How to Cast Audio to AirPlay 2 Speakers from macOS 13

Streaming audio from macOS 13 Ventura to AirPlay 2 speakers allows you to play music, podcasts, or system sounds wirelessly across single or multiple devices in your home. This guide explains how to stream all system audio using Control Center, configure outputs through System Settings, and manage multi-room playback directly from supported applications like Apple Music.

Prerequisites

  • Ensure your Mac running macOS 13 Ventura and your AirPlay 2 speakers (such as HomePods, Sonos, or compatible smart TVs) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your Mac to assist with device discovery.

Method 1: Stream All Mac Audio via Control Center

This method routes all system audio—including browsers, video players, and system alerts—to your chosen speaker.

  1. Click the Control Center icon (two toggle switches) in the top-right corner of the menu bar.
  2. Click the AirPlay icon located inside the Sound module.
  3. Under the Output section, look for your AirPlay 2 speaker in the list.
  4. Click the speaker's name to establish a connection. A checkmark will appear next to the active device.
  5. To adjust the volume, use the slider directly beneath the speaker's name in the same menu.

Method 2: Stream to Multiple Speakers (Multi-Room Audio)

AirPlay 2 supports simultaneous playback across multiple speakers, a feature accessible through apps like Apple Music or the TV app.

  1. Open the Music app on your Mac.
  2. Locate the AirPlay icon (a triangle with concentric circles above it) to the right of the volume slider at the top of the window.
  3. Click the icon to view all available AirPlay destinations.
  4. Check the box next to every speaker you want to include in the playback group.
  5. Adjust individual volume levels using the sliders next to each speaker name, or adjust the master volume slider at the top.

Method 3: Change Audio Output via System Settings

You can also designate an AirPlay 2 speaker as your default audio output device through macOS settings.

  1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of the screen and select System Settings.
  2. Scroll down the left sidebar and select Sound.
  3. In the Output & Input section, ensure the Output tab is selected.
  4. Select your AirPlay 2 speaker from the list of available devices.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Speaker not appearing: Power cycle the speaker and restart your Wi-Fi router. Verify both devices are on the exact same network band (avoid mixing 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz if your router isolates them).
  • Audio lag or stutter: AirPlay buffers audio to maintain sync; close bandwidth-heavy downloads on your Mac if you experience drops.
  • Firewall blockage: Go to System Settings > Network > Firewall and ensure incoming connections for audio sharing are not blocked.