Have you ever wished you could watch your iPhone’s content on a bigger screen, like your Windows 11 laptop? Whether it’s for a presentation, streaming videos, gaming, or simply sharing photos with friends, casting your iPhone to a Windows 11 laptop makes life easier.
The good news? It’s totally possible—and you don’t even need to be a tech wizard to do it. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to cast an iPhone to a Windows 11 laptop using different methods.
Why Cast iPhone to Windows 11 Laptop?
Before jumping in, let’s talk about why you’d want to do this in the first place:
Bigger screen – Movies and games are way better on a laptop.
Presentations made simple – No need for extra cables.
Work efficiency – Share your phone screen while working on projects.
Recording tutorials or gameplay – Perfect for content creators.
Method 1: Cast iPhone to Windows 11 with AirPlay + Third-Party App
Windows laptops don’t support Apple’s AirPlay by default. But you can use third-party apps to bridge the gap.
Step 1: Install a Third-Party App on Windows 11
Popular options include:
ApowerMirror
AirServer
LetsView
Download and install one of these apps on your laptop.
Step 2: Connect Both Devices to the Same Wi-Fi
Your iPhone and laptop must be on the same Wi-Fi network for screen mirroring to work.
Step 3: Enable Screen Mirroring on iPhone
Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center.
Tap Screen Mirroring.
Select your Windows laptop (the app name should appear).
Step 4: Start Casting
Your iPhone screen will now display on your Windows 11 laptop in real-time.
Method 2: Cast iPhone to Windows 11 Using LonelyScreen (AirPlay Receiver)
LonelyScreen is another great tool that acts as an AirPlay receiver.
Download and install LonelyScreen on your laptop.
Open the program (allow access if prompted by Windows Firewall).
On your iPhone, go to Control Center > Screen Mirroring.
Choose LonelyScreen from the list.
Your iPhone screen will now appear on your Windows 11 laptop.
Method 3: Use 5KPlayer for iPhone Casting
5KPlayer is free software that also supports AirPlay.
Download 5KPlayer on your Windows 11 laptop.
Launch the app and enable AirPlay inside the settings.
On your iPhone, open Control Center > Screen Mirroring.
Select 5KPlayer-[Your PC Name].
Enjoy streaming your iPhone to your laptop.
Method 4: Cast iPhone to Windows 11 via HDMI Cable
If Wi-Fi isn’t stable, you can go old-school with a cable.
What You’ll Need:
A Lightning-to-HDMI adapter (Apple’s Digital AV Adapter).
An HDMI-to-USB capture card (to connect with your laptop).
Steps:
Plug the Lightning adapter into your iPhone.
Connect the HDMI cable to the adapter and capture card.
Plug the capture card into your Windows 11 laptop.
Open the video input in software (like OBS Studio or VLC).
Your iPhone screen will be mirrored on your laptop.
This method is a bit more technical but very stable.
Method 5: Use QuickTime Player (Mac Alternative)
⚠️ Quick note: QuickTime works only on macOS, not Windows. But if you’re curious, it’s worth mentioning. For Windows, stick to apps like ApowerMirror or 5KPlayer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Laptop not showing up in AirPlay? Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Lag or delay? Use a wired connection for smoother casting.
Firewall blocking connection? Allow the mirroring app through Windows Security > Firewall settings.
Poor video quality? Use apps like ApowerMirror that support HD casting.
Tips for Better Casting Experience
Use 5GHz Wi-Fi for faster and more stable connections.
Close unnecessary apps on your laptop to free up resources.
For presentations, put your iPhone in Do Not Disturb mode to avoid interruptions.
Conclusion
Casting your iPhone to a Windows 11 laptop may sound tricky at first, but with the right tools, it’s a breeze. Whether you choose third-party apps like ApowerMirror, LonelyScreen, 5KPlayer, or even a wired HDMI setup, you can enjoy your iPhone’s content on a larger screen effortlessly.
So the next time you want to binge-watch, present slides, or share photos, skip the small screen—cast it to your Windows 11 laptop instead.
FAQs
1. Can I cast iPhone to Windows 11 without third-party apps?
No, Windows doesn’t support AirPlay by default. You’ll need a third-party app like ApowerMirror or 5KPlayer.
2. Is casting from iPhone to Windows 11 free?
Yes, many apps like LetsView and 5KPlayer are free. Some apps may charge for premium features.
3. Does casting work without Wi-Fi?
Not wirelessly. You’ll need a Lightning-to-HDMI cable with a capture card for wired casting.
4. Can I control my iPhone from my Windows laptop?
Some apps like ApowerMirror (premium) allow limited control, but full control isn’t possible without jailbreaking.
5. Is it safe to use third-party casting apps?
Yes, as long as you download them from official websites or trusted sources.