How to Control Your iPhone From a PC or Mac 2025 Guide
- The new iPhone Mirroring app on macOS Sequoia allows full remote control of an iOS 18 iPhone, including app usage and keyboard input, provided the phone is locked and connected via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi.
- Windows 11 users can use Intel Unison to pair their iPhone via QR code to manage notifications, send texts, and transfer files, though it does not offer full screen mirroring control.
- QuickTime Player (via USB) and AirPlay (wireless) allow Mac users to view or record their iPhone screen, while TeamViewer enables screen broadcasting for remote support on both PC and Mac.
For Mac users with the latest software updates the iPhone Mirroring app provides the most complete remote control experience available. You must first ensure your iPhone is running iOS 18 or later and your Mac is updated to macOS 15 or newer. It is also necessary to have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled on both devices for the connection to work. You start the process by clicking the iPhone Mirroring icon in your Dock and clicking Continue through the initial prompts. The system will ask you to unlock your phone to grant permissions and then you can choose whether to allow notifications to appear on your Mac screen. Once authenticated via your Mac password or Touch ID you will see a fully interactive replica of your iPhone screen that you can control using your mouse and keyboard. This method requires your iPhone to be locked during use to function properly.
Windows users can achieve similar functionality through the Intel Unison app which allows you to manage messages and photos and calls from a PC. This requires installing the Unison app from the Microsoft Store on your Windows 11 computer and the App Store on your iPhone. You must enable both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both devices to facilitate the connection. When you launch the app on your PC a QR code will appear on the screen. You then open the Unison app on your iPhone and tap "Scan QR Code" to pair the devices. Once confirmed you can use the side panel on your PC to transfer files or view galleries or send text messages directly from your desktop interface.
If you simply need to view your iPhone screen on a Mac without full control you can utilize QuickTime Player. This method requires connecting your iPhone to the Mac via a USB cable. After opening QuickTime Player you press Option + Command + N or select "New Movie Recording" from the File menu. You must then click the arrow next to the record button and select your iPhone from the camera list. This mirrors your mobile display to your computer monitor and allows you to record the screen if desired though you cannot interact with apps using the mouse.
Wireless mirroring is another view-only option for Mac users via AirPlay. You need to navigate to System Settings and then General and select AirDrop & Handoff to find the AirPlay Receiver toggle. Once you turn this on and set your permission preferences you can open the Control Center on your iPhone. By tapping the Screen Mirroring icon which looks like two overlapping squares you can select your Mac from the list of available devices. You may be prompted to enter a code or password to establish the secure connection.
For troubleshooting or technical support TeamViewer provides a way to broadcast your screen to another device. You must install the TeamViewer QuickSupport app on the iPhone and the standard TeamViewer software on the computer. The mobile app generates a unique ID which you enter into the computer software to initiate a connection. On the iPhone you will need to tap "Allow" and then "Start Broadcast" to share your live screen view. This method allows the computer user to see what is happening on the phone to guide the user but does not grant direct control over the interface.
Mac users who need to operate their iPhone using adaptive devices can utilize Switch Control. This accessibility feature requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network and signed into the same iCloud account. You enable this by going to System Settings on your Mac and navigating to Accessibility and then Switch Control. Once the Switch Control panel appears on your desktop you click the Devices icon which resembles a monitor and phone. Selecting your iPhone from the list allows you to manipulate the phone screen using the switch or joystick already connected to your Mac.
Finally the Handoff feature offers a seamless way to switch tasks between devices rather than direct remote control. This is useful for moving a document or email draft from your phone to your computer instantly. You enable this in the AirPlay & Handoff settings on both your iPhone and Mac ensuring both are logged into the same Apple Account. When Handoff is active an icon for the app you are using on your iPhone will appear in your Mac's Dock allowing you to click it and pick up exactly where you left off.