How to Mirror MacBook to TV in 2025 – 3 Methods

Mirroring your MacBook to a TV can enhance your viewing experience, whether for presentations, watching movies, or sharing photos. Depending on your TV model, you have several options to achieve this, including AirPlay, Chromecast, and HDMI. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to mirror MacBook to TV using these different methods.

Can You Mirror MacBook to TV?

If you’re wondering, can you mirror MacBook to TV, the simple answer is yes! There are several ways to screen mirror MacBook to TV, as we’ve covered in this guide. Whether you’re using AirPlay, Chromecast, or an HDMI cable, all these methods allow you to display your MacBook’s screen on your TV.

Mirroring your MacBook to your TV is incredibly useful for various reasons, whether you’re streaming movies, presenting documents, or simply sharing content with others. The process is simple and doesn’t require complex setup steps. It’s all about choosing the right connection method based on your device compatibility and the experience you want to achieve. Scroll down to see how to screen mirror Mac to TV.

Use AirPlay to Mirror MacBook to TV

AirPlay is Apple’s built-in wireless streaming technology, offering a seamless way to connect your MacBook to your TV. If you have an Apple TV or a TV that supports AirPlay (such as select smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, or Vizio), this is one of the easiest and most reliable methods for screen mirroring MacBook to TV.

One of the primary benefits of AirPlay is its simplicity—once your devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, all you need to do is select your TV from the AirPlay menu on your MacBook, and the content will instantly appear on your TV screen. Here’s how to screen mirror MacBook to TV via AirPlay step by step:

Step 1. Make sure your MacBook and TV (or Apple TV) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 2. On your MacBook, click on the AirPlay icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen.

Step 3. From the drop-down menu, select the AirPlay-enabled TV or Apple TV you want to mirror to.

Step 4. Once connected, you can choose to mirror your display or extend it, depending on your needs.

Use an AirPlay Receiver App

AirPlay offers high-quality streaming without the need for extra cables or complex setups, making it ideal for most users. However, for TVs that don’t support AirPlay natively, you may need an AirPlay receiver app, such as AirMirror designed by BoostVision, to act as an intermediary between your MacBook and your TV.

Step 1. Get it from Google Play and install it on your TV.

Step 2. Launch the app on your TV and note down the TV name it displays.

Step 3. When your Macbook and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, enable AirPlay on your Macbook and choose the TV name you have noted.

Step 4. Wait for the connection to be established. Once done, you can watch a movie from your Macbook on your big-screen TV.

Use Chromecast to Mirror Macbook to TV

If you don’t have an Apple TV or an AirPlay-enabled TV, Chromecast is another great option for casting from MacBook to TV. Chromecast is a device by Google that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port and allows you to stream content from a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

To screen mirror MacBook to TV using Chromecast, you’ll need to use Google Chrome’s built-in casting feature. Chromecast is a popular choice because it is affordable and works with a variety of devices, not just Apple products.

Here’s how to cast from MacBook to TV with Chromecast:

Step 1. Plug the Chromecast device into your TV and ensure it’s powered on.

Step 2. Connect your MacBook and Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 3. Open Google Chrome on your MacBook and click on the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser window.

Step 4. Select Cast, and then choose Cast desktop.

Step 5. From the list of available devices, select your Chromecast-connected TV.

Step 6. Choose the screen or window you wish to share, and it will appear on your TV.

Chromecast is ideal for screen mirroring MacBook when you don’t have AirPlay support. The process is straightforward and works well for most media streaming and content sharing needs, although the quality may be slightly lower compared to AirPlay, depending on your network conditions.

Use HDMI to Mirror MacBook to TV

How to connect MacBook to TV? If you prefer a wired connection for a reliable and consistent streaming experience, using an HDMI cable is one of the best ways to connect MacBook to TV. This method guarantees the highest quality, especially when you want to ensure minimal lag and loss of resolution.

To mirror MacBook to TV with HDMI, you’ll need a Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter (for MacBooks with Thunderbolt or USB-C ports) or a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter (for older MacBook models). After connecting your MacBook to your TV via HDMI, the TV acts as an external monitor.

How to mirror MacBook to TV with HDMI? Here are the steps:

Step 1. Plug the HDMI cable into your MacBook using the appropriate adapter (Thunderbolt, USB-C, or Mini DisplayPort to HDMI).

Step 2. Connect the other end of the cable into your TV’s HDMI port.

Step 3. Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input using the TV remote.

Step 4. Your MacBook should automatically detect the TV, and you can adjust the display settings if needed.

Using HDMI to mirror MacBook to TV is a great option if you want the highest quality streaming, especially for high-definition video or gaming. The connection is stable and doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi, making it an excellent choice for activities that demand high bandwidth, such as playing games or watching movies in 4K.

However, this method requires a physical connection, meaning you’ll need to stay within a limited range of your TV unless you use longer HDMI cables. Additionally, you won’t have the freedom of wireless mirroring, but you’ll get a very stable connection with no interruptions.

Conclusion

How to mirror my Macbook to my TV? When wondering how to mirror MacBook to TV, you have several great options: AirPlay, Chromecast, and HDMI. Each method comes with its own set of advantages, so the best option depends on your preferences and the equipment you have. Whether you’re looking for a wireless solution or a more stable, wired connection, you’ll find a way to connect MacBook to TV that suits your needs.

How to Mirror MacBook to TV FAQ

Q: How do I mirror my Mac to my TV without Apple TV?

If you don’t have an Apple TV, don’t worry—you can still mirror your Mac to your TV through AirPlay. Many newer smart televisions are AirPlay-compatible, such as Samsung TV, LG TV, Vizio TV, Roku TV, etc. Turn on AirPlay on your TV, then you can mirror your Mac to your TV without Apple TV. If your TV is AirPlay-incompatible, you can change its compatibility by installing an AirPlay receiver app and then enable AirPlay on your Mac.

Q: What is the shortcut to mirror a Mac to a TV?

There isn’t a specific keyboard shortcut for mirroring a Mac to a TV, but you can easily access the AirPlay feature by clicking the AirPlay icon in the menu bar. Once selected, choose your TV from the list and choose to either mirror your display or extend it.