Ever wanted to see your iPhone screen on a bigger display? Maybe you’re giving a presentation, watching a video, or just want to play mobile games on a larger screen. The good news is that you can easily cast your iPhone to a Windows 11 laptop using built-in tools or third-party apps.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through multiple methods to mirror or cast your iPhone to a Windows 11 laptop, step by step.
Why Cast iPhone to Windows 11 Laptop?
Here are some common reasons people mirror their iPhone screens:
-
Entertainment: Stream movies, YouTube, or music.
-
Work: Share slides or apps during meetings.
-
Education: Teachers and students can display lessons more clearly.
-
Gaming: Play mobile games on a larger display.
-
Support: Tech support or tutorials become easier.
Method 1: Use Windows 11 Built-in Wireless Display (Miracast)
Windows 11 has a built-in feature called Wireless Display, but here’s the catch: iPhones use AirPlay, not Miracast. To connect, you’ll need a third-party app that bridges AirPlay to Windows.
Step 1: Enable Wireless Display on Windows 11
-
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
-
Go to Apps > Optional features.
-
Scroll down and click Add a feature.
-
Search for Wireless Display and install it.
Step 2: Download an AirPlay Receiver on Your Laptop
-
Apps like ApowerMirror, LonelyScreen, 5KPlayer, or LetsView let your Windows 11 laptop act as an AirPlay receiver.
Step 3: Connect iPhone via AirPlay
-
Make sure your iPhone and laptop are on the same Wi-Fi network.
-
On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center.
-
Tap Screen Mirroring.
-
Select your laptop (it will show up with the AirPlay receiver app name).
Now your iPhone screen will appear on your Windows 11 laptop!
Method 2: Use Third-Party Apps (Most Reliable)
If you want a smoother experience, third-party apps are the easiest way.
Popular Apps You Can Try:
-
ApowerMirror – Supports screen mirroring, recording, and controlling iPhone from PC.
-
LetsView – Free and wireless.
-
LonelyScreen – Simple AirPlay receiver.
-
Reflector – Professional-grade mirroring app.
Steps (Example with ApowerMirror):
-
Download and install ApowerMirror on your Windows 11 laptop.
-
Download the ApowerMirror app on your iPhone (from the App Store).
-
Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
-
Open the app on both devices.
-
On iPhone, go to Control Center > Screen Mirroring > ApowerMirror [Laptop Name].
-
Your iPhone screen will now be mirrored.
Method 3: Use USB Cable for Lag-Free Casting
Wi-Fi casting is convenient, but sometimes it lags. If you want a lag-free connection, use a USB cable.
Step 1: Install ApowerMirror (or 3uTools, Tenorshare Phone Mirror)
-
Download one of these apps on your Windows 11 laptop.
Step 2: Connect iPhone via USB
-
Use your Lightning cable to connect the iPhone to your laptop.
Step 3: Trust Device
-
On your iPhone, tap Trust this computer if prompted.
Step 4: Start Mirroring
-
Open the app, and your iPhone will display instantly on your laptop without Wi-Fi lag.
Method 4: Use iTunes for Limited Casting (Media Only)
If you only want to share music or videos (not the entire screen):
-
Install iTunes from the Microsoft Store.
-
Connect your iPhone with a USB cable.
-
Open iTunes, and you can sync and play media files directly on your laptop.
Method 5: Use QuickTime Player (Mac Alternative)
If you’re also using a Mac-style environment with QuickTime, you can mirror via cable—but this method doesn’t natively work on Windows unless you use special software like 5KPlayer that mimics QuickTime streaming.
Troubleshooting: iPhone Not Casting to Windows 11?
-
Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi for wireless casting.
-
Disable VPNs or Firewalls that might block connections.
-
Restart both your iPhone and laptop.
-
Try switching to a USB cable if Wi-Fi is unstable.
-
Update your iPhone to the latest iOS and Windows to the latest version.
Tips for Better Casting Experience
-
Use a 5GHz Wi-Fi network for faster, smoother mirroring.
-
Close unnecessary apps on your laptop to reduce lag.
-
Keep your iPhone charged if you’re casting for long sessions.
-
For gaming, prefer USB cable mirroring to avoid delays.
Benefits of Casting iPhone to Windows 11 Laptop
-
Present slides or documents in meetings without needing a projector.
-
Stream movies and shows directly from iPhone apps.
-
Play iOS-exclusive games on a bigger screen.
-
Record tutorials or gameplay easily.
Final Thoughts
Casting your iPhone to a Windows 11 laptop might seem tricky at first since iPhone uses AirPlay and Windows uses Miracast. But with the right tools—like ApowerMirror, LetsView, or LonelyScreen—you can easily mirror your iPhone screen wirelessly or via USB.
Whether you want to present, play games, or just enjoy your media on a larger display, these methods make it simple and effective.
FAQs
1. Can I cast iPhone to Windows 11 without Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can use a USB cable and apps like ApowerMirror for offline casting.
2. Does Windows 11 natively support AirPlay?
No, Windows 11 supports Miracast. You need third-party apps to use AirPlay.
3. Is there a free way to cast iPhone to a laptop?
Yes, apps like LetsView and 5KPlayer offer free screen mirroring.
4. Can I control my iPhone from my laptop after casting?
Some apps (like ApowerMirror) allow control with Android, but for iPhones, it’s usually display-only.
5. Is casting safe?
Yes, as long as you use trusted apps and ensure both devices are on a secure Wi-Fi network.