How to Mirror Your iPhone to a Windows PC

The fastest way to mirror your iPhone to Windows

You can mirror your iPhone screen to a Windows PC using wireless casting through third-party apps, or by connecting a USB cable and using built-in Windows tools. The wireless method works from anywhere in the room; the wired method is more stable and doesn't require extra software. Windows does not have native AirPlay support like a Mac does, so you'll need either a dedicated mirroring app or to use your phone's built-in casting features paired with Windows software.

The two most reliable paths are Miracast (if your PC supports it) paired with an app like Reflector or LonelyScreen, or using Apple's official Remote Desktop app for screen sharing. Each method has different setup steps and works best in different situations.

Key Takeaways

Wireless mirroring requires a third-party app on your PC because Windows does not support AirPlay natively.
Miracast-compatible PCs can mirror iPhone screens using apps like Reflector or LonelyScreen, which create a virtual AirPlay receiver on your computer.
USB cable connection with QuickTime (if you have it installed) or third-party software provides the most stable connection for screen mirroring.
Both your iPhone and PC must be on the same Wi-Fi network for wireless mirroring to work.
Screen mirroring works best for presentations, demonstrations, or troubleshooting—not for gaming or video playback, which may lag.

Wireless mirroring using Reflector or LonelyScreen

The most straightforward wireless method is to read a mirroring app on your Windows PC that acts as an AirPlay receiver. Reflector and LonelyScreen are the two most common options. Both create a virtual AirPlay target on your PC that your iPhone can see and connect to, just as it would an Apple TV.

read and install Reflector or LonelyScreen on your Windows PC, then launch the app. Make sure your iPhone and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your PC's name from the list. Your iPhone screen will appear in the app window on your PC within a few seconds. To stop mirroring, tap Screen Mirroring again on your iPhone and select Stop Mirroring.

Reflector costs money (around $20 for a single license) but offers higher resolution and lower latency. LonelyScreen is free but has a watermark in the corner and slightly lower video quality. Both work reliably for presentations, app demonstrations, and showing photos or documents to a group.

Wired mirroring with a USB cable

If your PC has QuickTime installed (less common on Windows), you can connect your iPhone with a USB cable and mirror directly. Most Windows PCs do not come with QuickTime, so this method usually requires a third-party app like ApowerMirror or Scapple.

Plug your iPhone into your PC with a USB cable. If you have QuickTime, open it and select File > New Movie Recording, then click the dropdown arrow next to the record button and select your iPhone as the camera source. Your iPhone screen will display in the QuickTime window. If you don't have QuickTime, read ApowerMirror or a similar app, install it, plug in your iPhone, and follow the app's prompts to begin mirroring.

Wired mirroring is more stable than wireless because the USB connection is direct and does not depend on Wi-Fi strength. The trade-off is that you're tethered to a cable, which limits movement. This method works well for long presentations or when you need zero lag.

Using Windows 10 or 11 built-in casting features

Windows 10 and 11 include a Cast to Device feature, but it works with Miracast receivers, not directly with iPhones. If your PC has a Miracast receiver built in (some newer laptops do), you can use an app like Reflector to turn your PC into a Miracast receiver, then cast from your iPhone to it.

To check if your PC supports Miracast, open Settings > System > Display and scroll down to Multiple displays. If you see a Connect to a wireless display option, your PC supports Miracast. However, this still requires a third-party app on your PC to receive the signal from your iPhone, because iPhones use AirPlay, not Miracast.

This is why most users find it simpler to skip the Miracast route and go straight to Reflector or LonelyScreen, which handle the conversion automatically.

Troubleshooting common mirroring problems

Your iPhone doesn't see your PC in the Screen Mirroring menu: Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart the mirroring app on your PC, then try again. If you're using a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, switch to 2.4 GHz—some older devices connect more reliably to the slower band. Restart your iPhone if the PC still doesn't appear.

The connection drops or lags: Move your iPhone closer to the Wi-Fi router. Close other apps on your iPhone that are using the network. If you're mirroring video or playing games, expect some lag—wireless mirroring is not designed for real-time gaming. Switch to a wired USB connection if lag is a problem.

The mirroring app won't launch on your PC: Make sure your Windows version is up to date. Some mirroring apps require Windows 10 or later. Reinstall the app and restart your PC. If you're using a firewall, check that the mirroring app is allowed through it.

Audio is not coming through: Check that your PC's volume is not muted. In the mirroring app settings, confirm that audio input is enabled. On your iPhone, make sure the volume is turned up and that you're not in silent mode (check the mute switch on the side of the phone).

When to use mirroring versus other options

Screen mirroring is best for showing your iPhone screen to others—presentations, demos, or group viewing. It is not designed for everyday use or for running apps on your PC. If you want to control your iPhone from your PC, use Apple Remote Desktop or Microsoft Remote Desktop instead, which allow remote control rather than just mirroring.

If you want to transfer files between your iPhone and PC, use File Explorer (plug in your iPhone with USB) or OneDrive and iCloud for cloud syncing. Mirroring shows your screen but does not give you file access or control.

For video calls or streaming, mirroring works but can be laggy. Use the native app on your PC instead—Zoom, Teams, or FaceTime all run better on Windows than they do mirrored from an iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for a mirroring app?

No. LonelyScreen is free and works well for most uses, though it adds a watermark to your screen. Reflector costs around $20 but offers better video quality and no watermark. Many free options exist, but LonelyScreen and Reflector are the most reliable.

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

Yes, if you use a USB cable. Wired mirroring does not require Wi-Fi and works as long as the cable is plugged in. Wireless mirroring requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.

Will mirroring drain my iPhone battery?

Yes, screen mirroring uses more battery than normal use because your phone is constantly sending video data. Plug your iPhone into power if you plan to mirror for more than a few minutes.

Can I mirror just one app instead of my whole screen?

No. Mirroring shows your entire iPhone screen, including notifications and any app you open. If you want to show only one app, you'll need to close other apps and silence notifications before you start mirroring.

What if my PC is older—will mirroring still work?

Yes, as long as your PC runs Windows 7 or later and has Wi-Fi. Older PCs may have slower performance or lag, but mirroring apps work on most Windows machines. A wired USB connection may work better on older hardware.

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.