Browse mDNS/Bonjour Services with dns-sd
The dns-sd tool reveals every AirPlay, AirPrint, or other Bonjour service advertising itself on your network.
Run `dns-sd -B _airplay.tcp local.` and watch it list every AirPlay device as it announces itself; press Control-C to stop.
01Command
Command
$ dns-sd -B _airplay.tcp local.02What it does
dns-sd is Apple's low-level Bonjour debugging tool, and -B performs a continuous browse of a service type. Common types include _airplay.tcp, _ipp.tcp, _smb.tcp, and _googlecast.tcp; browsing _services._dns-sd._udp local. lists all service types the network offers. It is the fastest way to confirm whether a device is actually advertising a service or whether the problem is discovery in an app.
03Risk
04Undo
✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.
05Sources
- scutil — manage system configuration (macOS)Evidence: Lists related macOS network configuration utilities for DNS and mDNS diagnosis.
- dns-sd(1) — mDNS/DNS-SD browsing and registrationEvidence: Man page documents -B for browsing service types, service types like _airplay.tcp, and that output continues until interrupted.
Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: Network