Sending and receiving are different Mac roles
A Mac that can send to a TV is not automatically configured to receive AirPlay from another device. Apple provides an AirPlay Receiver setting on supported Macs and software. Identify the role you want before opening Screen Mirroring on the sender.
The current settings guide also notes that managed Macs may not expose the receiver. Check hardware and organization management where relevant rather than assuming a missing toggle is a player fault.
Enable the receiving function
Apple’s current macOS route is System Settings, General, AirDrop and Continuity, AirPlay Receiver. Follow the path available on the installed macOS release. Earlier versions can use different settings labels.
Choose Allow AirPlay for deliberately. Current User limits the feature to the same Apple Account context; the same-network and broader choices have different visibility. A password option is also available. Select the intended audience for that room, not the broadest setting by default.
Test with an ordinary screen
From the intended Apple sender, select the correct Mac and confirm any required prompt. Start with a harmless photograph or desktop view before exposing account information. Similar device names can occur in shared spaces.
Then test the intended video app. A successful general receiving connection does not establish that every protected programme permits the same route. Check the publisher’s supported external-output behavior when an app differs.
Keep access scope understandable
If another household device cannot see the Mac, inspect the allowed-sender scope and account relationship before broadening access. Change only the setting needed for the legitimate sender and review it after the session if the room is shared.
This guide follows Apple’s compatibility-scoped controls and contains no claim that every Mac, managed installation or video service has been tested.
Questions answered
Does sending AirPlay prove the Mac can receive it?
No. Receiving requires its own supported feature and configuration.
Can management hide AirPlay Receiver?
Apple notes that the feature may be unavailable on an MDM-enrolled Mac.
Sources & further reading
Official references for the subjects discussed. Service terms and device software can change.