Do you need to have Macbook Pro / iPhones / iPad transmitting before Airplay icons appear?

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Level 1

21 points

Do you need to have Macbook Pro / iPhones / iPad transmitting before Airplay icons appear?

Hello, we are trying to find out about, and considering buying Apple TV and getting into Airplay, streaming wirelessly etc.

We are not complete luddites (as you can see from our list of Apple gizmos) but we have some queries. We have read some forums but are really none-the-wiser.

Do you need to have Macbook Pro/ MAcBook Air / iPhones / iPad transmitting content before Airplay icons appear, for example? And the Apple TV connected to the TV? Once one gets an Apple TV do Airplay icons magically appear on the Macbook Pro and devices?

I beg your indulgence with some basic set-up information please

Posted on Jan 14, 2015 8:28 PM

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Answer 1

Rudegar

Level 10

181,086 points

Jan 15, 2015 7:37 AM in response to Union

read this for OS X About AirPlay Mirroring in OS X - Apple Support

read this for ios iOS: Use AirPlay Mirroring - Apple-support

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Answer 2

Union Author

Level 1

21 points

Jan 15, 2015 7:37 PM in response to Rudegar

Yes thank you Rudegar. I had actually seen the information you linked.

You'll notice we haven't actually purchased an Apple TV yet, and all our machines seem compliant for age and operating systems. But correct me if I'm wrong, it seems we are unlikely to see an Airplay icon on them until we have an Apple TV plugged in, connected etc.

In essence, I suppose my question is: how can we make sure our machines have Airplay if there's nothing to Airplay yet? And no Apple TV yet? Do we get the Apple TV, plug it in, connect it to our TV set and then the icons will appear on our Macs, iPad and iPhones?

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