How to Mirror iPhone to Mac with USB: 4 Simple Ways

Can you mirror an iPhone to a Mac with USB?

In a world where multi-tasking and seamless connectivity have become second nature, mirroring your iPhone to your Mac, or mirroring your iPad to Mac can significantly boost productivity. Whether for sharing presentations, displaying apps, or simply viewing photos, screen mirroring is a handy feature that saves time and effort.

While there are several ways to mirror your iPhone to a Mac, a USB connection offers certain advantages, including higher stability and security. This method also ensures that your devices are connected even when you don't have access to a Wi-Fi network, making it an excellent alternative for situations where wireless connections might be unreliable.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about this process, including step-by-step instructions on how to mirror iPhone to Mac with USB, recommended tools, and troubleshooting tips.

How to mirror iPhone to Mac with USB [4 ways]

To mirror the screen of an iPad or iPhone to a MacBook using a USB cable, you'll need to follow a few straightforward steps after connecting the device. Fortunately, there are five excellent tools available for this task. Keep reading to discover their features and step-by-step usage instructions.

Way 1. QuickTime Player (macOS built-in)

QuickTime Player is a popular and easily accessible tool for Mac users, as it comes pre-installed on all Macs. Renowned for its versatility, it allows you to play music and movies at any time. In addition, it offers features for editing both audio and video files directly on your Mac.

While QuickTime allows you to mirror your iPhone screen to your Mac using a USB cable, it's limited to basic features like screen recording and video capture.

Follow the simple steps given below to learn how to mirror iPhone to Mac with USB using QuickTime Player:

Step 1. Connect your iOS device to your Mac using a Lightning to USB cable.

Step 2. Next, open QuickTime on your Mac.

Step 3. From the menu bar, select "File" and then click on "New Movie Recording."

Step 4. From the list of available devices, select your iPhone to start mirroring its screen to your Mac. If your iPhone doesn't appear, simply disconnect and reconnect the device.

Step 5. Once selected, your iPhone's screen will be mirrored to your Mac via QuickTime using the USB connection.

You can also record the mirrored screen by clicking the red button in QuickTime, which is useful for capturing specific moments while watching videos. To stop screen mirroring, simply close the QuickTime app.

Way 2. ApowerMirror

ApowerMirror is a flexible screen mirroring software that works with both USB and Wi-Fi connections. It allows users to mirror their iOS devices to a larger screen, such as a PC or TV. With features like screen recording, screenshots, and device control via mouse and keyboard, it enhances the user experience for presentations, gaming, or media sharing.

See how to screen mirror iPhone to Mac with USB using ApowerMirror:

Step 1. Install ApowerMirror on both your iPhone and Mac by downloading it on each device.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable, then launch the ApowerMirror app on both devices.

Step 3. Select the USB connection option.

Step 4. When prompted with a "Trust this Computer?" message, click "Trust" and enter your passcode.

Step 5. Your iPhone or iPad screen will now be mirrored to your Mac.

Way 3. LonelyScreen

LonelyScreen is a free tool available for both Windows and macOS. It acts as an AirPlay receiver, enabling you to mirror your iPhone to your Mac either via USB or wirelessly. This allows you to enjoy your iPhone's content on the larger screen of your Mac.

To mirror your iPhone screen to a Mac with LonelyScreen, simply follow these steps:

Step 1. Download and install LonelyScreen on your Mac.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a compatible USB cable (like Lightning to USB).

Step 3. Enable Personal Hotspot on your iPhone.

Step 4. Grant your Mac permission to access the application through the firewall.

Step 5. Open the Control Center on your iPhone and go to AirPlay settings.

Step 6. Select your Mac or MacBook from the list of available devices to start screen mirroring.

While LonelyScreen offers a way to mirror your iPhone to your Mac, it's not the most reliable option. The tool is known to have bugs and errors that can disrupt the mirroring experience. Additionally, it's not the most secure platform, posing potential security risks.

