[iOS 18 Updated] How to Mirror iPhone to Mac for Free

Mirroring your iPhone to a Mac is easy with AirPlay. Apple lets you wirelessly cast your iPhone screen to your Mac for a seamless viewing experience.

However, using AirPlay to mirror iPhone to Mac comes with certain requirements and limitations depending on your setup. In this article, we'll walk you through three free ways to view iphone screen on mac, no matter the situation.

1. Requirements for AirPlay iPhone to Mac

Before you start using AirPlay to mirror your iPhone to Mac, make sure both devices meet these requirements:

1 MacOS versions and Mac models are compatible with AirPlay to Mac:

2 Network:

Both your iPhone and Mac need Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on. Additionally, both devices should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to ensure AirPlay can work smoothly and automatically suggest available connections.

3 Enable AirPlay Receiving:

On your iPhone and Mac, go to System Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff, and make sure "Allow AirPlay Receiving" is turned on.

4 Close Distance:

For the best experience, your iPhone should be unlocked and within close proximity to your Mac.

2. Steps to Screen Share iPhone to Mac via AirPlay

Once your iPhone and Mac meet the AirPlay requirements, you can easily share your screen from iPhone to Mac.

Step 1: Access the Screen Mirror Option on iPhone's Control Center

• On iPhone X or later: Swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen.
• On iPhone 8 or earlier (or iOS 11 or earlier): Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.

Step 2: Tap the "Screen Mirroring" button.

Step 3: Select your Mac from the list of available devices.

Step 4: Enter the AirPlay Passcode (if prompted). The passcode will appear on your Mac's screen. Simply enter it on your iPhone to establish the connection.

To stop mirroring your iPhone or iPad, just open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and then tap Stop Mirroring.

3. Pros & Cons of AirPlay iPhone to Mac

Pros

• Apple Ecosystem Integration: AirPlay is deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, making it seamless to mirror your iPhone to Mac. It works effortlessly across all iOS devices, with an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
• Notification Sync: When you mirror your iPhone, notifications from your phone will appear on your Mac, keeping you updated on everything without switching devices.

Cons

• Apple Device Limitation: AirPlay is mainly designed for use with Apple devices, meaning you cannot cast your iPhone screen to non-iOS devices without third-party software.
• Network Requirements: Both your iPhone and Mac must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to enable AirPlay.
• System Limitations: Some older Apple devices or macOS versions may not support AirPlay screen mirroring, limiting compatibility.

QuickTime Player is a great alternative for screen mirroring without Wi-Fi. This built-in Mac app is mainly used for media playback, but you can also use it to mirror your iPhone screen with just a USB cable.

1. Steps to Screen Share iPhone to Mac via QuickTime

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a Lightning cable.

Step 2: Open QuickTime Player on your Mac and go to File > New Movie Recording.

Step 3: Click the dropdown menu next to the record button and select your iPhone as the input source.

Step 4: Your iPhone screen will now be mirrored on your Mac.

2. Pros & Cons of QuickTime Screen Mirroring

Pros

• Built-in Mac Software: QuickTime Player is pre-installed on macOS, so no extra downloads are needed.
• No Wi-Fi Required: Works with a USB connection, ensuring a stable and lag-free experience.
• Phone's video camera feed or microphone input through QuickTime Player: Supports capturing both video and microphone input from your iPhone.
• Supports Audio & Video Input: Can capture your iPhone's screen, camera feed, and microphone input.

Cons

• Apple Device Limitation: Only works with iPhones/iPads and Macs.
• Limited Features: Suitable for basic presentations and screen recording but does not support keyboard input or advanced annotation tools.
• Complicated Setup: Requires a wired connection and manual setup in QuickTime Player.

