How to iPhone Mirror: Screen Mirroring to TV & PC

What You’ll Need

An iPhone (any model with iOS 12 or later; most features work on older versions too)
A receiving device: an AirPlay-compatible smart TV (Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, etc.), an Apple TV, a Mac (macOS Monterey or later), or a Windows PC with a mirroring app installed
Both devices on the same Wi-Fi network (for AirPlay) or connected via a cable (for wired mirroring)
Optional: an HDMI adapter (Lightning or USB-C) if you prefer a wired connection

Step-by-Step

Connect to the same Wi-Fi – Make sure your iPhone and the TV or computer are on the same network. If you’re using a corporate or guest network that blocks device-to-device communication, mirroring may fail.
Open Control Center – On iPhones with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner. On iPhones with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge.
Tap the Screen Mirroring icon – It looks like two overlapping rectangles. This opens a list of available AirPlay devices.
Select your TV or Mac – Tap the name of the device you want to mirror to. If a code appears on the TV, enter it on your iPhone when prompted.
Adjust orientation and volume – Rotate your iPhone to change the aspect ratio on the TV. Use the volume buttons on your phone or the TV remote to adjust sound.
Stop mirroring – Open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and choose “Stop Mirroring.” The connection ends immediately.

Common Mistakes

Not being on the same network – Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi, not just both connected to the internet. Check if your router has a “guest network” that isolates devices.
Using an outdated iOS – Older iOS versions may not support the latest AirPlay features. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check.
Choosing the wrong AirPlay mode – Some TVs have both “AirPlay” and “Screen Mirroring” options. Use the one that matches your TV’s menu.
Forgetting to enable AirPlay on the TV – On some TVs, AirPlay must be turned on in the settings. Look for “AirPlay & HomeKit” in the TV’s network or general settings.
Expecting audio to work on all apps – Some streaming apps (like Netflix or YouTube) use their own casting feature, not AirPlay. Use the app’s cast icon instead of Screen Mirroring for those.

Tips

Use AirPlay for videos, not mirroring – When watching a movie, tap the AirPlay icon inside the app (not Screen Mirroring). This lets your iPhone control playback while the TV streams directly, saving battery and improving quality.
Keep your iPhone close – AirPlay works best within 30 feet of the receiver. Walls and interference can cause lag.
Turn off Low Power Mode – Low Power Mode can limit background activity and cause mirroring to drop. Disable it in Settings > Battery if you have issues.
Use a wired adapter for gaming – For fast-paced games or presentations, an HDMI adapter (Lightning or USB-C) gives a lag-free connection. Plug it into your iPhone and the TV’s HDMI port.
Name your devices clearly – If you have multiple Apple TVs, rename them in Settings > General > About > Name to avoid confusion.

Troubleshooting

No devices appear – Restart both your iPhone and the TV. Then check Wi-Fi: go to Settings > Wi-Fi on your iPhone and confirm you’re on the same network as the TV. If you’re using a VPN, turn it off temporarily.
Connection drops after a few seconds – Move closer to the router, and make sure no other devices are hogging bandwidth. Restart your router if the problem persists.
Audio plays on iPhone instead of TV – Some apps route audio separately. Check the app’s settings for an audio output option, or use the TV’s remote to change the input source.
Screen is black or frozen – Unplug and replug the HDMI adapter if wired. For wireless, turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone and try again (Bluetooth can interfere with AirPlay).
Mirroring works but is laggy – Reduce the resolution by going to Settings > AirPlay & Handoff (on newer iOS) and toggling “Match iPhone Resolution” off. On some TVs, you can change the AirPlay quality in the TV’s settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mirror my iPhone to a non-Apple TV?

Yes, if the TV supports AirPlay (most smart TVs from 2019 onward do). If not, you can use an HDMI adapter or a streaming device like Roku or Fire TV that has AirPlay support.

Why can’t I see the Screen Mirroring icon?

Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 12 or later. Also, the icon only appears when there’s an available AirPlay device on the same network. If none are found, it may be hidden.

Does mirroring drain my iPhone battery?

Yes, especially if you’re using wireless mirroring. To reduce drain, plug your iPhone into a charger, and use the app’s built-in AirPlay (not Screen Mirroring) for videos.

Can I mirror my iPhone to a Windows PC?

Yes, but you need a third-party app on the PC, such as LonelyScreen or Reflector. Install the app, then use AirPlay from your iPhone to connect to the PC’s name.

Is there a way to mirror without Wi-Fi?

Yes, use a wired connection with an HDMI adapter. Plug the adapter into your iPhone and connect an HDMI cable to the TV. No Wi-Fi is needed.

Can I use my iPhone while mirroring?

Yes, you can use other apps, but the mirrored screen will show whatever is on your iPhone. If you want to hide notifications, enable Do Not Disturb before mirroring.

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