Way 4. AirDroid Cast

AirDroid Cast is a powerful tool that offers both wireless and wired options for screen mirroring. To mirror your iPhone to a Mac using a USB connection with AirDroid Cast. See how to mirror iPhone to MacBook with USB with the following steps:

Step 1. Download and install AirDroid Cast on both your iPhone and Mac from the official website.

Step 2. Use a Lightning to USB cable to connect your iPhone to your Mac. Make sure the cable is compatible, and enable USB debugging on your iPhone.

Step 3. Open AirDroid Cast on your Mac and select the "USB" option.

Step 4. From the list of available devices, choose your iPhone. A prompt will appear on your iPhone asking for permission; tap "Trust" to begin mirroring.

Step 5. Start enjoying seamless screen mirroring via USB with AirDroid Cast.

Bonus tip: Mirror iPhone to Mac wirelessly with AnyViewer

While USB connections offer excellent stability, there are times when you might prefer a wireless option for mirroring your iPhone to a Mac. In these cases, AnyViewer is a top-notch mobile screen mirroring choice for its seamless performance and user-friendly interface.

Why choose AnyViewer for wireless screen mirroring?

When it comes to wireless screen mirroring, AnyViewer stands out as an excellent choice for iPhone-to-Mac connections. Here's why:

• Seamless performance

AnyViewer delivers smooth, lag-free screen mirroring over the Internet. It maintains a stable connection, ensuring that your mirrored screen appears clear and responsive without the common interruptions you may experience with other apps.

• No cables required

Wireless screen mirroring eliminates the hassle of dealing with cables, making AnyViewer a convenient option when you're working remotely or on the go. Whether you're in a meeting or simply watching content, you don't need to worry about finding the right cable or being limited by cord length.

• Remote network access

AnyViewer allows you to mirror your iPhone to a Mac from anywhere, even if the devices are in different locations. This makes it easy to connect and share content remotely, no matter where you are.

• High security

Security is a top priority with AnyViewer. It uses advanced encryption protocols, ensuring your data and information stay protected during the mirroring process. Unlike many other wireless options, you can trust that AnyViewer maintains a high level of security, giving you peace of mind while mirroring sensitive content.

• Cross-platform compatibility

AnyViewer is not just limited to iPhones and Macs. It supports a range of devices, which means you can use it to mirror your iPhone to other platforms like Windows or Android. This makes it a versatile tool for users with multiple devices across different operating systems.

Steps to mirror iPhone to Mac wirelessly with AnyViewer

The AnyViewer app is designed with ease of use in mind. It's straightforward to set up, and you don't need any technical expertise to get started. Just install the app on both your iPhone and Mac, and you're all set.

How to mirror iPhone to Mac wirelessly with AnyViewer:

Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer on your Mac, then open the app.

Step 2. Click "Log in" and choose "Sign up" to create an account.

Step 3. Select your Mac and click "Mobile screen mirroring." A QR code will appear.

Step 4. On your iPhone, install AnyViewer, log in with the same account, and tap "Start." Scan the QR code on your Mac and tap "Start now."

Step 5. Your iPhone screen will now be mirrored on your Mac.

★Tips:

Upgrading to a Professional or Enterprise plan offers additional benefits, such as the ability to assign more devices to the same account, enjoy higher image quality, and mirror multiple devices simultaneously, among other features.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing how to mirror iPhone to Mac with USB offers a reliable and stable connection for various tasks like presentations and media sharing. Whether you choose QuickTime, ApowerMirror, LonelyScreen, or AirDroid Cast, each tool provides an effective way to mirror your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable.

For those looking for a wireless alternative, AnyViewer offers seamless, secure, and cross-platform compatibility. By scanning a screen mirroring QR code, you can easily mirror your iPhone screen to your Mac. Whether you prefer a wired or wireless connection, mirroring your iPhone to a Mac can significantly enhance your productivity and user experience.