How to use AirPlay on Windows

 Here's how to use AirPlay on Windows.

How to project screen using AirPlay on Windows

Screen projection using AirPlay on Windows allows you to display your iOS device screen on your PC screen. This is especially useful for presentations, demos, or simply enjoying content on a larger screen.

First, download and install X-Mirage on Windows. X-Mirage offers a 7-day trial with access to all features. Although it is possible to bypass the time limit, it will cost $20. If you plan to use AirPlay on Windows regularly, this is definitely a worthwhile investment.

After installation, the X-Mirage icon will appear in the system tray. Next, make sure both your iOS device and Windows PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is important for AirPlay to work properly.

How to use AirPlay on Windows Picture 1

On an iOS device, swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center and tap the Screen Mirroring button . A list of available AirPlay devices appears. Select X-Mirage [your PC name] from the list. It is also possible to customize the AirPlay name from X-Mirage.

How to use AirPlay on Windows Picture 2 How to use AirPlay on Windows Picture 3

The iOS device screen will now be mirrored on the PC screen. Once connected, you can interact with your iPhone or iPad as usual, and all actions will be reflected on your PC screen. The X-Mirage app allows adjustment of reflection quality and other settings.

How to use AirPlay on Windows Picture 4

How to stream music and movies using AirPlay on Windows

Streaming music and movies using AirPlay via X-Mirage is seamless. It allows you to take advantage of your PC's superior audio capabilities or enjoy content on a larger screen while maintaining control over playback.

Note : iTunes used to be the easiest way to transfer music from iOS devices to Windows, but this app is no longer available and no longer supports AirPlay.

As before, make sure X-Mirage is running on a Windows PC and that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your favorite music or video app on your iOS device and start playing the content you want to stream. Tap the AirPlay icon (a triangle with concentric circles) in the media app. If you're watching something in your library, the AirPlay option is in the Share menu.

How to use AirPlay on Windows Picture 5 How to use AirPlay on Windows Picture 6

After tapping AirPlay, a list of available AirPlay devices will appear. Select X-Mirage [your PC name] . The audio or video will now be streamed to the PC.

How to use AirPlay on Windows Picture 7

X-Mirage works like an AirPlay receiver, capturing stream media from iOS devices and playing it on PC. You can control playback (play, pause, and skip) from your iOS device or the X-Mirage interface on your PC. To stop streaming, simply select your iOS device as the audio output from the AirPlay menu.

Other ways to use AirPlay on Windows

Although X-Mirage is a powerful AirPlay receiver for Windows, several alternatives offer similar or even additional features.

LonelyScreen

LonelyScreen is a simple AirPlay receiver for Windows. It allows iOS device screen projection and audio/video content streaming to PC. Although it lacks some of the advanced features found in the X-Mirage, it's a good choice for basic AirPlay functionality.

5KPlayer

5KPlayer is a versatile media player that functions as an AirPlay receiver. It supports many different video formats and allows you to project your iOS device screen, stream media, and even download videos online. 5KPlayer's comprehensive feature set makes it an attractive alternative to X-Mirage.

Reflector 4

Reflector 4 is another premium AirPlay receiver known for its beautiful interface and powerful features. It allows projecting to multiple devices at the same time, recording the projected screen and streaming to various platforms such as Youtube and Twitch. Reflector 4's content creation and sharing focus makes it a popular choice among educators and streamers.

Kodi

Kodi is a free and open source media center software that can be extended with add-ons to support AirPlay. With the right configuration, Kodi can act as an AirPlay receiver, allowing media streaming from iOS devices to PC. It's a good choice for users who already use Kodi to manage media content. Additionally, Kodi is available on Android TV and you can use it to turn your TV into an AirPlay receiver.

AirDroid

AirDroid is primarily a file transfer and screen projection tool for Android devices. However, with the AirDroid Cast feature, you can also project your iOS device's screen to a local website and access it from any device, like a Windows computer.

Using AirPlay on Windows can greatly improve your media experience and provide more flexibility in how you interact with your iOS device, no matter which app you choose.

Kareem Winters

Update 27 May 2024