How to Mirror iPad Screen to Mac: Step-by-Step Guide

Discover simple methods to mirror iPad screen to Mac, including AirPlay, AnyViewer, and QuickTime. This guide covers easy steps for each option, with AnyViewer offering extra features for a better experience.

Ellie

By Ellie / Updated on November 25, 2024

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How do I mirror my iPad to my Mac?

If you've ever wanted to share your iPad's screen with a larger display, you're in luck! Mirroring your iPad screen to your Mac is not only simple but can be incredibly useful for many purposes. Whether you're showcasing a new app, showing off your latest photos, or simply want a larger view of what's on your iPad, mirroring your screen to your Mac can help you do all of this and more.

mirror-ipad-screen-to-mac

In this article, we'll walk you through the best methods for mirroring your iPad screen to your Mac, with easy-to-follow instructions, tips, and troubleshooting.

Why mirror iPad screen to Mac?

Mirroring your iPad screen to your Mac allows you to control your iPad from a larger screen, which can be great for those who need to present content, share media, or even use your iPad apps with the convenience of a keyboard and mouse. Whether you're working on a project or simply want to show off your latest iPad game, the ability to mirror your iPad to your Mac is a feature that many find incredibly useful.

Here's a simple summary of the benefits of mirroring your iPad screen to Mac:

  • Larger display: View apps, photos, videos, and presentations on a larger screen.
  • Convenience: Control your iPad with your Mac's mouse and keyboard for easier navigation.
  • Productivity: Ideal for work or school, allowing you to present or collaborate on documents.
  • Entertainment: Watch videos, play games, or share media with others on a bigger screen.

How to mirror iPad screen to Mac

Here are some of the best options for screen mirroring from iPad to Mac.

Option 1. AirPlay

One of the simplest and most effective ways to mirror your iPad screen to your Mac is by using AirPlay. AirPlay is Apple's proprietary screen mirroring technology that allows devices to share their screens over Wi-Fi. It is a wireless streaming protocol that Apple devices use to send audio, video, and screen content between devices. It's most commonly used to stream media to devices like Apple TVs, but you can also use it to mirror your iPad to a Mac.

Make sure both your iPad and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you start mirroring.

To mirror your iPad screen to your Mac using AirPlay, follow these steps:

Step 1. First, open the Control Center on your iPad by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen.

Step 2. Tap on the "Screen Mirroring" option.

ipad-screen-mirror

Step 3. From the list of available devices, choose your Mac.

Step 4. Once selected, your iPad screen will be mirrored and displayed on your Mac's screen.

Option 2. AnyViewer

If you're looking for additional features or a more flexible solution, third-party apps can be an excellent alternative, for example, AnyViewer. AnyViewer is one of the best mobile screen mirroring apps that offers enhanced control over the mirroring experience and may support additional features like file transfers and device management.

Using AnyViewer instead of AirPlay offers the following benefits:

  • More features: AnyViewer provides additional features, like mirroring your Mac to an iPad or remotely controlling an unattended Mac from an iPad.
  • Cross-compatibility: AnyViewer works on both iPad and other devices (such as Android), offering greater flexibility.
  • Better performance: AnyViewer delivers higher-quality streams and optimizations for larger displays.
  • Remote access: Unlike AirPlay, which only works over Wi-Fi, AnyViewer allows remote access over the Internet.

Here's how to mirror iPad screen to Mac via AnyViewer screen mirroring QR code:

Step 1. First, download and install AnyViewer on your Mac, then launch the application.

Download Freeware macOS 10.15 and later
Secure Download

Step 2. On your Mac, go to "Log in," click "Sign up," and create an AnyViewer account.

sign-up

Step 3. In the "Device" section, select your Mac and choose "Mobile screen." A QR code will appear.

mac-qr-code

Step 4. On your iPad, install AnyViewer, log in with the same account, tap "Start," and then click the scan icon in the upper right corner. Scan the QR code on your Mac and tap "Allow" > "Start broadcast."

ipad-scan-qr-code

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

ipad-screen-mirror-on-mac

Option 3. Reflector

Reflector is a screen-mirroring and file-sharing program that allows you to mirror and broadcast your devices without additional hardware. It connects to your devices using Google Cast, Miracast, and AirPlay protocols.

To mirror an iPad to a Mac using Reflector, follow these steps:

Step 1. Start by downloading and installing Reflector from the Squirrels website.

Step 2. Open Reflector on your Mac, and click the "+" sign located at the bottom left of the window.

Step 3. In the pop-up menu, under "Device Type," choose "Apple."

Step 4. Under "Model," select your iPad from the list of available devices.

Step 5. Make sure both your iPad and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network for seamless connection.

Step 6. Once both devices are on the same network, select your iPad from the list and click "Connect."

Step 7. To begin mirroring, click the blue "Mirror" button located at the bottom-right corner of the window. Your iPad screen will now be displayed on your Mac.

reflector

Option 4. QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is a built-in program on Macs that allows users to easily share an iPad screen with a Mac. With just a USB cable, you can connect your iPad to your Mac and use QuickTime to start screen recording or mirroring. It's a simple, no-fuss way to share content from your iPad without the need for third-party apps or complex setups. Plus, it's completely free since it's already included with macOS.

Here’s how to mirror an iPad to a Mac using QuickTime Player:

Step 1. Begin by connecting your iPad to your Mac using a USB cable. Ensure the connection is secure.

Step 2. Next, open QuickTime Player on your Mac. You can find it in your Applications folder or use Spotlight to search for it.

Step 3. Once QuickTime is open, click on the "File" menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "New Screen Recording." This will open the recording window.

Step 4. In the recording window, click the small arrow next to the record button to reveal a list of available devices. Choose your iPad from the list.

Step 5. After selecting your iPad, click the "Record" button to start screen sharing. Your iPad’s display will now appear on your Mac's screen.

QuickTime Player

Step 6. When you're finished and want to stop sharing, click the "Stop" button in the QuickTime toolbar to end the session.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are several ways to mirror your iPad to your Mac, AnyViewer stands out as the best option for those looking for a versatile and feature-rich solution. Unlike AirPlay, which requires a Wi-Fi connection, AnyViewer offers cross-platform compatibility, better performance, and the added benefit of remote access over the internet. Whether you need high-quality mirroring or remote control features, AnyViewer provides everything you need for an enhanced experience. It's a reliable and flexible tool that works seamlessly across devices, making it the ideal choice for mirroring your iPad to your Mac.