How to Control Your iPhone From a Mac Computer

You can now use your iPhone without ever even touching it. The new Apple iPhone Mirroring feature allows you to view and control your locked iPhone from a MacBook. Pretty nifty, right? We compiled everything you need to know along with step-by-step instructions for iPhone Mirroring right here.

What you need for iPhone Mirroring

You need a Mac computer and an iPhone to start. Make sure your devices meet the following requirements.

iPhone Mirroring — Mac compatibility

The iPhone Mirroring feature is available on:

Your Mac must also be running macOS Sequoia or later. Most Macs released since 2018 should be able to use iPhone Mirroring.

iPhone Mirroring — iPhone compatibility

iPhone Mirroring requires iOS 18 or later on iPhone.

iPhone Mirroring Feature vs iPhone Screen Mirroring with AirPlay

It’s important to note the difference between the iPhone Mirroring feature and traditional iPhone screen mirroring via AirPlay. iPhone Mirroring allows you to control your iPhone from your Mac computer while your iPhone is locked. iPhone screen mirroring via AirPlay allows you to wirelessly share your device screen to other devices while remaining in control of your iPhone. Learn more about iPhone screen mirroring via AirPlay here. 

Here’s how iPhone Mirroring works:

Step 1 – Update operating systems

It’s a good practice to ensure your devices are running the latest publicly available operating system. Make sure your Mac is running macOS Sequoia or later and your iPhone is running iOS 18 or later.

Step 2 – Bluetooth and wifi

Make sure Bluetooth and wifi are turned on for both devices

Step 3  – Apple ID

Both devices must be signed in to the same Apple account.

Step 4 – Proximity

Both devices must be relatively close to each other.

Step 5 – Open iPhone Mirroring app

Open the iPhone Mirroring app on your macOS device. You can use Spotlight Search or go to Launchpad to find it. It may also be in your dock.

Step 6 – Unlock iPhone

Follow the prompts in the app. Unlock your iPhone when requested.

Step 7 – Complete prompts

The app will ask you about enabling iPhone notifications on Mac. Either allow or deny this request.

Step 8 – Enter Mac password

Enter your Mac login password in the phone screen outline that appears.

That’s it! You can now control your iPhone from your Mac.

Transfer files, photos and videos

The iPhone Mirroring feature comes in handy when you want to quickly transfer files, photos and videos between your devices. You no longer have to waste time with AirDrop or emailing or texting files to yourself.

Never miss a notification

You can also use it to interact with app and message notifications that you would typically only receive on your iPhone. It helps ensure you don’t miss an important or time-sensitive notification from your phone when you’re busy working on your computer.

Once connected, your iPhone is always passively available. You don’t actually need your iPhone screen shown on your Mac screen to receive notifications from your phone. They’ll still appear on your Mac even after you close the iPhone Mirroring window.

Only on iPhone? Not anymore

iPhone Mirroring is a great way to use or demonstrate apps that are only available on iPhone from your Mac.

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