Prime Video And Airplay Black Screen? Fix It Here

Researched & Written by
Couple stuck with Prime Video issue on TV

Are you stuck with a black screen while trying to stream a show or movie on Prime Video via Airplay?

Sadly, I’ve been there too. Not being able to watch the last episode of your favorite show on a big screen can be really annoying.

You wouldn’t believe how many people are in the same situation as you. But don’t worry. You’ve come to the right place to get this issue solved.

If you’re stuck with a black screen while trying to stream content in Prime Video via Airplay, chances are your devices are not connected to the same network, or you have outdated software.

Here are 5 simple fixes to try:

  1. Use the same network.
  2. Relaunch Prime Video
  3. Restart your devices.
  4. Install Prime Video’s latest version.
  5. Update your devices.

Keep reading to solve the problem today!

#1 Use the Same Network

What if I told you that most Airplay issues can be solved by simply checking your network?

You see, modems and routers have two separate networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). The difference between them boils down to speed and range.

The 5 GHz network is better than 2.4 GHz because it’s usually faster and supports more devices. However, its range is much shorter.

If your TV and phone are connected to different networks, your Airplay won’t be able to work as it should.

If you live in a small home or apartment, I recommend connecting both devices to the 5 GHz network. This way, your connection will be faster, and you’ll be able to avoid signal interference.

Follow these simple instructions to change your network on iOS devices:

  1. Open the Settings menu.
  2. Select “Wi-Fi”.
  3. Select the network that your TV is using.
Change the Wi-Fi network on iOS devices

Once you’ve done that, open Prime Video and try using Airplay again.

Here’s a quick guide to do it:

  1. Open Prime Video and select the movie or TV show you’d like to stream. Then, click on the Airplay icon.
  2. Select your TV from the list of devices.
How to use Airplay on Prime Video

#2 Relaunch Prime Video

If you’re using the same network but the issue persists, try relaunching Prime Video.

I know this may sound too simple, but believe me, it works. Thousands of people were able to get rid of the issue by doing this.

You see, your iOS device needs to execute multiple processes in the back in order to have different apps open at the same time.

However, sometimes bugs can make them crash and cause unexpected errors and difficulties while trying to use the AirPlay feature.

By force quitting the app and reopening it, you’ll be able to get rid of any crashed background process and fix temporary bugs.

Follow these simple steps to do it:

iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:

  1. Go to the home screen and double-click the home button. If your device doesn’t have a home button, you’ll need to swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle.
  2. Swipe right or left to find Prime Video.
  3. Swipe up on it to close it.

Once you’ve fully closed Prime Video, please launch it. Then, try using Airplay again to stream your favorite movies on your TV.

#3 Restart Your Devices

I’m sure you’ve heard this advice before. But why does it seem to be a magical cure for most tech issues?

Simple. Because it unloads your RAM.

You see, RAM is a short-term memory that keeps track of what apps are running in the background. This way you can quickly open them.

However, if you tend to put your TV to sleep instead of turning it off, your apps will continue to run processes in the back. This can fill up your RAM rather quickly and cause multiple issues, such as not being able to properly use the Airplay feature.

But, don’t worry. By restarting your phone and TV, you’ll be able to unload your RAM and get rid of some bugs or weird glitches.

Follow these quick steps to restart your devices:

iPhone:

  1. Press and hold either volume button and the side button.
  2. Wait until the power off slider appears. Then, drag it to turn off your phone.
  3. Press and hold the right button until the Apple logo appears.

iPad:

  1. Press and hold the top button. (If your iPad doesn’t have a home button, please press either volume button and the top button).
  2. Drag the power off slider and wait 30 seconds.
  3. Press and hold the top button to turn your iPad back on.

Apple TV:

  1. Open the Settings menu and click on “System”.
  2. Select “Restart”.

Samsung TV:

  1. Point your remote at the TV.
  2. Press and hold the power button on your remote until the TV turns off and then on again.

Roku:

  1. Open the Settings menu and click on “System”.
  2. Go to “Power”.
  3. Click on “System Restart”.
  4. Select “Restart” to confirm the process.

Vizio TV:

  1. Press the menu button on your remote.
  2. Click on “System” and select “Reset & Admin”.
  3. Choose “Soft Power Cycle”.

If you’re using a different TV, you can also restart it by unplugging it from the wall outlet, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in.

Tip: If your Prime Video keeps changing the aspect ratio, try this fix.

#4 Install Prime Video’s Latest Version

I know, sometimes life can get pretty hectic, and we can easily forget about installing updates.

However, this could be the reason you’re still stuck with a black screen while trying to stream content in Prime Video via Airplay.

When many subscribers complain about having the same issue, the app’s support team usually reports these concerns to the app developers.

This way, they can release a new version that fixes the bugs that were causing the problem and improves Prime Video’s performance.

If you haven’t updated the app in a while, you won’t be able to fix the problem.

But, don’t worry. Follow these simple steps to leave this situation in the past:

  1. Connect to a strong Wi-Fi signal or turn on your mobile data (Go to Settings<Cellular<Turn on the switch next to “Cellular Data”).
  2. Open the App Store and tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner of your screen.
  3. Scroll down until you find Prime Video and tap on “Update”.
How to update Prime Video on iOS devices

#5 Update Your Devices

As you learned in the fix above, updating Prime Video can fix any bugs that were interfering with the way the app works.

However, if you’re still stuck with a black screen while streaming content in Airplay, you’ll need to update your devices too.

You see, your app’s version needs to be compatible with your system. Moreover, by updating both devices, you’ll be able to get rid of any errors that were preventing the Airplay feature from working correctly.

Updating your software version may sound like a difficult thing to do. But it’s really quick and simple, you’ll just need to:

iPhone and iPad:

  1. Open the Settings menu and tap on “General”.
  2. Select “Software Update”.
  3. Tap on “Download & Install”.
  4. Enter your passcode.
How to update your iOS device

Apple TV:

  1. Open the Settings menu and click on “System”.
  2. Select “Software Update”.
  3. Click on “Update Software.
  4. Choose “Update and Install”.

Samsung TV:

  1. Connect to a strong Wi-Fi signal and open the Settings menu.
  2. Click on “Support”.
  3. Select “Software Update” and click on “Update Now”.

Roku TV:

  1. Press the Home button on your remote and open the Settings menu.
  2. Click on “System” and go to “System Update”.
  3. Select “System Update”.

Vizio TV:

  1. Press the V key on your remote and select “System”.
  2. Click on “Check for Updates”.
  3. Select “Install”.

Conclusion

Not being able to properly stream your favorite movies on Prime Video via Airplay can be super frustrating.

Hopefully, with the help of this article, you’ll be back to your movie night in no time.

Remember that the best way to solve this issue is by connecting your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network and relaunching the app. Moreover, restarting your devices and updating them should also do the trick.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read the five fixes above. If you love watching movies on Prime video or other streaming platforms as much as I do, don’t forget to check out our site. You’ll find multiple tips to improve your experience.

Have a great day!