iPhone Mirroring Not Working on Mac? Try These Fixes

Screen mirroring is one of the most convenient ways to cast your iPhone’s screen onto your Mac. Whether you’re streaming videos, showing off photos, or giving presentations, Apple’s AirPlay makes the process seamless—when it works. But sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and you might encounter the iPhone mirroring error or notice that the connection just won’t happen.

In this article, we’ll go over what could be causing iPhone mirroring not working on Mac and explore some easy fixes to get everything running smoothly again.

Why is iPhone Mirroring Not Working on Mac?

There are a few common reasons why your iPhone fails to mirror to your Mac:

1. Incompatible macOS version – Screen mirroring requires both the Mac and iPhone to support the feature.
2. Network issues – If your devices aren’t on the same Wi-Fi network, AirPlay won’t work.
3. AirPlay not enabled – You may have AirPlay turned off on the Mac.
4. Firewall settings – Mac’s firewall could block AirPlay connections.
5. Software glitches – Outdated iOS or macOS versions may cause connectivity issues.
6. Bluetooth interference – AirPlay sometimes struggles if other wireless devices interfere with the connection.

How to Fix iPhone Mirroring Error on Mac

1. Check Device Compatibility

AirPlay is only supported on newer Apple devices. Here’s what you need:

• iPhone: Running iOS 12 or later
• Mac: Running macOS Mojave or later (with AirPlay enabled)

If you’re using older devices, screen mirroring may not be available. Make sure both your iPhone and Mac have the latest software updates installed.

2. Connect to the Same Wi-Fi Network

For iPhone mirroring to work, both devices need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

1. On the iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and check the network name.
2. On the Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon on the menu bar and confirm it’s on the same network.

If you’re using multiple networks or a VPN, disconnect from any secondary connections.

3. Restart Your iPhone and Mac

Sometimes, a simple restart fixes everything.

1. Restart your iPhone by holding the power button and swiping to power off.
2. On your Mac, click the Apple logo > Restart.

Try connecting again after both devices reboot.

4. Enable AirPlay on Mac

Make sure AirPlay is turned on:

1. On your Mac, go to System Settings > Displays.
2. Look for the AirPlay Receiver option and toggle it on.
3. Set it to Everyone on the same network if you’re having issues with connections.

5. Disable Mac’s Firewall (Temporarily)

If your firewall blocks incoming connections, it can interfere with mirroring.

1. On the Mac, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.
2. Click the lock to make changes and select Turn Off Firewall.
3. Try mirroring your iPhone again. If it works, you can customize the firewall settings to allow AirPlay traffic.

6. Update Software on iPhone and Mac

Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues.

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
• On Mac: Click the Apple logo > System Preferences > Software Update.

Install any pending updates and try mirroring again.

7. Turn Off Bluetooth on Both Devices

While Bluetooth isn’t required for AirPlay, wireless interference can occur if Bluetooth is on.

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle it off.
• On Mac: Click the Bluetooth icon on the menu bar and turn it off.

8. Use an AirPlay Alternative

If AirPlay keeps acting up, try using third-party apps like:

• Reflector – Lets you cast your iPhone to Mac.
• ApowerMirror – Supports wireless mirroring and recording.
  These apps offer more flexibility and can act as backups if AirPlay isn’t working properly.

9. Reset Network Settings on iPhone

If network issues persist, resetting your iPhone’s network settings might help:

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
2. Select Reset Network Settings.

Note that this will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords, so you’ll need to reconnect to networks manually.

10. Factory Reset Your Devices (As a Last Resort)

If none of the above methods work, you might need to reset your devices to factory settings.

• On iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
• On Mac: System Settings > General > Erase All Content and Settings (macOS Ventura or later).

Final Thoughts

Getting an iPhone mirroring error when trying to connect to your Mac can be frustrating, but these troubleshooting steps should help you solve most issues. Make sure both devices are compatible, updated, and connected to the same network. If AirPlay still won’t cooperate, disabling the firewall or using a third-party app can save the day.With a little patience and the right tweaks, you’ll have your iPhone screen mirrored onto your Mac in no time!