Apple Music for Mac suddenly is asking for an Apple TV AirPlay code

When I click the AirPlay icon (upper right on) Apple Music for Mac 1.3.3.2 on Ventura 13.2.1, a pop up asks "Enter the AirPlay code for Dan's Room" (my Apple TV's name). I don't know the 4 digit code. Where do I find it, reset it, change it or turn if off completely?


Background:

For a years I've been using two HomePod Minis on an Apple TV to listen to music via AirPlay with the music source being my local files on Apple Music for Mac (on an iMac via WiFi). I never turn on the very old TV and the TV has no Home kit capability. I've been enjoying music for over a year doing this, but suddenly I've asked for a code. Some update must have added a new restriction and it prevents me from finding it (and listening to music as I've done without this new speed bump).


I've tried several things and no joy. I've looked on the iMac's System Settings, Music's Settings and in the Home app but have discovered it's hiding place yet.


Where NOT to find the AirPlay code (I guess?):

On the Apple TV, I've tried altering settings under Restrictions (which seems about TV rating access, not an AirPlay code), and it's not under Privacy. Under AirPlay and HomeKit, I've tried toggling AirPlay on & off; rebooting as I change things; changing the Allow Access setting between Everyone, Anyone on the Same Network; and I've had the Require Password off (which is, apparently, not the same thing as a AirPlay code?).


If you're asked to enter an AirPlay password on Apple TV - Apple Support

The above article (which is about Apple TV not Music and doesn't use the term AirPlay "code") seems to be an Apple TV password, not an AirPlay code (is this password different than my Apple ID password?).


I'll keep Goggling. Thanks for the help.


iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 13.2

Posted on Feb 26, 2023 8:16 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 2, 2023 5:12 PM

I tried all the passcode settings (including Anyone...), but it's not asking for a passcode, it's asking for an AirPlay code. An important distinction.


Yet, (wait for it) ...I am an idiot, ...again. Here is what is actually happening... (keeping in mind that you never learn anything until you fail at something first).


You find the latest Apple TV AirPlay code on the connected TV screen. The AirPlay code is NOT a code you have previously entered anywhere (e.g., it's not a password, nor a passcode you came up with). The AirPlay code, is (apparently) periodically asked for, and newly generated by the Apple TV before one can stream AirPlay audio to it (and it's connected AirPod Mini(s)), from the Music for Mac application.


When you are using AirPod Mini(s) with an Apple TV (as the TV's loudspeakers), and you click the AirPlay checkbox in Music for Mac, the TV (sometimes) turns on and displays a 4-digit AirPlay code. Music for Mac (sometimes) asks you to type this code in, before it will stream audio anew, to the AirPod Mini(s) via Apple TV.


For many months, AirPlay has not asked for this code. Maybe it did the first time I set it up, but I have forgotten this ancient step.


My only goal has been to hear music while I clean this room - no TV needed. Thankfully, it does not turn on the TV when I AirPlay music to it - EXCEPT when it periodically asks for a new AirPlay code after clicking the AirPlay checkbox in Music for Mac. Go figure. More clarity in the Music pop up explaining where the code is found would have helped my Homer Simpson Doh! moment. Scary that it has taken me days to figure this out. Brain cells.


Maybe there's somewhere I can set how frequently (such as "never") Music for Mac asks for yet another AirPlay code to continue doing something I've been successfully doing without a AirPlay code for many many months?

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2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 2, 2023 5:12 PM in response to turingtest2

I tried all the passcode settings (including Anyone...), but it's not asking for a passcode, it's asking for an AirPlay code. An important distinction.


Yet, (wait for it) ...I am an idiot, ...again. Here is what is actually happening... (keeping in mind that you never learn anything until you fail at something first).


You find the latest Apple TV AirPlay code on the connected TV screen. The AirPlay code is NOT a code you have previously entered anywhere (e.g., it's not a password, nor a passcode you came up with). The AirPlay code, is (apparently) periodically asked for, and newly generated by the Apple TV before one can stream AirPlay audio to it (and it's connected AirPod Mini(s)), from the Music for Mac application.


When you are using AirPod Mini(s) with an Apple TV (as the TV's loudspeakers), and you click the AirPlay checkbox in Music for Mac, the TV (sometimes) turns on and displays a 4-digit AirPlay code. Music for Mac (sometimes) asks you to type this code in, before it will stream audio anew, to the AirPod Mini(s) via Apple TV.


For many months, AirPlay has not asked for this code. Maybe it did the first time I set it up, but I have forgotten this ancient step.


My only goal has been to hear music while I clean this room - no TV needed. Thankfully, it does not turn on the TV when I AirPlay music to it - EXCEPT when it periodically asks for a new AirPlay code after clicking the AirPlay checkbox in Music for Mac. Go figure. More clarity in the Music pop up explaining where the code is found would have helped my Homer Simpson Doh! moment. Scary that it has taken me days to figure this out. Brain cells.


Maybe there's somewhere I can set how frequently (such as "never") Music for Mac asks for yet another AirPlay code to continue doing something I've been successfully doing without a AirPlay code for many many months?

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Apple Music for Mac suddenly is asking for an Apple TV AirPlay code

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