When mirroring Macbook to AppleTV I get sound, but no picture.

For instance, when I play Netflix or Amazon Prime content, all controls and even subtitles remain visible on both displays (Macbook and TV), but the actual content - the film or series - doesn't show, but the audio goes to the TV. A black screen is all I get, whether I mirror the built-in display or use the TV as a Seperate Display.

I use a MacBook Air - early 2015 running MacOS 12.7.2 and an Apple TV model A1427 running 7.9(8163) and 2 random TVs that both just act as a screen.

Posted on Jan 25, 2024 9:04 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 25, 2024 9:40 AM

Audio but no video probably means that AirPlay is unsupported in this (browser?) setup.

  • Netflix actively blocks AirPlay, from any Apple device from browser as well as their own app.
  • Amazon Prime Video has their own app in the Mac App Store. That will support AirPlay, although I can’t verify if that is supported for all models Apple TV as receiving device. It might be different for legacy models.
  • Several other content providers also block AirPlay Screen Mirroring from browser access.
  • Apple TV (3rd generation) has its own Amazon Prime Video app — until Feb 12, 2024. No need for AirPlay.
  • Apple TV (3rd generation) has its own Netflix app. No need for AirPlay.


An HDMI connection from Mac to TV screen would be a supported method that doesn’t rely on AirPlay Screen Mirroring.

Else you may want to consider upgrading to more modern models Apple TV boxes.

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 25, 2024 9:40 AM in response to erik.weller

Audio but no video probably means that AirPlay is unsupported in this (browser?) setup.

  • Netflix actively blocks AirPlay, from any Apple device from browser as well as their own app.
  • Amazon Prime Video has their own app in the Mac App Store. That will support AirPlay, although I can’t verify if that is supported for all models Apple TV as receiving device. It might be different for legacy models.
  • Several other content providers also block AirPlay Screen Mirroring from browser access.
  • Apple TV (3rd generation) has its own Amazon Prime Video app — until Feb 12, 2024. No need for AirPlay.
  • Apple TV (3rd generation) has its own Netflix app. No need for AirPlay.


An HDMI connection from Mac to TV screen would be a supported method that doesn’t rely on AirPlay Screen Mirroring.

Else you may want to consider upgrading to more modern models Apple TV boxes.

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When mirroring Macbook to AppleTV I get sound, but no picture.

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