Why isnt my airplay working on vizio smart tv

Vizio TV is home to many apps for your viewing pleasure.

Yet, you might want to expand its usefulness more with the help of AirPlay.

It’s pretty easy to use on a Vizio TV… 

But problems can arise along the way.

Don’t panic.

Just…

Continue reading to learn:

• Vizio TV models that can run AirPlay.
• 11 easy fixes for AirPlay not working on Vizio TV.
• Common causes for AirPlay problems on your Vizio TV (and what to do about them).
• And a lot more…

Why is AirPlay not working on my Vizio TV?

AirPlay isn’t working on your Vizio TV because it’s not compatible. Moreover, internet problems, glitches, and bugs cause issues to arise too. Lastly, consider the firmware versions on your Vizio TV and Apple device.

AirPlay not working on Vizio TV: 11 fixes

#1: Check if your Vizio TV is AirPlay-ready

AirPlay is available on a wide range of Vizio TV mode but not all.

Check out if your Vizio TV is AirPlay ready with this chart:

Year 2020 models

• Vizio OLED.
• Vizio V-Series.
• Vizio P-Series Quantum.
• Vizio M-Series Quantum.
• Vizio P-Series Quantum X.

Year 2019 models

• Vizio V-Series.
• Vizio D-Series.
• Vizio P-Series Quantum.
• Vizio M-Series Quantum.
• Vizio P-Series Quantum X.

Year 2018 models

• Vizio M-Series. 
• Vizio E-Series. 
• Vizio D-Series.
• Vizio P-Series Quantum.

Year 2017 models

• Vizio P-Series.
• Vizio E-Series.
• Vizio M-Series.

Year 2016 models

• Vizio P-Series.
• Vizio M-Series.
• Vizio E-Series (UHD).

As for the model name of your Vizio TV, you can find it on the box and the manual it ships with. 

Moreover, there’s also a sticker at the back of the TV that you can check out.

What if you don’t have the box anymore or if you can’t check the back?

No worries, alright…

Vizio says you can check it out by:

1. Pressing the Menu button on your Vizio remote.
2. Selecting Help or System.
3. Selecting System Information.
4. You can find the TV model and serial number next to “TV SN.”

Reminder: Your Apple device needs to be compatible with AirPlay too. Luckily, all you need is one that runs on iOS 12.4 and above.

#2: Check if both devices run on the same network

AirPlay runs on the internet.

Additionally, your Apple device and the Vizio TV needs to be on the same network for mirroring to work.

You can check the connection details on your Apple device by:

1. Heading to Settings.
2. Selecting Wi-Fi.
3. Checking your connection.

Moreover, you can check your Vizio TV’s connection details by:

1. Pressing the Menu button on your remote.
2. Selecting the Network option.
3. ChoosingTest Connection. 

Doing this lets your Vizio TV check if the network you’re connected to is working as well.

Note: You don’t need to connect your Vizio TV via Wi-Fi. AirPlay will work if it’s connected with an Ethernet cable as well.

#3: Update your devices to the latest firmware

Your Vizio TV and your Apple device need to meet firmware requirements for AirPlay to work. So make sure to check if both devices are up to date.

To update your Apple device:

1. Head to Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Select Software Update.

To update your Vizio TV:

1. Press the Menu button on your remote
2. Select System from the menu.
3. Select Check For Updates.
4. Confirm the update if there is one.
5. Wait for the update to install.

With that, your Vizio TV will restart on its own once the update is over.

Reminder: Your Vizio TV checks online for updates when it’s turned on. Once turned off, the TV will resume with the update. But, it’s postponed once the TV is on.

Your Vizio TV will notify you after a successful update once you turn it on.

#4: Update your apps

Apps on your Apple device get updates from time to time. And updates add new features to it.

Updates can also fix bugs that prevent AirPlay from working.

Now, your apps update on their own.

But, if they’re inactive for long periods, the update won’t resume. For one, being offline prevents your apps from updating on their own.

If you want to update your apps on your own, Apple says to:

1. Open the App Store.
2. Tap on your profile icon at the top of the screen.
3. Scroll to check for pending updates.
4. Select Update next to the app you want to update.
5. Or, you can select Update All.

