Vizio AirPlay Not Working (10 Things to Check & Fix)
When it works perfectly, AirPlay allows users to stream content from Apple devices to other multimedia devices. If you have a Vizio TV, you can display audio, video, photos, and anything else from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop directly to the TV. Unfortunately, technology rarely seems to work perfectly. That’s why we’re going to talk about what to do when Vizio AirPlay is not working.
If Vizio AirPlay is not working, make sure your iOS device is at least on iOS 12.4, your AirPlay 2 and HomeKit functionality is enabled, your TV’s firmware is up to date, the AirPlay option is enabled on your TV, and your Vizio TV and Apple device are on the same network. Contact a professional for further assistance.
There are many issues that can pop up with AirPlay on your Vizio TV, and we’re going to go through the most common problems below. We’re also going to go more in depth about what to try if AirPlay on Vizio is not working.
Things to Check if Vizio AirPlay is Not Working
If you can’t use AirPlay on your Vizio TV, there are a few overarching solutions you can try to rule out any easy fixes. Below, we’ll talk about all the things that can go wrong with AirPlay on your Vizio TV. For now, here are some things you can check on your own before getting in touch with a support team.
iOS Device is on iOS 12.4 or Higher
Any devices that can’t handle iOS 12.4 or higher will not be compatible with AirPlay, which means you most definitely won’t have success using it on your Vizio TV. The best thing you can do in this case is upgrade! Here are the devices that are capable of receiving iOS 12.4 or higher:
- iPhone X, iPhone 6, iPhone 6+ and later.
- iPhone SE, iPhone 5S iPad Pro.
- 9-inch, 10.5-inch, 9.7-inch iPad Air and later.
- iPad 5th generation and later.
- iPad Mini2 and later.
- iPod Touch 6th
- macOS Mojave 10.14.5 or higher.
TV has the AirPlay 2 and HomeKit Functionality Enabled
AirPlay 2 and HomeKit are two features that help integrate your devices to your TV for greater convenience and simplicity. AirPlay 2 lets you stream music across multiple devices at the same time. HomeKit allows you to control parts of your Vizio TV from your phone or with voice controls.
This simplifies doing simple tasks like navigating to TV menus, turning the TV on and off, or adding the TV to a command or routine. Both these need to be enabled for AirPlay to work on your Vizio TV.
TV’s Firmware is Up to Date
For AirPlay to work on your Vizio TV, the TV’s firmware itself also has to be up to date. To make sure it is, press the menu button on your remote, or navigate to the menu in other manners if the Vizio remote does not have the menu button. Then, go to “System” and navigate to “Check for Updates.” If your TV is not fully updated, it will automatically start downloading the firmware.
AirPlay is Enabled on TV
Next, you’ll want to see if the AirPlay icon is showing in the top right corner on SmartCast Home and make sure the AirPlay option is enabled on the TV. The good news is enabling it is extremely easy. Simply go to SmartCast Home, select “Extras,” and make sure the AirPlay option has “On” next to it.
Vizio TV and Apple Device are on the Same Network
Finally, make sure your Vizio TV and whatever Apple device you’re using are on the same WiFi network. Otherwise, the devices won’t be able to find each other. If they happen to be on different networks, switch them over. You may also want to forget the secondary network on the device, so it doesn’t default back to it next time.
Contact the Apple Support Team
If after going through these steps, you still can’t figure out why AirPlay on Vizio is not working, cut your losses and get in touch with Apple support. Hopefully, they’ll be able to troubleshoot the issue over the phone and have everything back in working order. However, if the problem is more serious, they will still be able to help you get to the root of the issue.
Common Issues with Vizio TV AirPlay Not Working
We’ve gone over the solutions above. Now we’re going to tie common problems to them and go over some specific solutions, too. AirPlay not working on Vizio will present itself in different ways, and it’s important to understand what is happening with yours before you can know how to fix it.
Some of the most common problems you’ll find with AirPlay include your Vizio TV:
- Not Showing the AirPlay Options
- Switching to AirPlay without the Command
- Not Displaying the AirPlay Code
- Not Mirroring the Device Screen
Vizio TV AirPlay is Not Showing Up
When you use AirPlay on the Vizio TV, you should be able to select the TV from your Apple device and automatically connect to it. However, a common issue people run into is not even seeing the device pop up in the first place.
The solution: If your Vizio TV is not showing up as an option, the solution is to enable AirPlay 2 and HomeKit functionality. Then, be sure your Vizio TV’s firmware is up to date.
Vizio TV Keeps Switching to AirPlay
Sometimes, the problem can be AirPlay is almost working too well. If you’re using your Vizio TV for other purposes and it switches over to AirPlay without your control, it can be a big pain. Not only can it interrupt your shows, but it also creates more work for you in the long run.
The solution: Turn AirPlay off from the TV by going to “Extras” > “Apple AirPlay” > “Off.” If this continuously happens, you may want to contact an Apple support team member.
Vizio TV is Not Displaying AirPlay Code
For additional security, AirPlay uses codes, so you can connect your device to the TV without the threat of other devices trying to do the same. Sometimes, this code may not show up, which means you won’t be able to connect.
The solution: Enable the AirPlay Onscreen Code feature by going to “Settings” > “AirPlay” > “Onscreen Code.” Also be sure to turn the password off.
Vizio TV is Not Mirroring the Screen
When you use AirPlay on your Vizio TV, the TV will mirror whatever is happening on your Apple device. If this part of the process isn’t working, the entire feature is rendered useless. Fortunately, the fix is simple.
The solution: Make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network.
Our Final Thoughts on What to Do if AirPlay is Not Working on Vizio
Dealing with technology can feel overwhelming and complicated, but things will be easier with the right tools on your side. If your AirPlay is not working on Vizio, make sure your iOS devices are on iOS 12.4 or higher, you have enabled all necessary features , your TV’s firmware is up to date, and everything is on the same network.
Certain issues will have more specific fixes as well. That said, be sure you know what you’re dealing with before you start troubleshooting. And if you don’t know what you’re doing, always get in touch with the Apple support team for extra support.
I am a copywriter and editor based in the Las Vegas area with nearly a decade of experience under my belt writing landing pages, cost guides, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, and social media content. I have a degree in Strategic Communication and experience working in both the account and creative spheres. My goal is to always be discovering new interests and bettering myself as a writer and editor along the way.
More by Kerry Souder
![10 Best Electric Pressure Washers – [2022 Reviews & Guide]](https://cdn-fastly.upgradedhome.com/media/2023/07/31/9070600/10-best-electric-pressure-washers-2022-reviews-guide.jpg?size=350x220)
![10 Best Electric Lawn Mowers - [2022 Reviews & Top Rated Models]](https://cdn-fastly.upgradedhome.com/media/2023/07/31/9070486/10-best-electric-lawn-mowers-2022-reviews-top-rated-models.jpg?size=350x220)
![12 Washing Machine Brands to Avoid [with Recall Data]](https://cdn-fastly.upgradedhome.com/media/2023/07/31/9075781/12-washing-machine-brands-to-avoid-with-recall-data.jpg?size=350x220)
