Apple has finally released macOS Monterey to the general public. The update brings several new features, including Focus mode for notifications, SharePlay, Live Text, and more. Another new feature is the ability to stream AirPlay from iPhone or iPad to Mac without the need to install third-party apps, so read on for how to use this feature.
For those who for some reason still do not know, we remind you that AirPlay is a wireless protocol from Apple, created for streaming audio and video from one device to another, for example, on an Apple TV or HomePod. Now, with macOS Monterey, users can easily turn their Macs into AirPlay servers. In other words, you can play a song or even share your iPhone or iPad screen and stream it all to your Mac.
Compatible Mac Models
First of all, if you want to use AirPlay on a Mac, you’ll need a compatible Mac. Not every Mac that can run macOS Monterey supports the new feature, so check the list below to see if your Mac can be used as an AirPlay server:
- MacBook Pro 2018 and newer
- MacBook Air 2018 and newer
- iMac 2019 and newer
- iMac Pro 2017
- Mac Pro 2019
- Mac mini 2020
Compatible iPhone and iPad models
AirPlay was officially introduced in iOS 4 many years ago. However, only the devices listed below can stream content in higher quality and resolution:
- iPhone 7 and newer
- iPad Pro (2nd generation) and later
- iPad Air (3rd generation) and later
- iPad (6th generation) and newer
- iPad mini (5th generation) and later
How to use AirPlay to transfer signal to Mac
Here, in general, nothing new. On iPhone or iPad, find the AirPlay button in Control Center or supported apps. If you want to share your device’s screen via AirPlay, click the Screen Mirroring button in the Control Center. Then select your Mac from the AirPlay list. In a few seconds, the content will be transferred to your computer wirelessly.
How to manually prevent (and re-allow) your Mac as an AirPlay screen
If for some reason you want to disable or restrict AirPlay on Mac, Apple provides the ability to do this in macOS settings. First open the System Preferences app and then tap on the Sharing option.
Find “AirPlay Receiver” in the list of services. There you can uncheck the checkbox to completely disable AirPlay on your Mac. There are also settings to restrict AirPlay to only other devices registered to your Apple ID or those on the same network. You can also set a password to enable AirPlay on your Mac.
