Screen mirroring duplicates what appears on one device's display onto a second screen, such as a TV or monitor. It can work over a cable (HDMI, USB-C) or wirelessly using protocols like AirPlay, Miracast or Google Cast.
Why it matters
It is a quick way to present slides, show photos or play mobile games on a bigger display without extra software. Wireless mirroring depends on both devices being compatible and, usually, on the same network, so Wi-Fi quality affects delay and picture quality. Mirroring differs from casting, where the phone only sends a link and the TV plays the content itself.
Example
On an iPhone, open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring to choose an AirPlay-compatible TV. On Windows, press Win+K to find a Miracast display. With a cable, a USB-C to HDMI adapter can send the display directly, though this requires the phone to support video output over USB-C.
Common mistakes
- Expecting smooth gaming over a busy Wi-Fi network; lag is common.
- Mirroring with notifications on, exposing private messages to the room.
- Assuming mirroring and casting are the same.
Related
Get notified when this term updates
Plus occasional practical tips on uptime and monitoring, nothing else. Unsubscribe anytime.
This page is general information written by our editorial team and updated when documentation changes. Servers and providers differ, so test changes safely first. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.