the same network for AirPlay to work. AirPlay 2 is supported on Samsung TVs from 2018 onwards — older models cannot use AirPlay at all.

Affected Models

Samsung QLED (2018+)
Samsung The Frame (2018+)
Samsung Crystal UHD (2019+)
Samsung Neo QLED
Samsung Smart TVs 2018 and newer

Common Causes

TV and Apple device are on different Wi-Fi networks, or on the same router's 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz bands
AirPlay is disabled in the TV settings
TV firmware is outdated and has an AirPlay compatibility bug
The Samsung TV model is from before 2018 and does not support AirPlay 2
iPhone AirPlay is blocked by a router firewall or network isolation setting
Too many AirPlay receivers are saved and the device list is not refreshing

How to Fix It

Confirm that both the Samsung TV and the iPhone or Mac are connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network.

If your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network with different names, ensure both the TV and iPhone are on the same one. AirPlay discovery fails across different bands on some routers.
Enable AirPlay on the TV: Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings > AirPlay > On.

AirPlay can be accidentally disabled. This setting also controls whether a passcode is required for new connections.
Update the TV's firmware: Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now.

Samsung regularly releases firmware updates that fix AirPlay bugs. This is especially important on 2018 and 2019 models.
Restart both the Samsung TV and the iPhone or Mac.

AirPlay uses Bonjour device discovery. A restart refreshes the device list and clears stale discovery cache on both ends.
On the iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi > tap the network name > disable Private Wi-Fi Address.

Private Wi-Fi Address (MAC randomization) can prevent the Samsung TV from recognizing the iPhone as a trusted AirPlay source on some router configurations.

When to Call a Professional

AirPlay issues are almost always software or network related and do not require professional repair. If all steps fail, a factory reset of the TV typically resolves persistent AirPlay bugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Samsung TV models support AirPlay 2?

Samsung TVs from 2018 onwards (QLED, Frame, and most 4K LED models) support AirPlay 2. TVs manufactured before 2018 do not support AirPlay at all and cannot be updated to add it. Check your TV's model year on the back panel sticker.

Why does AirPlay ask for a passcode on my Samsung TV?

When passcode mode is enabled, the TV displays a 4-digit code that you must enter on the iPhone to authorize the connection. You can disable the passcode requirement at Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings > Require Code > Only the First Time.

Is AirPlay better than casting with a Chromecast on a Samsung TV?

For Apple device users, AirPlay 2 on a Samsung TV offers lower latency and better quality than Chromecast mirroring. AirPlay also supports audio streaming to the TV from Apple Music without mirroring the entire screen.