AirPlay isn’t just for Apple devices. Windows users can easily join in on the fun, sharing screens and streaming media from their iOS devices to their PCs. Here’s how to use AirPlay on Windows.
Can You Even Use AirPlay on Windows?
AirPlay is a wireless streaming technology similar to Miracast. It offers several advantages, the main one being convenience. You tap AirPlay, select the device, and that’s it. However, AirPlay is developed by Apple, and like all things Apple, it doesn’t like talking to other systems.
Althoughyou can use AirPlay on some TVs, that’s only because the manufacturers had to pay Apple for this service. Aside from that, AirPlay doesn’t work on non-Apple devices. However, due to the freedom developers have on Windows, plenty of workarounds are available.
While you can’t modify your iPhone to list Windows devices for AirPlay, you can certainly install an app on your PC to act like an AirPlay receiver. Apps like X-Mirage have no-nonsense interface and make using AirPlay on Windows incredibly easy.
How to Screen Mirror with AirPlay on Windows
Screen mirroring with AirPlay on Windows allows you to display your iOS device’s screen on a PC monitor. This is particularly useful for presentations, demonstrations, or to simply enjoy content on a larger display.
First, download and installX-Mirageon Windows. X-Mirage provides a 7-day trial with access to all features. While you can bypass the time limit, it is reasonably priced at $20. If you plan to use AirPlay on Windows frequently, it’s definitely worth the investment.
After installation, you should see the X-Mirage icon in the system tray. Next, ensure both your iOS device and Windows PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is crucial for AirPlay to function properly.
On your iOS device, swipe down from the top-right corner to open the Control Center and tap the Screen Mirroring button. A list of available AirPlay devices will appear. ChooseX-Mirage[your PC’s name]from the list. You can also customize the AirPlay name from X-Mirage.
Your iOS device’s screen should now be mirrored on your PC monitor. Once connected, you may interact with your iPhone or iPad as usual, and all actions will be mirrored on your PC screen. The X-Mirage app allows you to adjust the mirroring quality and other settings.
How to Stream Music and Movies with AirPlay on Windows
Streaming music and movies with AirPlay through X-Mirage is seamless. It allows you to leverage your PC’s superior audio capabilities or enjoy content on a larger display while maintaining control over playback.
iTunes used to be the easiest way to cast music from your iOS device to Windows, but the app is now mostly defunct and doesn’t support AirPlay anymore.
As before, ensure X-Mirage is running on your Windows PC and that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your preferred music or video app on your iOS device and start playing the content you wish to stream. Tap the AirPlay icon (triangle icon with concentric circles) within the media app. If you’re watching something in your gallery, the AirPlay option is in the Share menu.
Once you tap AirPlay, a list of available AirPlay devices will appear. ChooseX-Mirage[your PC’s name]. The audio or video should now be streaming to your PC.
X-Mirage acts like an AirPlay receiver, capturing the media stream from your iOS device and playing it on your PC. you’re able to control the playback (play, pause, and skip) from either 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
While X-Mirage is a robust AirPlay receiver for Windows, several alternatives offer similar or even additional features.
LonelyScreen
LonelyScreenis a simple AirPlay receiver for Windows. It allows you to mirror your iOS device’s screen and stream audio/video content to your PC. While it lacks some advanced features found in X-Mirage, it’s a good option for basic AirPlay functionality.
5KPlayeris a versatile media player that doubles as an AirPlay receiver. It supports various video formats and allows you to mirror your iOS device’s screen, stream media, and even download online videos. Its comprehensive feature set makes it a compelling alternative to X-Mirage.
Reflector 4
Reflector 4is another premium AirPlay receiver known for its sleek interface and powerful features. It allows you to mirror multiple devices simultaneously, record mirrored screens, and stream to various platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Its content creation and sharing focus makes it a popular choice among educators and streamers.
Kodiis 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 you to stream media from your iOS device to your PC. It’s a good option for users who already use Kodi for their media management. Additionally, Kodi is available on Android TV and you can use it toturn your TV into an AirPlay receiver.
AirDroidis primarily a file transfer and screen mirroring tool for Android devices. However, with the AirDroid Cast feature, you can alsomirror your iOS device’s screen to a local webpageand access it from any device, like your Windows machine.
Using AirPlay on Windows can greatly improve your media experience and give you more flexibility in how you interact with your iOS devices, regardless of which application you choose.
