The fastest way to mirror your iPhone to Windows
You can mirror your iPhone to a Windows PC using Microsoft's Phone Link app, which comes built into Windows 11. Open Phone Link on your PC, sign in with the same Microsoft account you use on your phone, and follow the prompts to connect your iPhone. Once linked, your iPhone screen appears in a window on your PC — you can see everything happening on your phone, including notifications, messages, and apps.
If you have an older Windows version or want a third-party option, Reflector 4 and LonelyScreen are paid and free alternatives that work similarly. Both receive your iPhone's screen wirelessly without requiring a Microsoft account or Windows 11.
The connection happens over your local Wi-Fi network, so your phone and PC must be on the same network. The process takes about two minutes the first time you set it up.
Key Takeaways
- Phone Link is built into Windows 11 and requires only a Microsoft account to connect your iPhone wirelessly.
- Your iPhone screen appears in a window on your PC, showing everything in real time, but you cannot control your phone from the PC with Phone Link.
- Third-party apps like Reflector 4 and LonelyScreen offer mirroring without a Microsoft account, though some charge a one-time fee.
- Your phone and PC must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for mirroring to work.
Setting up Phone Link on Windows 11
Open the Phone Link app on your Windows PC — it is in the Start menu under "Phone Link" or you can search for it. Click get your free guide, then sign in with your Microsoft account. Your PC will show a QR code.
On your iPhone, open Settings, tap Phone Link (or Link to Windows on older iOS versions), and tap Link your phone and PC. Use your iPhone camera to scan the QR code shown on your PC. When the scan completes, your iPhone will ask for permission to let your PC see your screen — tap Allow.
Your iPhone screen now appears in the Phone Link window on your PC. The connection stays active as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and Phone Link remains open on your PC.
What you can and cannot do while mirroring
When your iPhone is mirrored to your PC, you can see your screen, open notifications, read messages, and watch videos or apps run in real time. You cannot tap or swipe on the PC window to control your phone — Phone Link is view-only. If you need to interact with your phone, you must pick it up and use it directly.
Your phone continues to work normally while mirrored. You can use it, lock it, or switch apps, and the changes appear when ready in the Phone Link window on your PC. The mirror stops if you close Phone Link, disconnect from Wi-Fi, or turn off your phone.
Using Reflector 4 for more control
Reflector 4 is a paid app (around $20 one-time purchase) that mirrors your iPhone to Windows and lets you control your phone from the PC using your mouse and keyboard. read and install Reflector 4 on your PC, then open the app. On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your PC from the list.
Once connected, your iPhone screen fills the Reflector window and you can click, drag, and type as if you were using your phone directly. Reflector 4 also records your screen, which is useful if you want to save video of your iPhone activity. The app works on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Using LonelyScreen as a free alternative
LonelyScreen is a free app that works similarly to Reflector 4 but without the paid features. read and run LonelyScreen on your Windows PC — it does not require installation. The app shows your PC's name and IP address on startup.
On your iPhone, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your PC from the list. Your iPhone screen appears in the LonelyScreen window. Like Phone Link, LonelyScreen is view-only — you cannot control your phone from the PC. The free version has no time limit and works reliably for basic mirroring.
Troubleshooting connection problems
If your iPhone does not appear in the mirroring list on your PC, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your phone and PC, then try again. Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 15 or later (for Phone Link) or a recent iOS version (for third-party apps). If you are using Phone Link, sign out of your Microsoft account on the PC and sign back in.
If the connection drops frequently, move your phone and PC closer together — Wi-Fi range or interference can cause disconnects. Close other apps using your Wi-Fi connection to reduce network load. Restart Phone Link or your third-party app and reconnect.
Comparing your mirroring options
| App | Cost | Control from PC | Requires Microsoft Account | Works on Windows 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Link | Free | No | Yes | No (Windows 11 only) |
| Reflector 4 | ~$20 | Yes | No | Yes |
| LonelyScreen | Free | No | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I control my iPhone from the PC while mirroring with Phone Link?
No. Phone Link shows your iPhone screen but does not let you tap or type on the PC to control your phone. You must use your iPhone directly to interact with it. Reflector 4 is the paid option that adds mouse and keyboard control.
Do I need a cable to mirror my iPhone to my PC?
No. Phone Link, Reflector 4, and LonelyScreen all work wirelessly over Wi-Fi. Your phone and PC must be on the same network, but no USB cable is needed.
Will mirroring drain my iPhone battery?
Mirroring uses Wi-Fi and your phone's screen, so it does drain battery faster than normal use. The drain is moderate — you will lose battery noticeably over several hours, but not within minutes. Plug your phone in if you plan to mirror for a long session.
What if my PC is running Windows 10 instead of Windows 11?
Phone Link is not available on Windows 10. Use Reflector 4 (paid) or LonelyScreen (free) instead. Both work on Windows 10 and do not require a Microsoft account.
Can I mirror my iPhone to multiple PCs at the same time?
Phone Link allows one connection at a time. If you connect to a second PC, the first connection stops. Reflector 4 and LonelyScreen have the same limitation — your iPhone can mirror to only one device at a time.