How to Mirror iPhone to Windows 11 – A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 13, 2025

Want to watch your iPhone screen on a bigger display, share photos with friends, or present something at work? Screen mirroring your iPhone to a Windows 11 PC makes that possible. While Apple’s AirPlay is mainly designed for Apple devices, there are several ways you can still mirror your iPhone screen to Windows 11 — and it’s easier than you might think.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through all the available methods — both free and paid — so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Why Mirror Your iPhone to Windows 11?

Here are some common reasons people mirror their iPhones to their PC:

  • Watch Movies or Videos on a bigger screen.

  • Play Mobile Games using a keyboard and mouse (if supported).

  • Present Work or School Projects without sending files.

  • Demo Apps or teach someone how to use an iPhone feature.

Things You Need Before You Start

Before we get into the steps, make sure you have:

  • An iPhone running iOS 11 or later.

  • A Windows 11 PC with Wi-Fi enabled.

  • Both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network (recommended for smooth mirroring).

Method 1: Use Microsoft Phone Link (Best for Notifications & Control)

Windows 11 comes with the Phone Link app that lets you connect your iPhone and view notifications, send messages, and make calls — but it has limited mirroring features.

Steps:

  1. Open Phone Link on your Windows 11 PC (search for it using the Start menu).

  2. Select iPhone as your device type.

  3. Scan the QR code with your iPhone using the provided link.

  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your devices.

Note: This method doesn’t provide full real-time screen mirroring, but it’s great for basic control and syncing notifications.

Method 2: Use Third-Party Apps (Best for Full Mirroring)

For full iPhone screen mirroring, you’ll need a third-party app. Popular options include:

  • ApowerMirror

  • LetsView (free)

  • Reflector

  • AirServer

Let’s use ApowerMirror as an example.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Download and Install ApowerMirror

Step 2: Connect Your iPhone and PC to the Same Wi-Fi

This is crucial for smooth wireless mirroring.

Step 3: Open Control Center on iPhone

  • Swipe down from the top-right corner (or swipe up if using an older iPhone with a Home button).

  • Tap Screen Mirroring.

Step 4: Select Your PC

  • Choose your PC from the list (it will show the name of your computer running ApowerMirror).

  • Your iPhone screen will now appear on your Windows 11 PC.

Step 5: Enjoy Full-Screen Mirroring

You can now view videos, play games, or present content in real time.

Method 3: Use Wired Mirroring (USB Connection)

If you prefer a more stable connection with zero lag, use a USB cable.

  1. Install ApowerMirror or LonelyScreen on your PC.

  2. Connect your iPhone using a Lightning cable.

  3. Launch the mirroring app — it will detect your iPhone automatically.

  4. Tap Trust This Computer on your iPhone if prompted.

  5. Start mirroring and enjoy a lag-free experience.

Method 4: Use QuickTime (Mac Alternative)

While QuickTime is not natively available on Windows, you can use third-party AirPlay receivers like AirServer to get a similar experience.

Troubleshooting Tips

If mirroring doesn’t work, try these fixes:

  • Check Wi-Fi: Make sure both devices are on the same network.

  • Disable VPN: VPNs may interfere with local network connections.

  • Restart Devices: Sometimes a quick reboot fixes connection issues.

  • Update iOS & Windows: Outdated software can cause compatibility problems.

Best Apps for iPhone to Windows 11 Mirroring

Here’s a quick comparison:

App Name Free Version Ease of Use Performance
ApowerMirror ✅ Yes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
LetsView ✅ Yes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
AirServer ❌ Paid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reflector ❌ Paid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Advantages of Mirroring iPhone to Windows 11

  • Big-screen experience for videos, games, and presentations.

  • Easy sharing during meetings or classes.

  • Some apps allow you to record your iPhone screen directly on your PC.

Disadvantages / Limitations

  • Wireless mirroring may have slight lag.

  • Some premium features require a paid subscription.

  • Native AirPlay isn’t built into Windows — third-party tools are required.

Conclusion

Mirroring your iPhone to Windows 11 is surprisingly simple once you know the right tools. If you just want notifications and basic controls, Microsoft Phone Link is enough. But if you need full real-time mirroring, apps like ApowerMirror, LetsView, or AirServer are the way to go.

With the steps above, you can turn your Windows 11 PC into a second screen for your iPhone and enjoy a much bigger and more flexible experience.

FAQs

1. Can I mirror my iPhone to Windows 11 without Wi-Fi?
Yes, by using a USB cable and apps like ApowerMirror for a wired connection.

2. Is screen mirroring free?
Some apps like LetsView offer free basic mirroring. Others may charge for premium features like full-screen mode or recording.

3. Does mirroring work for gaming?
Yes, but wireless mirroring may have slight input lag. A wired connection is better for gaming.

4. Is there a built-in AirPlay receiver in Windows 11?
No, Windows 11 doesn’t have AirPlay built-in. You need third-party software to act as a receiver.

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