AirPlay Not Working After iOS 18.4? Here's the Fix!
If you've recently updated your iPhone to iOS 18.4 and noticed that AirPlay is no longer working properly, you're not alone. Several users have reported problems such as AirPlay not detecting nearby devices, screen mirroring not starting, or lagging playback. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on AirPlay for streaming content to your Apple TV, smart TV, or wireless speakers.
The good news is that there are several practical steps you can take to get AirPlay working again. Follow the guide below to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Key Takeaways
- AirPlay may stop working after iOS 18.4 due to network, settings, or firmware issues.
Ensure devices are on the same Wi-Fi and update all software.
Screen mirroring can be a temporary solution.
If all else fails, reset network settings or contact Apple Support.
Visit a professional repair service like iFixScreens for hardware-related issues.
1. Make Sure Both Devices Are Connected to the Same Wi-Fi Network
AirPlay requires that your iPhone and the receiving device (such as a smart TV, Apple TV, or speaker) are on the exact same Wi-Fi network. If they are on different networks, AirPlay won’t work at all.
What you should do:
Open Settings > Wi-Fi on your iPhone and confirm the network name.
Check your TV or speaker’s network settings and confirm it’s connected to the same network.
Avoid using guest networks, as they often block device discovery.
2. Restart Both Devices
After a major iOS update like 18.4, temporary system glitches can affect connectivity. Restarting both your iPhone and the AirPlay device helps refresh the system.
Steps to follow:
Restart iPhone: Press and hold the power button and slide to power off. Wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
Restart the AirPlay device: Turn off your Apple TV or unplug your smart TV or speaker, wait 15 seconds, and turn it back on.
3. Check and Adjust AirPlay Settings on Your iPhone
Sometimes, AirPlay settings may reset or behave differently after an update.
To verify AirPlay settings:
Open Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff.
Make sure Automatically AirPlay to TVs is set to either Automatic or Ask.
You can also toggle AirPlay off and back on again to reset its connection logic.
4. Check AirPlay Settings on the Receiving Device
The device you’re trying to stream to may also have AirPlay disabled or blocked.
What to check:
On an Apple TV, go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit and make sure AirPlay is turned on.
On a smart TV, refer to the user manual or go into the settings menu and locate the AirPlay option. Make sure it is enabled.
If your device supports firmware updates, install the latest software. This ensures it’s compatible with iOS 18.4.
5. Use Screen Mirroring as a Workaround
If regular AirPlay (e.g., streaming from apps) is not working, try using screen mirroring to share your entire iPhone display.
Steps:
Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen.
Tap Screen Mirroring.
Select the device you want to stream to.
If your device shows up but fails to connect, move on to the next steps below.
6. Disable VPN and Bluetooth Temporarily
In some cases, VPN apps or Bluetooth connections can interfere with AirPlay.
What you should do:
Turn off any VPN apps or services running in the background.
Go to Settings > Bluetooth and switch it off for testing purposes.
Then try using AirPlay again.
7. Reset Network Settings on Your iPhone (Use with Caution)
If AirPlay continues not to work, a network reset of your iPhone should eliminate any of the corrupt settings that were possibly introduced with the update. This will erase all Wi-Fi passwords stored, Bluetooth connections, and VPN settings.
Steps:
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Enter your passcode when prompted.
Your iPhone will restart. Afterward, reconnect to your Wi-Fi and test AirPlay again.
8. Update the Receiving Device
Make sure the device you're trying to AirPlay to is running the latest software or firmware.
For Apple TV, go to Settings > System > Software Updates and select Update Software.
For smart TVs (like LG, Samsung, or Sony), check the manufacturer’s support page or TV settings for software updates.
Some smart speakers also receive firmware updates via their companion apps.
9. Try AirPlay with Another App or Device
To rule out app-specific problems, try AirPlay with another app (like Photos or Apple Music) or to another device, if available. This helps confirm whether the issue is device-wide or isolated to a specific app or device.
10. Need Professional Help?
If you're still facing issues, iFixScreens can help. Our expert technicians can diagnose AirPlay-related problems caused by software glitches, network issues, or hardware faults like a failing Wi-Fi chip.
Visit your nearest iFixScreens store for a reliable solution.
Final Thoughts:
Software updates sometimes introduce unexpected bugs. If AirPlay was working perfectly before the iOS 18.4 update and none of these fixes work, it’s very likely Apple is aware of the problem and preparing a fix. Until then, using screen mirroring or streaming through another method may be your best workaround.
FAQ's
Q. What are the limitations of Apple AirPlay?
A. AirPlay is available exclusively via Wi-Fi and not Bluetooth. The devices have to be on the same network. It does not play all apps or all smart TVs. Only some features are available to use with Apple devices.
Q. Why has AirPlay stopped working?
A. It may be due to Wi-Fi issues, outdated software, disabled AirPlay settings, or a bug from a recent iOS update. Restarting devices often helps.
Q. Why is AirPlay only playing audio?
A. This usually happens if the video format isn't supported by the TV or if you're using AirPlay from an app that sends only audio. Try screen mirroring instead.
Q. How do I AirPlay on the newest iOS update?
A. Open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your device. Make sure AirPlay is enabled and both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.