Whether you’re talking about phones or laptops, Appleproductslive in a fairly closed ecosystem ensures that the end-user experience is more or less the same. Unfortunately, this means that some apple devices that work with non-Apple products could be problematic. If you own an iPhone but use a Windows computer, this is probably something you are familiar with.

One advantage of using the Apple ecosystem is casting the device’s screen to another using AirPlay. The only point is that onlyAppleproductsare AirPlay is compatible with. This means that your iPhone or iPad screen appearing on a Windows-based computer can be a headache. Or at least it used to be. Users can easily transferLonelyScreenmonitortheiriPhoneor iPad toa computer running Windows.

What is LonelyScreen?

As we mentioned earlier, Apple’s AirPlay protocol makes it easy for users to stream their iPhone or iPadscreenstoAppleTV or other apple devices. Unfortunately, this leaves Windows-based computers in the cold. Fortunately, LonelyScreen is apiece of software that provides yourWindowsPCAirPlaycompatibility. This allows you to quickly cast (or mirror) your iPad / iPhone screen onto your Windows computer screen.

Before we learn how to install LonelyScreen on your computer, it’s important to note that the software is available as a free trial. When the trial ends, you’ll have to pay $ 15 to keep using it.

Why do I want to mirror my iPhone / iPad screen?

There are several reasons why you might want your iPhone or iPadscreenmirrored to your computer. The most obvious is to stream content from youriPhoneoriPadto the larger screen. This is perfect for watching videos or even playing games. Alternatively, you may want to use your PC’s screen recording software to record the steps taken on your iPhone. What’s more, if you’re conducting a presentation or doing a class demonstration that requires your audience to see the steps taken on youriPhoneoriPad, the Lonelyscreen will let you stream it to a monitor.

How to Install LonelyScreen

Download the LonelyScreen software and run the installer. The software is small and should be installed fairly quickly. Once it does, you will likely face a Windows Firewall pop-up explaining that access to LonelyScreen has been blocked. Check the box next to “Private networks” and click the button labeled “Allow Access”.

When LonelyScreen starts, you will see a message letting you know that you are on a free trial and that you should purchase a license. Click “Maybe Later” to continue with the free trial. At this point, you should see the LonelyScreen AirPlay receiving screen. It doesn’t have much to consider, at least not yet.

How to use Lonelyscreen

With LonelyScreen installed and running onyourWindowsPC, grab youriPhoneoriPad. Unlock your device and swipe up from the bottom to bring up the Dashboard. Here you will see a button labeled “Screen Mirroring.” Tapping that button will bring up a list of all airplay compatible devices. Here you will see your LonelyScreen computer listed. Tap it to start mirroring youriPadoriPhoneto your PC. If the connection is successful, you will see the iPhone or iPad screen’s content on your PC screen in real-time.

Unfortunately, LonelyScreen does not allow you to control your iPhoneoriPadvia APC. However, it does offer the ability to record your iPhone or iPad screen with a built-in tool. To start recording, click the small white arrow in the lower right corner of the LonelyScreen window. This will reveal a red button. Click on it to start recording and click it again to stop. All videos will appear in the “Videos” folder of theWindowsaccountyou are logged into. To stop mirroring your device to your PC, close the LonelyScreen window on your PC or turn offScreen Mirroring from the Control Center of your iPhone or iPad.

Resolve problem

LonelyScreen makes it easy to clone yourAppledeviceto a windows computer. That being said, you might still run into some issues. If you can’t get it to work, double-check the following.

  • Make sure you have a compatible device: AirPlay is compatible with iPhone 4S (or later), iPad 2 (or later), iPad mini (or later), and iPod Touch 5 (or newer).
  • Make sure Windows Firewall does not block LonelyScreen.
  • Ensure that the iOS device’s WiFi is turned on and connected to the same network as your PC.
  • If all else fails, try restarting your iOS device and Windows computer.

Do you know any other way to clone youriPhonewithWindowsPC? Let us know in the comments.