How do I use AirPlay?Updated 2 months ago

Quick Answer

You can stream CENTR coached workouts to your TV using AirPlay from your iPhone or iPad. Connect your iOS device to an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV for big-screen workouts.

Requirements for AirPlay

Before using AirPlay with CENTR, ensure you have:

• An iPhone or iPad with the CENTR app installed
• An Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV
• Both devices connected to the same WiFi network
• A stable WiFi connection for smooth video streaming

Connecting via AirPlay

CENTR's iOS app supports AirPlay streaming directly to your TV for an immersive workout experience.

Start AirPlay from iPhone/iPad

1. Ensure your iPhone/iPad and Apple TV (or AirPlay TV) are on the same WiFi network
2. Open the CENTR app on your iOS device
3. Navigate to a Coached Workout you want to stream
4. Swipe down from the top-right corner (iPhone X and later) or swipe up from bottom (older iPhones) to open Control Center
5. Tap the Screen Mirroring or AirPlay icon
6. Select your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV from the list
7. Wait for the connection to establish
8. Return to CENTR and start your workout

Your workout video will now stream to your TV while you control playback from your iPhone or iPad.

Alternative: In-App AirPlay

Some video players have built-in AirPlay controls:

1. Open a Coached Workout in CENTR
2. Look for the AirPlay icon in the video player (rectangle with triangle)
3. Tap the AirPlay icon
4. Select your Apple TV or compatible TV
5. Start your workout

Using Apple TV for Workouts

If you have an Apple TV, you can optimize your CENTR streaming experience:

• Dedicated streaming: Apple TV provides the most reliable AirPlay connection
• Better quality: Consistent HD streaming with minimal buffering
• Simplified setup: Quick pairing with your iOS devices
• Multi-room: Easy switching between TVs if you have multiple Apple TVs

Controlling Playback During AirPlay

When streaming via AirPlay, you control the workout from your iOS device:

• Play/Pause: Use CENTR app controls on your device
• Volume: Adjust using your TV remote or device volume buttons
• Scrub video: Fast forward or rewind using the video player on your device
• Stop AirPlay: Open Control Center, tap AirPlay/Screen Mirroring, select "Stop Mirroring"

Screen Mirroring vs Video AirPlay

Understand the difference between the two AirPlay modes:

Screen Mirroring

• Mirrors your entire iPhone/iPad screen to TV
• Shows everything on your device including notifications
• Useful if in-app AirPlay isn't working
• May have slight delay between device and TV

Video AirPlay

• Streams only the video content to TV
• Your device screen stays independent
• Better quality and performance
• Allows you to use your device for other tasks during rest periods

Video AirPlay is preferred when available, as it provides better performance and privacy.

Troubleshooting AirPlay Connection

Can't Find Apple TV or AirPlay Device

If your TV doesn't appear in AirPlay options:

1. Verify both devices are on the same WiFi network (not guest network)
2. Restart your Apple TV: Settings > System > Restart
3. Restart your iPhone or iPad
4. Ensure AirPlay is enabled on Apple TV: Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay
5. Check that your TV firmware is up to date (for AirPlay 2 TVs)
6. Move devices closer to your WiFi router

Connection Keeps Dropping

If AirPlay disconnects during workouts:

1. Check WiFi signal strength in your workout area
2. Close unnecessary apps on your iPhone/iPad to free up resources
3. Restart your WiFi router
4. Ensure no one else is heavily using the network (4K streaming, large downloads)
5. Try using 5GHz WiFi band instead of 2.4GHz if your router supports it

Can't Leave Workout or It Ends Streaming

Based on user feedback, some members experience issues where leaving the CENTR app stops the stream:

• This may occur when using Screen Mirroring instead of Video AirPlay
• Workaround: Keep CENTR app open and in foreground during workout
• Avoid switching apps, checking messages, or filming during streaming
• Use a second device if you need to record your workout while streaming

Audio/Video Sync Issues

If audio and video are out of sync:

1. Stop AirPlay and restart the workout
2. Check your Apple TV or TV audio settings for audio delay/sync options
3. Ensure your Apple TV software is up to date
4. Try closing other apps on your iPhone/iPad

Poor Video Quality or Buffering

If video is choppy or low quality:

1. Check your internet speed (minimum 5 Mbps for HD recommended)
2. Move WiFi router closer to workout area
3. Reduce network activity from other devices
4. Enable Low Data Mode in CENTR if bandwidth is limited
5. Use Ethernet connection to Apple TV if possible for most reliable performance

No Music During Workout Sections

Some users report music plays during warm-up and cool-down but not main workout:

• This is a known issue affecting TV streaming
• Reported to development team for investigation
• Workaround: Use Bluetooth speaker connected to your iPhone for consistent audio

Same WiFi Network Requirement

The most common AirPlay issue is network mismatch:

• Check iPhone/iPad WiFi: Settings > WiFi (note network name)
• Check Apple TV network: Settings > Network (note network name)
• Must be identical: Even similar network names won't work
• Avoid guest networks: These typically block AirPlay for security

Optimizing Your TV Workout Experience

Tips for the best AirPlay workout sessions:

• Charge your device: Streaming drains battery quickly - keep plugged in if possible
• Enable Do Not Disturb: Prevent notifications from interrupting (especially with Screen Mirroring)
• Position device nearby: Keep iPhone/iPad accessible for controls
• Test connection first: Start AirPlay before beginning your workout to ensure it's working
• Use stable surface for device: Keep phone/tablet secure during workout

AirPlay-Compatible TVs

If you don't have an Apple TV, these TV brands support AirPlay 2:

• LG (2019 models and newer)
• Samsung (2019 models and newer)
• Sony (2019 models and newer)
• Vizio (2017 models and newer)

Check your TV's settings menu for AirPlay options, or consult your TV's manual to confirm AirPlay support.

Alternative: HDMI Connection

For the most reliable connection without WiFi dependency:

1. Get a Lightning to HDMI adapter (Lightning Digital AV Adapter)
2. Connect your iPhone/iPad to TV via HDMI cable
3. Select the HDMI input on your TV
4. Play workout directly - your screen mirrors automatically via cable

This provides lag-free, high-quality streaming independent of WiFi performance.

Need Help?

If you're experiencing persistent AirPlay issues, connection problems, or streaming quality concerns, contact our support team at [email protected]. Include your iPhone/iPad model, iOS version, Apple TV model (if using), TV brand and model (if using AirPlay 2 TV), and a description of the specific issue.