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Can't AirPlay

  • ~ minute read

If you're trying to AirPlay VidAngel to an AirPlay 2-enabled TV device, but you're running into trouble, here are solutions to the most common issues:

 

Can't AirPlay with Ads

We are still in the process of building the ability to AirPlay with advertisements. We can Chromecast ad-based content and will continue to improve our casting functionality for AirPlay. This means content from Amazon Freevee, Prime with Ads, Amazon Paramount+ Essential, AMC+ with ads, and Peacock Premium will not work with AirPlay.

error_we are unable to airplay content with ads.jpg

What can you do?

If you upgrade your subscriptions to ad-free versions (e.g., Peacock Premium Plus, Prime ad-free), or if you rent/buy on Amazon video, you should be able to watch with AirPlay! If upgrade Amazon Paramount+/AMC+ to ad-free, you should be able to AirPlay *some content.

* Please note that even if you upgrade to Amazon Paramount+ Premium and AMC+ ad-free, all Paramount+ Originals and many AMC+ shows, contain pre-roll ads for their own content. If it contains a pre-roll ad, this means it cannot be AirPlayed!



Other Options

If you’re open to trying a different device, VidAngel works seamlessly with the ad-based plans of these streaming services on the following devices:

  • Apple TV
  • Google or Android TV
  • Fire TV or Firestick
  • Android mobile
  • Apple mobile
  • Computer on our website 

To see how to use VidAngel on these devices, go here: DEVICE SET UP

 

Devices Are Not on the Same WIFI Network

Your iPad or iPhone and the TV device to which you're AirPlaying will need to be on the same WIFI network so they can "see" each other. Dual-band routers offer a 2.4G and a 5G signal, make sure both devices are on the same one. If possible, try selecting the 2.4G signal.

 

Devices Are Too Old

Not all Apple devices are compatible with AirPlay 2. You can learn which devices support AirPlay 2 and AirPlay on Apple’s website. AirPlay might not be working simply because the device isn’t compatible.

 

Apple mobile

To work with the VidAngel app, your Apple mobile device should be at least iOS 14., but check for the latest software updates on your device.

You'll also want to make sure you have the most updated version of the VidAngel app on your Apple. You can check that here: iOS

 

Reboot Your Devices

Apple mobile

Force/hard close the VidAngel mobile app (sometimes said as "kill the app") and then restart your mobile device.

On an iPhone X or later, or an iPad with iOS 12 or later, or iPadOS: 

  1. From the Home Screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle of the screen.
  2. Swipe right or left to find the VidAngel app.
  3. Swipe up on the app's preview to close the app.

 

On iPhone SE, iPhone 8 and earlier, and iPod touch:

  1. Double-click the Home button to show your most recently used apps. 
  2. Swipe right or left to find the VidAngel app. 
  3. Swipe up on the app's preview to close the app.

 

Turn on permissions

You may need to turn on local permissions for the VidAngel app. You can see how to do that here: AirPlay: Turn on Local Permissions or Network Access

 

Make sure Bluetooth is working

If you suspect your Bluetooth is the issue, we found an article about how to fix Bluetooth.

 

Airplay keeps cutting out

If you have already tried to cast and have connected, but it keeps cutting out, these suggestions may help:

 

Improve the Connection

If your TV device is connected to your internet through a wireless router, it may help to connect directly with an Ethernet cable instead.

Do you have enough bandwidth? If you need more support in this area:

  • Do not use any other internet applications (including streaming movies) on any other devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network (including computers, cell phones, or tablets).
  • Do not use any other apps on the Apple device while casting your movie.

 

Refresh the cast 

  1. On the VidAngel app, disconnect the TV connection.
  2. Force/hard close the VidAngel mobile app. 
  3. Reboot the Apple TV.
  4. Reboot your router/modem.
  5. Re-open the VidAngel app.
    You may see a note that you are already connected to Airplay. This is where things can get confusing, but don't worry, you just need to try again.​
  6. Select your title and try to play it.
  7. If you see a message that asks you to replace what is currently playing on the TV, press "Replace" and then continue.​
  8. If your "Send To TV" button on the VidAngel app looks like you are connected, but it never actually offers the "Play" button for Apple TV, then please hard close the app one more time and start over. You need to see this play button to watch on the Apple TV.​
  9. Select your title one more time and then press the "Send To TV" button. Select your Apple TV, and try again.

 

Still Having Trouble?

Check out our in-depth troubleshooting: In-Depth Troubleshooting 

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