To cast MacBook to Samsung smart TV, use Apple AirPlay 2, which is built into both devices. You'll wirelessly mirror your Mac's screen or stream specific content to your TV in under a minute, provided both are on the same Wi-Fi network.
What you need to cast MacBook to Samsung smart TV
Before you start, confirm your Samsung TV is a 2018 or newer model with AirPlay 2 support. Your MacBook must run macOS 10.14.5 or later, and both devices need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. These three requirements are non-negotiable for wireless casting to work.
Enable AirPlay on your Samsung smart TV
AirPlay is usually enabled by default, but if it's off, you'll need to turn it on. On your Samsung TV remote, press the Home button, then navigate to Settings > General (or Connection on 2022-2025 models) > Apple AirPlay Settings. Toggle AirPlay to On. This step is essential for your TV to appear in the list of available devices on your MacBook.
Mirror your MacBook screen via the Control Center
To mirror your entire desktop, click the Control Center icon in the Mac menu bar (it looks like two toggle switches). Select Screen Mirroring, then choose your Samsung TV from the dropdown list. If prompted, enter the on-screen passcode displayed on your TV into your MacBook. Your Mac's screen will now appear on the TV in real time.
Cast content directly from an app
Instead of mirroring the whole desktop, you can stream just a video or song from an app like Safari, QuickTime, or Netflix. Open the content, click the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom) inside the app, and select your Samsung TV. This method preserves your Mac's privacy and often provides better video quality because the TV handles the streaming directly.
Adjust MacBook and TV settings for the best display
For a crisp, lag-free picture, optimize a few settings. On your MacBook, go to System Preferences > Displays and match the resolution to your TV's native resolution (e.g., 4K or 1080p). To route audio to your TV, go to System Preferences > Sound > Output and select your Samsung TV. On the TV, use the remote to open Picture Settings and choose a mode like "Movie" or "Standard" for accurate colors. A stable Wi-Fi signal is the key to preventing stutter, so keep your MacBook close to the router or use an Ethernet adapter if possible.
How to stop mirroring your MacBook
When you're done, click the Control Center icon again, open Screen Mirroring, and click Stop Mirroring. Your Mac's display will return to normal, and the TV will show its regular home screen. This disconnects the wireless session without affecting your Wi-Fi connection.
Use an HDMI cable as a wired alternative
If AirPlay isn't available on your TV model or you need a zero-latency connection (e.g., for gaming or presentations), use a physical cable. Connect your MacBook directly to the Samsung TV using a USB-C to HDMI adapter if your Mac lacks a built-in HDMI port. This method always works, even on older Samsung TVs without AirPlay 2.
Troubleshooting: AirPlay not working on Samsung TV
If your Samsung TV doesn't show the AirPlay option at all, perform a Smart Hub reset. Go to Settings > General > Reset Smart Hub, enter your PIN, and confirm. After the TV restarts, accept the Terms and Conditions and sign into your Samsung account. This often restores missing AirPlay functionality. Also, confirm you are not using a mobile hotspot, hotspots typically block device-to-device communication, even when both devices appear connected. Finally, ensure your Samsung TV's firmware is updated to the latest version via Settings > Support > Software Update, and verify your MacBook runs the latest macOS. These steps resolve most connection failures.
For the wider topic, see screen mirroring to a TV.
