Airplay device pairing code input disappears too quickly

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Airplay device pairing code input disappears too quickly

How do I enter the pairing code for Airplay from a Mac to an Apple TV (both "fixed in place" devices), when the devices are in different areas of the house? This probably happens often. The very reason for using Airplay is because the devices are not close together and they are not mobile. When I am instructed to enter the pairing code, I have to run downstairs, then to the back of the house, to see the code on the other device, then run back all the way to enter it before the entry dialog disappears. Note that running up or down stairs is DANGEROUS. I have not been able to do this fast enough to enter the pairing code before the dialog disappears. WHY IS THE TIMEOUT SO SHORT? If the devices were in the same room, I would not need to use Airplay. How is one supposed to do this, and do it safely? Surely there are many people who have a bigger house than I, for whom this problem might take even more time.

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jun 21, 2022 6:47 PM

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Answer 1

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Urquhart1244

Level 10

146,448 points

Jun 21, 2022 7:42 PM in response to Richard Bryan

What is your model Apple TV? Identify your Apple TV model - Apple Support

Many users use AirPlay within proximity of the AirPlay-receiving device, often from mobile devices (or notebooks). You have 60 seconds to confirm the AirPlay PIN number or password. (That is what I timed for my setup just now.)

Rather than using AirPlay when covering large distances between rooms, consider using Home Sharing, where you operate it all from the Apple TV box. Home Sharing from macOS High Sierra 10.13 requires that the iTunes application is running, with Home Sharing activated, and has been set to a matching Apple ID account as in Settings on Apple TV. iTunes acts as a server for this, so add the content to its library. Use Home Sharing to share media from a computer to other devices - Apple Support.

If the file format of your locals streams isn’t supported by Apple Home Sharing, and if you can’t be bothered with converting (e.g. one time viewing), then consider third party solutions similar to Apple Home Sharing (VLC, Plex, Infuse, MrMC, etc.). *Available on Apple TV (4th generation or later).

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Answer 2

Jun 22, 2022 8:15 AM in response to Urquhart1244

The Apple TV model is Apple TV 4K 1st generation. The Mac is running MacOS 11. Home sharing does not work for me because it does not work with the Airport Express devices which I use with a number of remote speakers in the house. A 60 second timeout may be sufficient for an iOS device in the same room, but Airplay technology pre-dates iOS devices, and there are probably also "many people" using Airplay in a similar way that may encounter this problem.

I would argue that the code input dialog should not time-out and disappear; that it should just wait for input.

If there is some compelling reason for it to time-out and disappear, the time-out period should be longer.

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Answer 3

Urquhart1244

Level 10

146,448 points

Jun 22, 2022 12:04 PM in response to Richard Bryan

You may request new or adjusted features through the feedback form:

Feedback - Apple TV - Apple

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Airplay device pairing code input disappears too quickly

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