Troubleshooting · Updated October 2026
Mac doesn't show your TV in Screen Mirroring?
Go through this list from the top. Most of the time it's the Wi-Fi: the Mac and the TV have to be on the same network, and able to see each other on it.
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The TV is missing from the list
1. Is Telebeam open on the TV?
The TV only shows up while Telebeam is open. Open it and wait until it shows the TV's name.
2. Same Wi-Fi on both
The Mac and the TV must be on the same Wi-Fi. Compare the network name on the Mac (Wi-Fi in Control Center) with the one in the TV's network settings. If your router has separate names for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, put both devices on the same one to rule it out.
3. Guest networks and isolation
Guest networks, hotel and many office or school networks keep devices from seeing each other (often called “AP isolation” or “client isolation” in router settings). Use your main home network, or turn the isolation off in the router.
4. The Mac's firewall and VPN
If the Mac's firewall is set to block all incoming connections, the TV can't answer. Check System Settings → Network → Firewall → Options. Some VPN apps also hide devices on the home network; switch the VPN off and try again.
5. Restart the simple way
Close and reopen Telebeam on the TV, turn the Mac's Wi-Fi off and on, and if that doesn't help, restart the TV. Then open Screen Mirroring again.
The TV shows up, but…
…there are two TVs with almost the same name
Your TV has its own mirroring receiver built in as well. Telebeam then names itself with “(2)” at the end, like “Living Room (2)”, so both show up. Pick the “(2)” one for Telebeam. You can rename the TV in Telebeam.
…nothing happens after I pick it
If nothing appears in a few seconds, choose the TV again in Screen Mirroring on the Mac.
…I see an empty desktop, not my screen
The Mac is using the TV as a second display. On the Mac: System Settings → Displays → “When connected to TV” → Mirror Entire Screen.
…the picture is hidden by the screensaver
Press any button on the TV's remote.
…videos from a streaming service are black
Protected video (from services that block screen recording) shows as a black screen. That's decided by the Mac and the streaming service, not by the TV, and no setting on the TV changes it.
…it says “Connection lost” or “The TV's network changed”
The Wi-Fi dropped or one of the devices moved to another network. Put the Mac on the TV's Wi-Fi, then choose the TV again.
Still stuck?
Email support@telebeam.app with your Mac model, macOS version and TV model.
Questions people ask
Why doesn't my TV show up in Screen Mirroring on my Mac?
Most often the Mac and TV aren't on the same Wi-Fi, or the network keeps devices apart (guest networks, AP isolation). Also check that Telebeam is open on the TV and that the Mac's firewall isn't blocking all incoming connections.
Why does my TV appear twice in Screen Mirroring?
The TV has its own mirroring receiver built in too. Telebeam then adds “(2)” to its name so both show up; pick the “(2)” one.
Why do I only see an empty desktop on the TV?
The Mac is using the TV as a second display. Open System Settings → Displays → “When connected to TV” → Mirror Entire Screen.
Why is Netflix or other streaming video black when I mirror?
Protected video from services that block screen recording shows as black. That's decided by the Mac and the streaming service, not by the TV.
Does screen mirroring work on a guest or hotel Wi-Fi?
Often not. Those networks usually stop devices from seeing each other. Use your main home network.
Back on the big screen
Still stuck? Email support@telebeam.app with your Mac and TV model.
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