The fastest way to cast from iPhone to PC

The most direct method is to use Microsoft's Phone Link app, which comes built into Windows 11 and lets you mirror your iPhone screen on your PC without extra software. Open Phone Link on your PC, sign in with your Microsoft account, scan the QR code with your iPhone, and your screen appears in a window on your computer. This works over WiFi and does not require your devices to be on the same network.

If you have an older Windows version or want alternatives, Miracast (a wireless standard built into Windows) works with some iPhones, though Apple's native support is limited. The most reliable third-party option is Reflector, a paid app that runs on your PC and receives the cast from your iPhone using AirPlay, Apple's own casting protocol.

A wired connection using a USB cable and QuickTime (available on Mac but not Windows) is not an option on PC—Windows does not have native support for wired iPhone mirroring. Your real choices are Phone Link, Reflector, or a web-based remote desktop tool if you only need to see your screen, not control it.

Key Takeaways

  • Phone Link is the built-in Windows 11 option and requires only a Microsoft account and a QR code scan—no paid software needed.
  • Reflector is a paid third-party app that uses AirPlay and works on Windows 10 and 11 if you prefer not to use Microsoft's tool.
  • Your iPhone and PC do not need to be on the same WiFi network for Phone Link to work, though both need internet access.
  • Miracast (Windows' native casting standard) has limited iPhone support because Apple prioritizes AirPlay instead.

Setting up Phone Link on Windows 11

Phone Link is the easiest route if you are on Windows 11. Open the app from your Start menu or search for "Phone Link." Sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Windows PC. The app will show a QR code on your screen.

On your iPhone, open the Control Center (swipe down from the top right), tap "Screen Mirroring," and look for your PC's name in the list. If you do not see it, make sure both devices are connected to the internet. Tap your PC's name, and your iPhone screen will appear in a Phone Link window on your computer. You can resize the window, take screenshots, or leave it running in the background.

Phone Link also lets you send text messages from your PC and see your iPhone's recent photos, so it does more than just casting. The mirroring quality depends on your WiFi speed, but for most tasks it is responsive enough to navigate apps or show someone what is on your phone.

Using Reflector if you prefer AirPlay

Reflector is a paid process (around $20 for a single license) that turns your PC into an AirPlay receiver. read and install it on your Windows PC, then launch the app. It will show your PC's name on your local network.

On your iPhone, open Control Center, tap "Screen Mirroring," and select your PC from the list. Your screen will cast to Reflector. The app supports audio, so any sound from your iPhone plays through your PC's speakers. You can record the cast directly from Reflector if you need to save video of your screen.

Reflector works on Windows 10 and 11, and it does not require a Microsoft account. If you already use AirPlay with other devices (Apple TV, HomePod), Reflector fits into that same ecosystem. The trade-off is the upfront cost and the fact that it is a third-party tool rather than a built-in Windows feature.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If your iPhone does not appear in the Screen Mirroring menu, check that both devices are connected to the internet. Phone Link works over the internet, not just local WiFi, so a working connection is required. Restart both your iPhone and your PC if the connection drops or hangs.

If Reflector is not showing up on your iPhone, make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network. Reflector requires local network access, unlike Phone Link. Go to Settings > WiFi on your iPhone and confirm you are connected to the same network as your PC. Restart the Reflector app on your PC if it still does not appear.

For Phone Link, if the QR code scan fails, try signing out and back into your Microsoft account on the PC. If your PC is behind a corporate firewall or VPN, Phone Link may not work—in that case, Reflector or a local network tool is your better option.

When to use wired casting instead

Neither Phone Link nor Reflector requires a cable, but if your WiFi is unreliable or you want the lowest latency, a wired connection is more stable. Windows does not support wired iPhone mirroring directly, but you can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter or USB-C to DisplayPort adapter to connect your iPhone to an external monitor or projector. This bypasses your PC entirely and is useful if you are presenting and do not want to depend on wireless.

If you need to cast to your PC specifically and WiFi is the problem, move your PC and iPhone closer together, switch to the 5 GHz band on your router if available, or restart your router. These steps often fix wireless casting lag more cheaply than buying adapters.

Casting audio only without the screen

If you only want to play audio from your iPhone through your PC's speakers—music, podcasts, or a phone call—you do not need screen casting. Instead, use Bluetooth. Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone, make sure Bluetooth is on, then go to Settings > Bluetooth on your PC and pair the devices. Once paired, your iPhone will appear as an audio output device on your PC.

This is faster than setting up screen mirroring and uses less bandwidth. The downside is that you cannot see your iPhone's screen, so it works best for background audio or when you are controlling playback from your iPhone itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do my iPhone and PC need to be on the same WiFi network?

Phone Link does not require the same network—both devices just need internet access. Reflector does require the same local WiFi network because it uses AirPlay, which is a local protocol. If you are on different networks, Phone Link is your only wireless option.

Can I cast from iPhone to PC if I do not have a Microsoft account?

Phone Link requires a Microsoft account to sign in. If you do not have one, Reflector is the alternative—it does not need a Microsoft account, only a WiFi connection. You can create a free Microsoft account in a few minutes if you prefer Phone Link.

Will casting drain my iPhone battery faster?

Screen mirroring uses WiFi and your iPhone's processor, so it does drain the battery faster than normal use. The drain is noticeable but not extreme—expect your battery to drop a few percentage points per hour. Plugging in your iPhone while casting solves this if you are casting for a long time.

Can I control my iPhone from the PC while it is casting?

Phone Link lets you control your iPhone from your PC—you can tap buttons, type, and navigate apps using your mouse and keyboard. Reflector shows your screen but does not let you control it from the PC; you still have to touch your iPhone to interact with it.

What if I want to cast to a projector instead of my PC monitor?

If the projector is connected to your PC via HDMI, casting to your PC will also show on the projector. If the projector is standalone, use a USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect your iPhone directly to the projector—this does not involve your PC at all and is often the simplest setup for presentations.