Can’t get iPhone Mirroring to work? Here’s what you should do

The iPhone Mirroring feature appeared with macOS Sequoia and lets you screen share your iPhone on a Mac in a way that’s never existed before. It’s like running a virtual version of your iPhone right there on the Desktop. However, you may encounter problems getting iPhone Mirroring to work because of the many requirements and settings.

Check the requirements

To use iPhone Mirroring, you need iOS 18 installed on your iPhone as well as Sequoia on your Mac. The Mac must be an Apple silicon model (M-series processor) or a later-generation Intel Mac with a T2 Security Chip. Fortunately, few Intel models that lack that chip can even run Sequoia, so you’re unlikely to come across that scenario.

You may be in any region except the European Union, where iPhone Mirroring is not supported.

Because mirroring leans on Continuity, Apple’s term for a range of iOS/iPad/macOS integrated features, both your iPhone and Mac have to meet Continuity requirements:

• The same Apple Account must be signed into.
• The Apple Account needs to have two-factor authentication enabled.
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be on.
• The devices must be near each other. Apple doesn’t document that last point, but it uses Bluetooth both for part of the authentication process and for proximity checking.

In addition, your iPhone must be locked, though it can be set to use StandBy. Your Mac can’t be sharing its internet connection (via System Settings > General > Sharing > Internet Sharing), and may not be actively using AirPlay or Sidecar.

Troubleshooting iPhone Mirroring

You can run into trouble getting iPhone Mirroring to work if you have a VPN enabled or are using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for what Apple calls “intensive” use, like streaming. Disable the VPN or stop streaming and see if it works then.

Try resetting iPhone Mirroring settings in the macOS app in iPhone Mirroring > Settings: click Revoke Access to I[Phone name]. Then try connecting again.

As a last resort, restart your Mac and iPhone.

Ask Mac 911

We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, we’re always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered; we don’t reply to emails, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.