How to Mirror iPhone to PC: Easy Step-by-Step

What You’ll Need

An iPhone (any model with iOS 12 or later)
A Windows PC (Windows 10 or Windows 11 recommended)
Both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network
Optional: a USB cable (Lightning or USB-C) for a wired connection
Optional: a free app like Lonely Screen or Reflector (trial version) for wireless mirroring

Step-by-Step

Check your PC’s display settings. Open Windows Settings (Win + I) and go to System > Projecting to this PC. Ensure “Available everywhere on secure networks” is selected. Note the PC’s name shown here—you’ll need it later.
Enable wireless projection on your PC. Click the Action Center icon (bottom-right corner) and select “Connect” or “Project.” If you don’t see it, search for “Wireless Display” in the Start menu. Your PC is now ready to receive a connection.
Open Control Center on your iPhone. Swipe down from the top-right corner (iPhone X or later) or swipe up from the bottom (iPhone 8 or earlier). Tap the “Screen Mirroring” button—it looks like two overlapping rectangles.
Select your PC from the list. Your iPhone will scan for available devices. Tap the name of your PC that you noted in step 1. If prompted, enter the PIN shown on your PC screen into your iPhone.
Confirm the connection. Your iPhone screen should now appear on your PC. If it doesn’t, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your PC’s firewall isn’t blocking the connection.
Stop mirroring when done. Swipe down to open Control Center again, tap “Screen Mirroring,” and choose “Stop Mirroring.” Alternatively, disconnect from the PC’s Project settings.

Common Mistakes

Not being on the same Wi-Fi network: Both devices must be connected to the same router, not just the same internet.
PC not discoverable: The “Projecting to this PC” setting must be set to “Available everywhere” or “Available everywhere on secure networks.”
Forgetting to enable wireless display: Some PCs need the “Wireless Display” feature turned on in Windows Features (search “Turn Windows features on or off” and check “Wireless Display”).
Using an outdated iOS version: Older iOS versions may not have Screen Mirroring; update your iPhone to the latest iOS.
Firewall blocking the connection: Windows Defender Firewall may prompt you to allow access—click “Allow” when it appears.

Tips

For a wired connection, use a USB cable and a third-party app like Reflector (trial) or AirServer (paid). Wired mirroring is more stable and has lower latency.
If your PC doesn’t support Miracast (most Windows laptops do), consider using a free app like Lonely Screen that works over Wi-Fi without Miracast.
To mirror audio as well, make sure your PC’s sound output is set to the default speakers, and check that your iPhone’s volume is up.
If you’re mirroring for presentations, use a wired connection to avoid lag.
Keep both devices close to the router for a stronger signal.

Troubleshooting

If your iPhone doesn’t find your PC, try these fixes:

Restart both devices and try again.
Turn off and on Wi-Fi on both devices.
Check that your PC’s Bluetooth is enabled (some wireless projection methods use Bluetooth for discovery).
On your PC, go to Settings > System > Projecting to this PC and set “Require PIN for pairing” to “Never” temporarily.
If the connection drops frequently, move closer to the router or use a wired connection.
If you see a black screen on your PC, try rotating your iPhone to landscape mode, as some apps don’t mirror well in portrait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mirror my iPhone to a PC without Wi-Fi?

Yes, you can use a USB cable with a third-party app like Reflector or AirServer that supports wired mirroring. This is often more reliable.

Is iPhone mirroring to PC free?

Windows’ built-in wireless projection is free, but it requires Miracast support. Third-party apps often have free trials or limited free versions, but full features may require payment.

Why can’t I see my PC on the iPhone screen mirroring list?

Your PC must support Miracast and have the “Projecting to this PC” feature enabled. Also, ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your PC’s firewall isn’t blocking the connection.

Does mirroring drain iPhone battery quickly?

Yes, screen mirroring uses a lot of power. It’s recommended to keep your iPhone plugged in during long mirroring sessions.

Can I mirror my iPhone to a PC using a third-party app?

Yes, apps like Lonely Screen, Reflector, and AirServer allow mirroring. Some are free, others are paid, and they often provide additional features like recording.

Will mirroring show my notifications on the PC?

Yes, everything on your iPhone screen is mirrored, including notifications. If you want privacy, turn on Do Not Disturb before mirroring.

Sources: Microsoft Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.