How to Screen Mirror iPhone to Projector
There are plenty of reasons you might want to mirror your iPhone’s screen to a projector. Maybe you’re watching a movie, streaming a show, or giving a presentation at work. Whatever the case, there are two main ways to connect: through Wi-Fi or with an adapter cable.
Let’s walk through both methods for screen mirroring from the iPhone to the projector.
Connecting iPhone to Projector via an Adapter Cable
This is the easiest and most straightforward way to connect. All you need is the right adapter cable to link your iPhone to the projector.
Most projectors include a video cable for connecting to laptops, smartphones, and other peripherals. But the iPhone doesn’t have a standard video port, so you’ll need one of these Apple adapters (sold separately):
Lightning to VGA adapter: This connects your iPhone’s Lightning port to a standard VGA video cable plugged into the projector.
Lightning Digital AV adapter: This connects your iPhone to the projector’s HDMI cable.
If you want to go deeper, we have a separate guide on how to screen mirror iPhone to Sony TV.
Before you start, check whether your projector and iPhone are compatible with either cable type. If this is your first time, here’s a quick way to tell them apart: the VGA port is a thick, 30-pin connector with screws on both sides, while the HDMI cable is thinner with a wide plug, typically used for HDTVs.
Not sure which cable you need? Check the user manual that came with your projector, or ask a technician for help.
Once you’ve identified the right cables, follow these steps.
Step 1. Connect the Cables to the Ports
Plug the VGA or HDMI cable into the matching port on your projector. Make sure this is the same projector you plan to use for screen mirroring with the iPhone.
Step 2. Establish the Connection
Connect the other end of the VGA or HDMI cable to the adapter. For the best results, use the Apple Digital AV adapter (for HDMI) or the Apple VGA adapter (for VGA cables).
![[Apple MFi Certified] Lightning to HDMI Digital AV Adapter,1080P Video & Audio Sync Screen Converter AV Adapter with Charging Port for iPhone HDMI Converter to HD TV/Projector/Monitor Support All iOS](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HWm-XGBGL._SS520_.jpg)
Then plug the 30-pin connector from the adapter into the 30-pin port at the lower end of the projector. This connects both devices together.
For related tips, check out our full guide on how to connect iPhone to Roku TV.
Step 3. Switch on the Projector
Power on the projector and adjust the input settings for the video cable you’re using. Keep in mind that the settings will differ for VGA and HDMI cables. Set the iPhone as the input source, and the projector will be ready to receive video from your phone.
Step 4. Start Screen Mirroring
Turn on your iPhone and tap the screen mirroring button in the Control Center.
Your iPhone’s screen will now appear on the projector. From here, you can launch your presentation or stream whatever you’d like. The same process works for other Apple devices too, though you may need different cables depending on the available ports and input/output options.
Final Thoughts
Before you start screen mirroring your iPhone to a projector, make sure you have the right accessories on hand. Apple devices aren’t compatible with standard cables, so stick with a quality Apple VGA or Digital AV adapter.
Double-check that your projector has the right ports, and the rest of the process is straightforward. Check this space for more tips and recommendations on your favorite gadgets and smart devices.
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