How to Cast Your iPhone to a Windows PC

The fastest way to cast your iPhone to a Windows PC

You can cast your iPhone screen to a Windows PC using Microsoft's built-in Miracast feature, but the process requires a third-party app because Windows does not natively receive AirPlay. The most direct route is to read a Miracast receiver app on your PC, then use your iPhone's screen mirroring feature to connect. Alternatively, you can use Apple's official AirPlay receiver if you have a newer Windows PC, or rely on third-party software like Reflector or LonelyScreen that works on older systems.

The connection happens over your local Wi-Fi network—both devices must be on the same network. Once connected, your iPhone's screen appears on your PC in real time, and audio plays through your PC's speakers. The lag is usually minimal, making this setup practical for presentations, sharing photos, or troubleshooting with someone remotely.

Key Takeaways

Your iPhone and Windows PC must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you can cast.
Windows does not have a built-in AirPlay receiver, so you will need to install a third-party app like Reflector, LonelyScreen, or Miracast receiver software.
On your iPhone, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your PC from the list of available devices.
The connection works over Wi-Fi only—you cannot cast via USB cable or Bluetooth alone.
Casting stops when you close the receiver app on your PC or swipe up Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring to disconnect on your iPhone.

Using a Miracast receiver app on Windows

The Miracast protocol is the standard that Windows PCs use to receive wireless screen casts. Your iPhone does not speak Miracast natively, but you can bridge the gap by installing a Miracast receiver app on your PC. This app listens for incoming cast requests from your iPhone and displays the screen on your monitor.

read and install a Miracast receiver app such as Reflector 4, LonelyScreen, or Miracast Receiver from the Microsoft Store or the developer's website. Launch the app on your PC and note the device name it displays—this is what you will see on your iPhone. Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models) to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your PC's name from the list. Your iPhone screen should appear on your monitor within a few seconds.

If your PC does not appear in the list, check that both devices are on the same network and that the receiver app is still running. Restart the app if needed. Some apps require you to enter a PIN code displayed on your PC into your iPhone to confirm the connection—this is a security feature and is normal.

Setting up AirPlay on newer Windows PCs

Windows 11 and some Windows 10 systems now include native AirPlay receiver support, which means you do not need a third-party app. To check if your PC has this feature, open Settings, go to System > Projecting to this PC, and look for an option to turn on AirPlay receiver. If you see this option, toggle it on.

Once AirPlay receiver is enabled, your PC will appear in your iPhone's Screen Mirroring menu automatically. Open Control Center on your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, select your PC, and confirm the connection. Your iPhone screen will cast to your monitor. You can adjust the AirPlay receiver settings in the same menu—for example, you can choose whether to require a PIN or allow anyone on the network to cast to your PC.

If you do not see the AirPlay receiver option in Settings, your PC either does not support it or you need to update Windows. Check for updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates. If updates are available, install them and restart your PC, then check the Projecting to this PC menu again.

Connecting over Wi-Fi: what you need to know

Both your iPhone and your PC must be on the same Wi-Fi network—this is not optional. If your iPhone is on your home Wi-Fi and your PC is on a guest network or a different network, they will not see each other. Check your Wi-Fi settings on both devices and confirm they are connected to the same network name (SSID).

The receiver app or AirPlay feature on your PC listens for cast requests only on the local network. This means you cannot cast from an iPhone on a cellular connection or a different Wi-Fi network. If you are trying to cast from a different location, you will need to connect your iPhone to the same network as your PC first.

The casting connection is encrypted, so other people on your Wi-Fi network cannot intercept the video stream. However, if you want to prevent others from casting to your PC without permission, enable the PIN requirement in your receiver app or AirPlay settings.

Troubleshooting common casting problems

Your PC does not appear in Screen Mirroring: Restart the receiver app on your PC and make sure it is still running. Restart your iPhone's Wi-Fi by turning Wi-Fi off and on in Settings. If the problem persists, restart both devices. Some apps require you to disable Windows Firewall temporarily to allow the connection—check the app's documentation if you are still stuck.

The connection keeps dropping: Move your PC and iPhone closer to your Wi-Fi router. Interference from other devices or thick walls can weaken the signal. If you are using a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, try switching to 2.4 GHz in your router settings—older devices sometimes connect more reliably on 2.4 GHz. Close other apps on your iPhone that use Wi-Fi, as they can compete for bandwidth.

Audio is not working: Check that your PC's volume is not muted and that the correct audio output device is selected. In Windows, right-click the volume icon in the system tray and select Open Volume mixer to see which app is playing sound. If the receiver app is listed but shows no volume, unmute it by clicking the speaker icon next to it.

The screen is laggy or stuttering: This usually happens when your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your PC is busy with other tasks. Close unnecessary programs on your PC and move closer to your router. Casting video is bandwidth-intensive, so a weak connection will cause delays. If lag is severe, try lowering your iPhone's screen brightness or closing background apps on your iPhone.

Choosing between receiver apps and native AirPlay

If your Windows PC supports native AirPlay (Windows 11 or recent Windows 10 builds), use that first—it requires no installation and is the simplest option. Just enable it in Settings and you are done.

If your PC does not support native AirPlay, read a third-party receiver app. Reflector 4 is widely used and works reliably, but it costs money. LonelyScreen is free and lightweight, making it a good choice if you cast occasionally. Miracast Receiver from the Microsoft Store is also free and integrates with Windows, though some users report it is less stable than Reflector.

Test the app with a short cast before relying on it for important presentations. Some apps have trial periods, so you can test them without paying first. Once you find one that works for your setup, stick with it—switching between apps can cause connection issues.

What to do if casting is not working at all

Start by confirming that your PC actually has a receiver app running or that AirPlay is enabled. Many casting problems happen because the receiver is not active. Open your receiver app or check Settings to make sure it is turned on.

Next, restart both devices. Turn off your iPhone completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same for your PC. This clears temporary network glitches that often block casting.

If restarting does not work, forget the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone and reconnect to it. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and select Forget. Then tap the network again and enter your password. This forces your iPhone to establish a fresh connection to the network.

If you are still stuck, uninstall and reinstall your receiver app. Sometimes the app gets corrupted and a fresh install fixes it. After reinstalling, restart your PC before launching the app again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Casting requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network. You cannot cast over Bluetooth or USB alone. If you do not have Wi-Fi available, you can use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your PC and use file transfer or screen recording instead, but this is not true casting.

Will casting drain my iPhone battery quickly?

Yes, casting uses Wi-Fi and your iPhone's processor continuously, so battery drains faster than normal. If you are casting for a long session, plug your iPhone into power. Casting for 30 minutes to an hour on battery is usually fine, but longer sessions will noticeably reduce battery life.

Can I cast audio only without showing my screen?

No. Screen mirroring always shows your entire screen. If you want to play audio from your iPhone through your PC without displaying the screen, use AirPlay audio instead—swipe up Control Center, long-press the audio card, and select your PC as the audio output device. This works on newer iPhones and PCs with AirPlay support.

What if my PC is older and does not support AirPlay?

Install a third-party Miracast receiver app like Reflector or LonelyScreen. These apps work on older Windows 10 and Windows 7 systems. Check the app's system requirements before downloading to make sure it supports your version of Windows.

Can I cast to multiple PCs at the same time?

No. Your iPhone can only cast to one device at a time. If you want to cast to a different PC, disconnect from the first one by opening Control Center and tapping Screen Mirroring, then selecting the new PC.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.