Reminder: Most but not all apps on your Apple device can use AirPlay.

Media apps like Apple Music, Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube are compatible with AirPlay. 

To check if an app can use AirPlay, look for a rectangle with an arrow pointing up at the top right of the screen.

#5: Make sure your internet connection is fast enough

AirPlay doesn’t have a high connection requirement for it to work.

Still, you should make sure that your devices reach at least 25mbps.

With this speed, you can smoothly run AirPlay in 1080p. As for mirroring in 4K, that requires around 50mbps.

On your Apple device, the best way to check for your internet speed is by opening Fast. 

And the upload and download speed needs to be at least 25mbps for AirPlay.

On your Vizio TV, check your speed by:

1. Pressing the Menu button on your remote.
2. Selecting the Network option.
3. Choosing Test Connection. 

If your connection speed isn’t what’s needed…

You may have to call your service provider for an upgrade once this happens.

But, if you don’t want to spend extra on a new data plan, check out the next steps instead.

#6: Disconnect other devices from your network

Your current data plan might promise high speeds.

Still, you need to be mindful of how many devices connect to the network.

Now, each device that’s connected uses the bandwidth from your network. 

So, if lots of devices share the bandwidth, your connection speeds suffer.

With that, let me tell you something…

A router can hold up to 255 devices at the same time. 

So, do you want to maximize the speed when using AirPlay?

If yes, then connect only your Apple device and Vizio TV to your network.

#7: Toggle your Vizio TV’s DHCP settings

Aside from speed, check if your Vizio TV is connected to your Wi-Fi router as well. Toggling DHCP settings makes that process a lot easier.

To do this on your Vizio TV, you need to:

1. Press the Menu button on your remote.
2. Select Network.
3. Select Manual Setup.
4. Turn on DHCP from the menu that appears.
5. Test your connection to see if anything has changed.

Fun fact: DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Connection Protocol. It allows your device to automatically optimize your network connections if issues arise.

#8: Make sure both devices are near each other

When mirroring your Apple device on your Vizio TV, make sure that you’re nearby.

Apple suggests that for the best connection, try to keep within 30 feet of your Vizio TV. 

That’s why it’s best if you’re using AirPlay from the same room.

Moreover, there should be no physical obstructions between both devices. 

To be more specific, avoid these things:

• Furniture.
• Thick walls and doors.
• Appliances in front of your TV.

 #9: Restart your router

A quick reboot can help sort out internet problems too. To reboot your router:

1. Unplug the router from the socket.
2. Leave it off for 30 seconds.
3. Plug it in and turn it on.

Reminder: Don’t forget to check if any of your connected devices are downloading an update.

That’s because turning off the router immediately disconnects all devices.

You should also avoid turning off your device while it’s updating the firmware or OS. This can cause serious problems with your device’s software.

#10: Restart your devices

Starting a power cycle on your devices can help sort out issues that cause AirPlay problems. 

And if you’re running out of fixes, consider restarting your Apple device and your Vizio TV.

To power cycle your Vizio TV:

1. Turn off your TV.
2. Unplug it from the socket.
3. Hold the power button on the TV for 3-5 seconds.
4. Plug the TV back on.

If you want a more detailed look at it, watch this video:

If you want to restart your Apple device, do this by: 

1. Pressing and holding the power and volume down button on your Apple device.
2. Choosing power off from the menu that appears.
3. Waiting for 30 seconds for the device to power off.
4. Leaving it for 30 more seconds before powering it up again.

#11: Contact Apple or Vizio support

It can be frustrating, but it’s possible that none of these fixes will work for some. 

And when that happens, there are hardware problems that are causing AirPlay to malfunction.

So if you want to troubleshoot your device, contact Apple or Vizio support.

Both have 24/7 support and live chat. But, stay patient. That’s because you might have to wait in a queue before you get connected to a support agent.

Aside from the live chat, you can shoot them an email or call too.

Follow their instructions well, and you’ll find the solution soon.

Read also: 11 Quick Fixes: Vizio Sound Bar HDMI Arc Not Working