Vizio Airplay Not Showing Up

VIZIO, a renowned brand in the realm of Smart TVs, offers in-built AirPlay 2-supported televisions. Introduced in 2010 as a successor to AirTunes with the launch of iOS 4.2, Apple AirPlay has become a reliable medium for streaming audio and video across devices.

However, despite its reliability, some VIZIO television owners occasionally encounter issues with this feature. A common problem faced is the AirPlay feature not showing up. If you’re among those having issues with this feature, you’re in the right place.

Vizio Airplay Not Showing Up

In this guide, we’ll walk you through several solutions, starting with the most straightforward and ending with the more intricate steps.

Why is Vizio Airplay Not Showing Up?

There could be multiple reasons why the AirPlay feature doesn’t show up on your VIZIO TV:

Compatibility issues with the TV model.
Outdated firmware on both the VIZIO TV and Apple Devices.
The AirPlay feature might be disabled on the VIZIO TV.
Problems related to WiFi or Internet Connection.

Ensure Your Devices Feature AirPlay and HomeKit Support:

Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s essential to ascertain that your devices support AirPlay and HomeKit. Here’s a list of Apple devices that are compatible:

iPhone models starting from iPhone 5S to iPhone X, including iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE.
iPad variants such as iPad Pro, 12.9-inch iPad Air, 10.5-inch iPad Air, 9.7-inch iPad Air, iPad fifth-generation, and iPad mini 2.
Sixth-generation iPod touch.
Mac devices running macOS Mojave 10.14.5 or later.

For VIZIO TVs, the following models support AirPlay:

Vizio OLED (2020)
Vizio P-Series Quantum X (2019, 2020)
Vizio P-Series Quantum (2018, 2019, 2020)
Vizio M-Series Quantum (2019, 2020)
Vizio E-Series (2016, 2017, 2018 UHD models)
Vizio V-Series (2019, 2020)
Vizio D-Series (2018, 2019)

How to Fix AirPlay Not Showing Up on a Vizio TV?

AirPlay, developed by Apple, offers a seamless streaming experience, allowing users to project their Apple device’s screen onto their TV. However, some Vizio TV users have reported challenges with the AirPlay feature not appearing on their screens. This can be due to various reasons, from compatibility issues to software glitches. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to troubleshoot and resolve this problem, ensuring that users can enjoy their favorite content on a bigger screen without any hitches.

Quick Solutions:

When AirPlay doesn’t show up on your Vizio TV, it can be frustrating. But before diving into complex troubleshooting steps, there are a few quick solutions to try. First, ensure that both your Apple device and Vizio TV have the latest updates installed. Sometimes, a simple software update can resolve compatibility issues. Secondly, consider performing a power cycle by unplugging your TV, waiting for a minute, and then plugging it back in. This can help in resetting any temporary glitches. Also, always ensure that both devices are on the same WiFi network. Lastly, ensure that the AirPlay feature is activated on your Vizio TV. If these quick fixes don’t work, delve deeper into the specific solutions provided below.

Check If Your VIZIO TV is AirPlay Compatible:

Not all Vizio TVs come equipped with AirPlay functionality. It’s crucial to first ascertain if your specific model supports this feature. Vizio started integrating AirPlay 2 in their TVs from 2016 onwards, with models like the Quantum, P-Series, and M-Series being some of the popular ones. If your TV model is from before 2016, it might not support AirPlay, and you might need to consider an upgrade or alternative streaming methods.

Turn On AirPlay on Your VIZIO TV:

AirPlay won’t work if it’s disabled on your TV. To ensure it’s activated, navigate to the SmartCast Home screen on your Vizio TV. Here, you should see the AirPlay icon. If it’s missing, you’ll need to turn on the feature. Access the Extras menu on the home screen, select the AirPlay option, and activate it. Once turned on, the AirPlay icon should be visible, indicating that you can now stream content from your Apple device.

Check your WIFI Connection:

A stable and robust WiFi connection is the backbone of the AirPlay feature. Both your Apple device and Vizio TV need to be on the same network for AirPlay to work. If you’re facing connectivity issues, try moving your router closer to the TV or consider using a WiFi extender. Additionally, reset your router or modem to clear any potential glitches. Testing your internet speed can also help identify if a slow connection is the culprit.

Update your VIZIO TV and Apple Devices:

Outdated software can often be the root cause of compatibility issues. Ensure that both your Vizio TV and Apple devices are running the latest firmware versions. Regular updates not only bring in new features but also fix known bugs and glitches. By keeping your devices updated, you enhance their performance and reduce the chances of facing issues like AirPlay not showing up.

Clear Cache on your VIZIO TV:

Over time, cache files accumulate and can cause performance issues, including hindering the AirPlay feature. To ensure smooth operation, regularly clear the cache on your Vizio TV. Navigate to the VIZIO SmartCast homepage, access the Settings, choose the Apps option, and then head to System Apps. Here, select the AirPlay option and clear the cache. This simple step can often resolve minor glitches and enhance your TV’s performance.

Perform a Factory Reset on VIZIO TV:

If you’ve tried all other solutions and still face the AirPlay issue, a factory reset might be the last resort. This step will revert your TV to its original settings, erasing all personalized configurations and apps. While it’s a drastic measure, it can often resolve persistent issues. However, remember that post-reset, you’ll need to reinstall your apps and reconfigure your settings.

Reset Paired Devices on Your VIZIO TV:

Sometimes, the problem might lie with the devices paired with your TV. Resetting these connections can help. Navigate to SmartCast Home on your Vizio TV, access the Extras option, and select Apple AirPlay. Here, choose the Reset Paired Devices option. Once done, reconnect your Apple devices and check if AirPlay is functioning correctly.

Contact Customer Support:

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and still face the AirPlay issue, it’s time to seek professional help. Contact VIZIO Customer Support for specialized assistance. Their team can provide guidance tailored to your situation, ensuring that you can enjoy the AirPlay feature without any hitches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

How to fix AirPlay code not working on VIZIO TV?

If you’re facing an issue where the AirPlay code isn’t working on your VIZIO TV, navigate to the Extras menu, select Apple AirPlay, choose the “Require Code” option, and then opt to “Reset Paired Devices.” After this, you’ll need to reconnect your Apple device.

How to reconnect Apple devices to VIZIO TV to use AirPlay?

To utilize AirPlay from your iPhone or Mac to your VIZIO TV:

Ensure the AirPlay feature is enabled on your TV.
On a compatible app, click on the AirPlay icon.
Alternatively, use the Screen Mirroring option and select your VIZIO TV.

Conclusion:

AirPlay is an incredibly useful feature when it functions correctly. If you’ve tried all the steps and the problem persists, consider reaching out to Apple Support. Sometimes, a simple unplugging or soft resetting of the TV might do the trick. However, if the issue continues, it’s essential to explore all solutions before resorting to a factory reset. By following the steps outlined in this guide, users should hopefully find a resolution, allowing them to seamlessly stream content and enjoy the benefits of AirPlay.