[Must Know] How to Add AirPlay to Menu Bar

AirPlay is a convenient feature that wirelessly transfers audio, video, and screen content from Mac computers or iOS devices to compatible devices. However, sometimes users may encounter a perplexing issue where the AirPlay icon not showing on Mac. This can be due to certain settings or system-related reasons, and in such cases, it’s essential to know how to add AirPlay to menu bar.

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this issue and how to add AirPlay to menu bar on a Mac. Additionally, we will offer fundamental information about AirPlay, covering its definition, and various AirPlay versions.

Why Isn’t My AirPlay Option Showing?

If you find out that your Mac doesn’t show AirPlay in menu bar, there could be several reasons behind this issue. The following factors may be responsible for the missing AirPlay icon on Mac:

1. Incompatible Hardware: One of the primary reasons could be hardware-related. Not all Mac computers support AirPlay. Older Mac models or those lacking the necessary hardware specifications may not have the AirPlay feature.
2. Software Compatibility: Ensure that your macOS version is compatible with AirPlay. While newer macOS versions tend to have better AirPlay integration, older versions might not support it fully.
3. Network Connection: AirPlay relies on a stable Wi-Fi network. If your Mac is not connected to the same Wi-Fi network, the AirPlay option might not appear.
4. AirPlay Receiver Status: Make sure the AirPlay receiver device is powered on and connected to the same network as your Mac. If it’s in sleep mode or disconnected, you won’t see the AirPlay option.
5. Firewall or Security Settings: Sometimes, firewall or security software settings can block AirPlay functionality. Check your Mac’s firewall settings to ensure they’re not preventing AirPlay.
6. AirPlay Settings: Ensure that AirPlay is enabled on your Mac.

How to Add AirPlay to Menu Bar

From the previous text, we can understand that there are many reasons why the AirPlay icon not showing on Mac. However, the first thing we should do is check the AirPlay settings, as this is the most direct and quickest solution, often a primary reason. Many times, the issue arises because we haven’t properly configured AirPlay display settings within the system. Therefore, you need to know how to add AirPlay to menu bar.

This is the step-by-step guide to help you understand how to add AirPlay to menu bar.

Step 1. Click on the Setting on Mac.

Step 2. Choose “System Preferences.” Select “Displays.”

Step 3. In the “Displays” window, navigate to the “AirPlay Display” option. Check the box next to “Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available.”

Step 4. And don’t forget to Navigate to “System Preferences” select “Dock & Menu Bar” and choose “Screen Mirroring”. Click on “Show in Menu Bar.”

Information about AirPlay

AirPlay is a technology developed by Apple that enables wireless streaming of audio, video, and screen content from your Mac or iOS device to compatible devices such as Apple TV, AirPlay-enabled TVs, and AirPlay speakers. Here are some key points to know about AirPlay:

1. Versions of AirPlay: There are different versions of AirPlay. AirPlay 1 is the original version, while AirPlay 2 introduced improved features like multi-room audio synchronization and compatibility with a wider range of devices.
2. Compatibility: AirPlay is generally compatible with Mac computers running macOS 10.8 or later and iOS devices with iOS 4.3 or later. Nevertheless, the specific compatibility can vary depending on the features and versions of AirPlay.
3. Turning On AirPlay: Click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar or within the control center (on iOS devices) to select the desired AirPlay receiver.
4. Turning Off AirPlay: To stop AirPlay mirroring or streaming, click the AirPlay icon again and select “Stop AirPlay.”

Understanding these fundamentals should assist you in getting started with AirPlay and addressing any problems you may come across. Don’t worry about the AirPlay icon not showing on Mac.

AirPlay Alternative: Mirror iPhone to PC/Mac via AnyMiro

While AirPlay offers many benefits for wireless streaming and mirroring, it also comes with some disadvantages. Here are some of the cons of using AirPlay:

• Limited Compatibility: AirPlay is primarily an Apple ecosystem technology.
• Network Dependency: AirPlay relies on a stable Wi-Fi network. If your Wi-Fi network experiences interruptions or is slow, it can result in buffering, latency, or even disconnections during streaming.
• Quality Dependent on Network: The quality of your AirPlay stream is heavily dependent on the strength and bandwidth of your Wi-Fi network.

So we recommend AnyMiro as an alternative to AirPlay to mirror screens on Windows or Mac to fix AirPlay icon not showing on Mac. AnyMiro is a cost-effective third-party screen mirroring tool. It depends on robust technology to enable cross-system screen mirroring, making it effortless to transmit content between iOS and Android devices, among others.

When considering the use of AnyMiro, there are some additional advantages and details worth noting.

• Dual Mode Connection: AnyMiro offers multiple connectivity options, including USB and Wi-Fi. This means you can choose the most suitable connection method based on your network situation or personal preferences.
• Long-Term Connection Stability: AnyMiro can maintain a connection for up to 10 hours or more, with very fast response times, typically within 10 milliseconds.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: AnyMiro can connect from Mac, iOS devices, or devices running other operating systems seamlessly to transfer content.
• High-Quality Screen Mirroring: AnyMiro delivers a high-quality screen mirroring experience, supporting resolutions of up to 4K.
• Ideal for Game Streaming: AnyMiro’s low latency and high-quality visuals make it an ideal tool for game streaming. You can transmit your gameplay content at high quality to popular live-streaming platforms such as YouTube or Twitch.
• Audio-Video Synchronization: AnyMiro ensures synchronization between audio and video, guaranteeing that viewers receive a consistent audio-visual experience without any mismatch or syncing issues.

Given these advantages, AnyMiro offers a robust and versatile solution suitable for a wide range of purposes, including high-definition video playback and real-time game streaming. You don’t need to be upset about how to add AirPlay to menu bar.

FAQs

1. Is screen mirroring the same as AirPlay?

No, screen mirroring is not the same as AirPlay. AirPlay is Apple’s technology for wireless streaming and screen mirroring is a broader term for displaying one device’s screen on another.

2. How to add AirPlay to my iPhone menu?

You can’t directly add AirPlay to your iPhone menu. AirPlay options become available when you have compatible devices on the same Wi-Fi network. You can access these options through the Control Center by swiping down or to the right (depending on your iPhone model) from the top-right corner of your screen.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to add AirPlay to menu bar, you’ll be better equipped to address the issue of the AirPlay icon not showing on Mac. While AirPlay is convenient for screen mirroring, it still has some limitations. Therefore, using AnyMiro for screen mirroring is a better choice, as it can provide you with a lag-free and smooth mirroring experience. Moreover, it supports a wider range of devices. So, feel free to download it and give it a try.