Apple’s new screen mirroring functionality enhances the seamless integration of iOS and macOS, allowing users to mirror their iPhone or iPad screen to a Mac with ease. This feature is perfect for sharing presentations, troubleshooting, or enjoying your mobile content on a larger screen.
Below is a comprehensive guide to using the iPhone/iPad mirroring feature with macOS Sequoia 15 and iOS 18.
Requirements
To ensure smooth mirroring, confirm the following:
- Mac: Running macOS Sequoia 15 (or later).
- iPhone or iPad: Running iOS 18 (or later).
- Network: Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Software Versions: For drag-and-drop functionality, ensure macOS Sequoia 15.1 and iOS 18.1 are installed.
How to Mirror Your iPhone or iPad Screen to Your Mac
Step 1: Connect to the Same Wi-Fi Network
Ensure both your Mac and iPhone/iPad are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is crucial for establishing a stable AirPlay connection.
Step 2: Open Control Center on Your iPhone or iPad
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open the Control Center.
Step 3: Tap the Screen Mirroring Button
- In the Control Center, tap the Screen Mirroring icon.
Step 4: Select Your Mac
- A list of available devices will appear. Tap the name of your Mac to start the mirroring process.
Step 5: Enter the AirPlay Passcode (if required)
- If prompted, a passcode will appear on your Mac screen. Enter this passcode on your iPhone or iPad to confirm the connection.
Advanced Features with iOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1
Drag and Drop Between Devices
One of the most exciting features introduced with iOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 is the ability to drag and drop files between your iPhone or iPad and Mac during screen mirroring.
- To Drag Files:
- Drag a file from your iPhone screen and drop it onto your Mac desktop.
- Similarly, files from your Mac can be dragged and dropped onto your iPhone or iPad screen.
- Supported Formats:
- Photos, videos, documents, and supported app files.
Use Cases for Screen Mirroring
- Presentations: Use your iPhone or iPad to deliver presentations or demos via your Mac.
- Gaming: Enjoy iPhone or iPad games on a larger Mac screen.
- Troubleshooting: Share your iPhone or iPad screen with a Mac for tech support or diagnostics.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Connection Issues: Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and restart if necessary.
- Update Software: Check that your devices are running the required versions of iOS and macOS.
- Firewall Settings: On your Mac, navigate to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Firewall and ensure AirPlay connections are allowed.
