AirPlay isn't just for Apple devices. Windows users can easily join in on exciting screen sharing and media streaming from iOS devices to PC. Here's how to use AirPlay on Windows.
Screen Mirroring with AirPlay on Windows
Screen mirroring with AirPlay on Windows allows you to display your iOS device's screen on your PC. This is particularly useful for presentations, demonstrations, or simply enjoying content on a larger screen.
First, download and install X-Mirage on Windows. X-Mirage offers a 7-day trial with access to all features. While you can bypass the time limit, a fee of $20 is required. If you plan to use AirPlay on Windows regularly, this is definitely a worthwhile investment.
After installation, the X-Mirage icon will appear 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 on the Screen Mirroring button. A list of available AirPlay devices will appear. Select X-Mirage [your PC's name] from the list. You can also customize the AirPlay name from X-Mirage.
The iOS device's screen will now be mirrored on the PC screen. Once connected, you can interact with your iPhone or iPad as usual, and all actions will be mirrored on the PC screen. The X-Mirage app allows for adjusting the mirroring quality and other settings.
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How to Stream Music and Movies via AirPlay on Windows
Streaming music and movies via AirPlay through X-Mirage is seamless. It allows you to harness the superior audio capabilities of your PC or enjoy content on a larger screen while still maintaining control over the playback process.
Note: iTunes used to be the easiest way to stream music from iOS devices to Windows, but the app no longer exists and doesn't support AirPlay anymore.
As before, ensure X-Mirage is running on your Windows PC and both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your favorite music or video app on your iOS device and start playing the content you want to stream. Tap on the AirPlay icon (a triangle icon with concentric circles) within the media app. If you're viewing content from your library, the AirPlay option is typically found in the Share menu.
After tapping on AirPlay, a list of available AirPlay devices will appear. Select X-Mirage [your PC's name]. The audio or video will now be streamed to your PC.
X-Mirage acts as an AirPlay receiver, receiving media streams from your iOS device and playing them on your PC. You can control the playback process (play, pause, and skip) from 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 powerful AirPlay receiver for Windows, some alternative options offer similar features or even additional ones.
LonelyScreen
LonelyScreen is a simple AirPlay receiver for Windows. It allows for screen mirroring of iOS devices and streaming audio/video content to PC. While lacking some advanced features found in X-Mirage, it's a good choice for basic AirPlay functionality.
5KPlayer
5KPlayer is a versatile media player with AirPlay receiver capabilities. It supports various video formats and allows for screen mirroring of iOS devices, media streaming, and even downloading online videos. The comprehensive feature set of 5KPlayer makes it an attractive alternative to X-Mirage.
Reflector 4
Reflector 4 is another premium AirPlay receiver known for its sleek interface and powerful features. It allows for mirroring multiple devices simultaneously, recording mirrored screens, and streaming to various platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Reflector 4's focus on creativity and content sharing makes it a popular choice among educators and streamers.
Kodi
Kodi is 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 for media streaming from iOS devices to PC. It's a good option for users already using Kodi to manage media content. Additionally, Kodi is available on Android TV, and you can use it to turn your TV into an AirPlay receiver.
AirDroid
AirDroid is primarily a file transfer and screen mirroring tool for Android devices. However, with the AirDroid Cast feature, you can also mirror your iOS device's screen to a local webpage and access it from any device, such as a Windows computer.
Using AirPlay on Windows can significantly enhance your media experience and provide more flexibility in interacting with iOS devices, regardless of which app you choose.