AirPlay Not Working on Samsung TV? Here is How to Fix it

When AirPlay fails to connect on a Samsung TV, users often can’t see a connection between their Apple device and the TV, even if the TV appears in the AirPlay list. This error usually points to a network or compatibility issue.

Common causes include outdated firmware on the Samsung TV or Apple device, AirPlay being disabled on the TV, network settings causing interference, or Samsung TVs struggling with the 5GHz band. 

Other issues could be incorrect device pairing codes, conflicts with other devices on the same network, or IP Remote being disabled in the TV settings.

1. Retry the Network Connection on the Samsung TV

This issue can be caused by a temporary network glitch or unstable Wi-Fi connection. By retrying the network connection on your Samsung TV, you force the device to reconnect with your router, which can resolve conflicts or dropped connections. This refresh can help reset the TV’s network settings, ensuring AirPlay works properly.

1. 1. Select General in the Samsung TV’s Settings and open Network.
      
   2. Open General in the Samsung TV SettingsSelect Network Status and click on the Retry button.

1. Open Network in General in the Samsung TV SettingsReconnect the Wi-Fi on your host device (e.g., iPhone) and check if AirPlay is working correctly on the Samsung TV.

2. Re-Enable AirPlay in the Samsung TV’s Settings

Re-enabling AirPlay in your Samsung TV’s settings can fix the issue by resetting the AirPlay feature, which may have been disabled due to updates, inactivity, or accidental changes. This refreshes the TV’s ability to detect and connect with your Apple device, restoring proper communication.

1. Navigate to General in the settings of your TV and open Apple AirPlay Settings.
2. Select AirPlay and disable it.
3. Re-enable AirPlay and check if it is working on the Samsung TV.

3. Edit the Code Requirement of the AirPlay and Reset the Paired Devices

To ensure a fresh connection every time, change the AirPlay code setting to “Every Time.” This prompts the Apple device and Samsung TV to re-pair, preventing outdated or faulty pairing data from causing issues. It clears misconfigurations and ensures correct linking each time, avoiding glitches from old, saved pairings.

1. Launch the Settings of your TV and select General.
2. Open Apple AirPlay Settings and set Require Code to Every Time.
3. Check if AirPlay is working fine on the Samsung TV.
4. If not, check if setting the Require Code to Use Password Instead resolves the AirPlay issue.
5. If the issue persists, check if resetting the paired devices in the Require Code option solves the problem.

If that did not work, repeat steps 1 and 2 to open Apple AirPlay Settings on the Samsung TV and open About AirPlay. Now, if applicable, switch the version to the original and check if that has resolved the issue.

4. Update the Firmware of the Samsung TV to the Latest Release

Outdated firmware can cause connection problems with newer devices. Updating the firmware ensures your TV has the latest bug fixes, performance improvements, and support for the latest AirPlay versions, helping to quickly resolve most connectivity issues.

1. Launch the Samsung TV’s Settings and select Support.
2. Open Software Update and select Update Now.
3. If a firmware update is available, let it download and install.
4. Once the TV’s firmware is updated, check if AirPlay is working again with the Samsung TV.

5. Update the OS of the Host Device to the Latest Build

Using an old operating system can cause problems with AirPlay. New OS versions have important updates, bug fixes, and better compatibility with devices like Samsung TVs. Updating your device to the latest OS can fix issues and ensure AirPlay works properly.

1. Launch System Preferences on the Mac and open Software Update.
2. If an update is available, click Update Now (or Upgrade Now).
3. Once the macOS update is applied, check if AirPlay is working properly.

6. Disable the 5GHz Band and Enable 2.4 GHz Band of Your Router

Samsung TVs often have connection problems with the 5GHz band because it has a shorter range and more interference. The 2.4GHz band is slower, but it’s more stable and can go through walls better, making the connection between your TV and Apple device smoother and more reliable.

1. Navigate to your router’s web portal using a web browser and log in with your credentials.
2. Open Settings and select Wireless.
3. Uncheck the option for 5GHz and, if required, make sure to check the option for 2.4GHz.
4. Apply your changes and connect your devices (i.e., the Samsung TV and the host device) to the 2.4GHz band. If the TV or the host device asks to connect to the 5GHz band, click Cancel.
5. Check if the Samsung TV is working fine with AirPlay.
6. If not, check if reverting the Wi-Fi password to the default resolves the AirPlay issue.

If the issue persists, check if switching between the wired and wireless networks solves the AirPlay issue.

7. Disable Auto Protection Time of the Samsung TV

Sometimes, the Auto Protection Time feature on Samsung TVs can interfere with AirPlay by turning off the display after periods of inactivity. Disabling this feature prevents the TV from mistakenly disrupting your connection during AirPlay sessions, ensuring uninterrupted streaming

1. Navigate to the General tab in the TV’s settings and select System Manager (in the right pane).
2. Disable Auto Protection Time (the second to last option) and check if the AirPlay issue is resolved.

