Choose speakers

Choose which speakers to use

In addition to your computer’s built-in speakers, you can listen to iTunes audio through any of the following:

  • Speakers connected to your computer and a power source

  • Remote speakers connected to an AirPort Express network

  • An AirPlay-enabled device

For information about connecting speakers to your computer or network, see the documentation for the speakers.

Choose which speakers to use

  • Use external speakers: Connect the speakers to your computer. iTunes plays through them and mutes the computer’s built-in speakers.

  • Use speakers connected to an AirPort Express network, Apple TV, or another AirPlay-enabled device: Click the AirPlay button AirPlay icon, a box with an arrowhead pointing up at the top of the iTunes window, and choose the speakers from the pop-up menu that appears.

  • Use more than one set of speakers: Click Multiple in the AirPlay menu, and click A plain circle next to the speakers you want to use. A checkmark Checkmark inside a green dot appears next to any speakers you’re using.

    An arrow pointing to Music on the left side of the iTunes window

    To set a maximum volume for a set of speakers, use the volume slider next to the speakers. To set a maximum volume for all speakers, use the Master Volume slider.

If you can’t choose your remote speakers

Make sure that:

  • Your AirPort Express is properly plugged into a working power outlet, and your remote speakers are properly connected to your AirPort Express (if you’re using AirPlay via AirPort Express).

  • Your computer is in range of your wireless network (if you’re using one) and your AirPort Express, Apple TV, or other AirPlay-enabled device is joined to the network and is active. Open the Wi-Fi status menu and make sure your network is selected (it has a checkmark next to it).

  • Your Apple TV is properly connected and paired with the iTunes library you’re using (if you’re using Apple TV).

If you still can’t choose your remote speakers, or need more information about setting up your AirPort Express, Apple TV, or AirPlay-enabled device, see the documentation that came with it or visit the AirPort Support or AirPort Express websites.

If the AirPlay button changes to amber , there's a problem with an AirPlay device, indicated by the status icon next to the device in the AirPlay menu. For more information about the status icons,see Symbols used in iTunes.