How to Stream from a MacBook to a TV Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Streaming from your MacBook to a TV sounds fancy, but it’s actually super simple once you know your options.
Whether you’re planning a cozy movie night, showing off a presentation, or just tired of squinting at a small screen, here’s how to do it—without getting frustrated.
Streaming With Elmedia Player
Elmedia Player is a full-featured media player for Mac that supports almost every video and audio format imaginable — from MP4 and AVI to MKV and FLAC.
But what really sets it apart is its built-in wireless streaming feature. With just a few clicks, you can cast your videos to your Smart TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, AirPlay 2-compatible device, or even DLNA-enabled TVs.
Here's How To Use It
- Download Elmedia Player – Visit the official Elmedia website or find it on the Mac App Store, then install it on your Mac.
- Open the app – Once installed, launch Elmedia Player from your Applications folder or Dock.
- Choose your video – Click on the “File” tab at the top and select “Open” to pick the video you want to watch.
- Start playing – Your video will begin playing inside the app.
- Stream to your TV – Look for the streaming icon or use the built-in options to connect via AirPlay, Chromecast, or DLNA.
Casting via AirPlay
AirPlay is Apple’s built-in feature that lets you stream or mirror your MacBook’s screen wirelessly to your TV. It’s a quick and easy way to watch videos, view photos, or share presentations on a bigger screen without using any cables.
Here’s how to cast using AirPlay:
- Connect to the same Wi-Fi – Make sure your MacBook and your TV (or Apple TV) are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Play your video – Open any video you want to watch on your MacBook.
- Click the AirPlay icon – Look for the AirPlay symbol (it looks like a rectangle with an upward arrow) and select your TV from the list.
- Start streaming – Your video will instantly appear on your TV screen.
That’s all it takes! AirPlay works perfectly with Apple TVs and other AirPlay-compatible smart TVs, giving you a smooth, high-quality streaming experience.
Mirroring with a Wired Connection
Using a wired connection is a simple and reliable way to mirror your MacBook’s screen to your TV. It doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi, so you’ll get a stable connection and smooth playback — perfect for movies, games, or presentations.
What you need:
- A USB-C or USB-A to HDMI adapter.
- An HDMI cable.
Here’s how to mirror your screen:
- Connect the adapter to your MacBook and plug the HDMI cable into both the adapter and your TV’s HDMI port.
- Switch your TV input to the correct HDMI source using your TV remote.
- On your MacBook, go to System Preferences > Displays and choose the option to mirror your screen.
That’s it! Your MacBook screen will now appear on your TV, giving you a clear and stable connection for all your content.
Casting via Chromecast
Chromecast is a handy device from Google that lets you cast videos, music, or even your entire screen from your MacBook to your TV. It’s a great option if you prefer using Google services or don’t have an Apple TV.
Here’s how to cast using Chromecast:
- Plug your Chromecast device into your TV’s HDMI port and make sure it’s powered on.
- Install Google Chrome on your MacBook if you don’t already have it.
- Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, and select “Cast.”
- Choose your TV from the list of available devices to start streaming.
Once connected, your video or browser tab will appear on your TV. Chromecast makes it super easy to share what’s on your MacBook screen — wirelessly and in high quality.
Final Thoughts
Streaming from your MacBook to your TV doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you prefer the convenience of AirPlay, the stability of a wired connection, or the flexibility of Chromecast and Elmedia Player, there’s an option that fits your setup perfectly.
Pick the method that works best for you, and enjoy your favorite videos on the big screen without any hassle!