AirPlay is a fantastic feature for streaming audio and video from your iPhone to other Apple devices or AirPlay-compatible smart TVs and speakers. However, sometimes you need to stop AirPlay, whether you've accidentally started streaming or simply want to end a session. This guide will walk you through various methods to effectively stop AirPlay on your iPhone, no matter the app you're using.
How to Stop AirPlay Mirroring on iPhone?
AirPlay Mirroring allows you to mirror your entire iPhone screen to a larger display. Stopping this is slightly different from stopping audio or video playback.
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Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen (iPhone X and later) or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (iPhone 8 and earlier). This will reveal Control Center.
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Look for the AirPlay icon. It typically shows the name of the device you're mirroring to.
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Tap the AirPlay icon. A menu will appear showing connected devices.
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Tap "Stop Mirroring." This will disconnect your iPhone from the AirPlay device and stop the mirroring.
How to Stop AirPlay Audio on iPhone?
Stopping AirPlay audio streaming is just as straightforward. The process is largely the same regardless of the app playing the audio.
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Access Control Center: As mentioned above, swipe down from the top-right (iPhone X and later) or swipe up from the bottom (iPhone 8 and earlier).
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Locate the Now Playing widget in Control Center. This displays the currently playing audio.
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Tap the Now Playing widget. This will expand the widget to show more details.
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Tap the AirPlay icon (it looks like a triangle with a single line underneath). This will reveal the currently connected AirPlay devices.
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Select the "Stop AirPlay" option or choose a different device. This will stop the audio stream to the selected AirPlay device.
How to Stop AirPlay Video on iPhone?
Stopping AirPlay video works similarly to stopping audio. The key is to use the controls within the video playback app or through Control Center.
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Within the App: Most video playback apps (like Apple TV, Netflix, etc.) have an AirPlay button or icon within their control interface. Tap this icon and select "Stop AirPlay" or select another device.
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Using Control Center: If the app doesn't offer direct AirPlay controls, go to Control Center and follow steps 2-5 from the "How to Stop AirPlay Audio on iPhone" section above. The Now Playing widget in Control Center often shows information about videos as well as audio.
What if I can't see the AirPlay Icon?
If you can't find the AirPlay icon in Control Center, there are a few reasons why:
- No AirPlay Device Connected: Ensure you have an AirPlay-compatible device connected to your Wi-Fi network.
- AirPlay is Disabled: Check your iPhone's settings (Settings > AirPlay & Handoff) to ensure AirPlay is turned on.
- Software Glitch: Try restarting your iPhone. This often resolves temporary software glitches.
- Incorrect App Version: Make sure the app you are using supports AirPlay. Older versions might not.
How do I disconnect my iPhone from AirPlay completely?
While stopping AirPlay from a single app will usually be sufficient, some users prefer a full disconnect. After stopping AirPlay using the methods mentioned above, you can try closing the app that was using AirPlay and then restarting your iPhone for a complete disconnect.
This comprehensive guide should help you effectively stop AirPlay on your iPhone in various scenarios. Remember to always check your device settings and ensure compatibility for smooth AirPlay operations.