1. Why Use iMyFone MirrorTo for Screen Mirroring on Mac

Both AirPlay and QuickTime Player have limitations when it comes to mirroring iPhone to Mac. If you're looking for a solution that supports both Wi-Fi and USB connections and works across different systems and devices, iMyFone MirrorTo is the best alternative. Beyond simple screen sharing, it also allows keyboard input and mapping, screenshot and screen recording, and even file transfer while mirroring, making it a powerful and versatile option.

iMyFone MirrorTo

• Lag-Free Mirroring: Mirror both Android & iOS screens, audio, and microphones to your computer with no lag.
• Simultaneous Device Streaming: Stream from multiple devices at once, each displaying different content.
• Real-Time Recording & Screenshots: Capture high-quality recordings or screenshots while mirroring.
• Live Streaming: Stream your screen, audio, and camera directly to platforms like YouTube and Zoom.
• Flexible Connectivity: Connect your iphone to Windows, Mac, and other devices via Wi-Fi or USB for stable, hassle-free mirroring.
• Easy Content Casting: Instantly cast photos, videos, PDFs, documents, and more from your phone/tablet to your PC.
• Annotation Tools: Enhance your presentations with arrows, shapes, text, and other drawing tools while mirroring.
• Keyboard Input and Mapping: Allows you to type using your keyboard while mirroring. You can also customize key mappings to record control actions more easily.

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2. Steps to Screen Mirror iPhone to Mac Wirelessly & via USB

Step 1: Download and install iMyFone MirrorTo on your Mac.

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Step 2: Select Your Connection Method – Wi-Fi, USB-Pro, or USB.

Step 3: Follow the in-app guide to complete the setup. In less than 30 seconds, enjoy a seamless, high-quality screen mirroring experience from iPhone to Mac!

Watch the video tutorial for screen mirroring iPhone to Mac:

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This table provides a comparison of three methods for screen mirroring an iPhone to a Mac: AirPlay, QuickTime Player, and iMyFone MirrorTo.

Attribute	iMyFone MirrorTo	AirPlay	QuickTime Player
Recommended Score
Compatibility	iOS, Android, Windows	iOS	iOS
Connection Method	Wi-Fi & USB	Wi-Fi	USB
Screen Recording & Screenshot
Keyboard Input
Multi-Device Support
Price	Free (Advanced features require upgrade)	Free	Free

• If you need a free and built-in solution, AirPlay is great for wireless mirroring, while QuickTime Player works well with a USB connection but lacks advanced features.
• For the best flexibility, iMyFone MirrorTo supports both Wi-Fi and USB, works across multiple systems, and offers additional features like keyboard input and recording.

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From the Apple forum users' discussions, many users have encountered issues such as:

• "My phone won't show up on my Mac"
• "Timed out starting iPhone mirroring Mac"
• "Screen mirroring button not activated on MacBook"

Try the following fix steps to resolve the problem. After each step, check if you still need further assistance:

If the problem continues, refer to the documentation or support resources provided by Apple or the specific mirroring application you're using for further assistance.

1 Can You Screen Mirror from iPhone to Mac?

Yes, you can mirror your iPhone screen to a Mac using several methods:

• AirPlay: Works best when both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• QuickTime Player: Works without a network, using a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the Mac.
• iMyFone MirrorTo: Supports both Wi-Fi and USB connections, offering more flexibility.

2 How to Control a Macbook with an iPhone?

You can control a MacBook with an iPhone in the following ways:

• iPhone Mirroring: This allows you to interact with your iPhone's screen and apps directly on your Mac using the mouse, trackpad, and keyboard.
• Third-party Software: Apps like iMyFone MirrorTo offer advanced features to control your MacBook with an iPhone seamlessly.

3 Can I Mirror iPhone to Mac with different Apple ID?

Yes, you can mirror iPhone to Mac with different Apple IDs. There are two ways to do this:

• AirPlay Settings on Mac: Change the setting on your Mac to allow AirPlay from any device on the same network. When starting the mirroring, click the pop-up menu next to "Allow AirPlay for" and choose "Anyone on the Same Network", which allows any nearby Mac, iPhone, or iPad to stream content to your Mac.
• iMyFone MirrorTo: This app supports cross-system and device screen mirroring, making it an excellent choice for mirroring iPhone to Mac with different Apple IDs.

To sum up, there are several ways to mirror iPhone to Mac, including AirPlay, QuickTime Player, and iMyFone MirrorTo. AirPlay is simple but requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network and has certain device limitations. QuickTime Player is a solid option for a wired connection but lacks advanced features. For those seeking a more flexible and feature-rich solution, iMyFone MirrorTo is the ideal choice.

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Article by

Spencer Hill

Spencer Hill has over 5 years of experience specializing in mobile screen mirroring and virtual location modification. As a senior editor at iMyFone, he creates user-friendly tutorials that help mobile users maximize their device functionality.