8. Enable the IP Remote in the TV Settings

Enabling IP Remote in your Samsung TV settings allows it to receive commands from external devices over the network. Without it, the TV may not respond to AirPlay requests, causing connection failures. Activating IP Remote ensures seamless communication between your Apple device and the TV.

1. Launch the Samsung TV Settings and select General.
2. Open Network and select Expert Settings.
3. Open Expert Settings of Samsung TV
4. Enable IP Remote and check if AirPlay is working properly.

9. Disable IPv6 in the Samsung TV’s Settings

This issue may occur due to TV and network incompatibility. Turning off IPv6 in your Samsung TV settings forces it to use IPv4, which home routers support more reliably. Switching to IPv4 can stabilize the connection and improve AirPlay performance.

1. Open General in the settings of your Samsung TV and select Network.
2. Access Expert Settings and disable IPv6.
3. Check if AirPlay is working on the Samsung TV. If the issue persists, consider disabling IPv6 on the host device (like a Mac) as well.

10. Edit the DNS Settings of Your TV

Your network’s DNS server may sometimes cause connection delays or failures between your Apple device and TV. Manually setting the DNS to a stable server can improve address resolution and enhance AirPlay functionality.

1. Go to the Network tab in the settings of your TV and select Network Status.
2. Click on IP Settings and go to DNS Settings.
3. Select Enter Manually and input the following value for Google DNS:

   8.8.8.8

   

4. Apply your changes and turn off the TV.

   

5. Wait for at least one minute and power on the TV to check if the AirPlay issue is resolved.

11. Update the Router’s Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause your devices to not work well together and slow down your network, affecting AirPlay’s connection. Updating your router’s firmware improves security and network efficiency, fixing issues that disrupt AirPlay on Samsung TVs.

1. Access your router’s web portal using a web browser and log in with your credentials.
2. Open the router’s Settings and navigate to the Administration (or System) section.
3. Go to Firmware Update, Router Update, or Software Update and check for newer updates. If an update is available, apply the update.

   

4. Once the router’s firmware is updated, check if the Samsung TV is clear of the AirPlay issue.

12. Disable Firewall of the Host Device

Turning off the firewall temporarily can fix AirPlay issues because firewalls block unknown connections. Disabling the firewall lets the devices connect easily.

Warning: Proceed at your own risk as modifying the firewall settings of any device may expose your data and devices to threats.

1. Launch your Mac’s System Preferences and open Security & Privacy.

   

2. Select Firewall, click on the padlock icon, and enter your administrator password.
3. Open Firewall Options and ensure that Block All Incoming Connections is not enabled.

   

4. Enable the option Automatically Allow Built-in Software to Receive Incoming Connections and check if the AirPlay issue is resolved.

   

5. If that did not resolve the issue, check if disabling the Firewall of the Mac solves the AirPlay issue.

   

6. If you cannot disable the firewall via the GUI, try executing the following command in the Terminal:

sudo /usr/libexec/ApplicationFirewall/socketfilterfw --setblockall off

13. Reset the Samsung’s Smart Hub to the Defaults

Resetting the Samsung Smart Hub clears any bad settings or software problems that might stop AirPlay from working. This resets the TV to its original state and can fix issues caused by misconfigured apps or settings.

1. Open the Samsung TV’s Settings and select Support.
2. Choose Device Care and go to Self Diagnostics.
3. Select Reset Smart Hub and enter the TV’s PIN if requested.
4. Reset Smart Hub of the Samsung TV to Defaults
5. Once the Smart Hub is reset to defaults, set it up again and check if AirPlay is working properly with the Samsung TV.

14. Reset Your TV to the Factory Defaults

Misconfigured settings can often be the root cause of AirPlay issues on Samsung TVs, and resetting the TV to factory defaults is a way to eliminate these errors. This step removes any faulty configurations, app conflicts, or network glitches that might be affecting AirPlay functionality. By restoring the TV to its original state, you clear out all custom settings and start with a clean slate.

1. Open the Samsung TV’s Settings and select Support.
2. Access Self Diagnostics and choose Reset. If the Reset option is not located in the Self Diagnostics menu, check the Settings > General menu.
3. Reset Samsung TV to Defaults
4. Enter the TV’s PIN if prompted. Once the TV is reset to factory defaults, set it up as a new device.
5. Check if AirPlay is now working correctly on the Samsung TV. You may also attempt to use the SmartThings app for setup.
6. If none of the solutions works for you, consider adding the Samsung TV’s IP address to the DMZ in the router settings. If that does not resolve the issue, you may need to factory reset the host device (e.g., factory reset the iPhone).