How to Use AirPlay on Windows

 AirPlay is not limited to Apple devices; Windows users can also enjoy its benefits. By using AirPlay on Windows, users can easily share screens and stream media from their iOS devices to their PCs. Here's a guide on how to use AirPlay on Windows.

AirPlay is a wireless streaming technology similar to Miracast, offering convenience as its main advantage. With AirPlay, you simply tap on the device you want to connect to, and that's it. However, since AirPlay is developed by Apple, it is not inherently compatible with other systems.

While some TVs can use AirPlay, this is only possible because the manufacturers have paid Apple for this service. Apart from that, AirPlay does not work on non-Apple devices. However, due to the flexibility of Windows, there are workarounds available.

Although you cannot modify your iPhone to list Windows devices for AirPlay, you can install an app on your PC that acts as an AirPlay receiver. Apps like X-Mirage have a user-friendly interface and make using AirPlay on Windows incredibly easy.

To screen mirror with AirPlay on Windows, you can display your iOS device's screen on a PC monitor. This is particularly useful for presentations, demonstrations, or simply enjoying content on a larger display.

To get started, download and install X-Mirage on your Windows PC. X-Mirage offers a 7-day trial with access to all features. If you plan to use AirPlay on Windows frequently, it is worth considering the reasonably priced $20 investment.

Once installed, you will see the X-Mirage icon in the system tray. Make sure both your iOS device and Windows PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network 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. Choose X-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 can 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 through X-Mirage via AirPlay is a seamless experience. It enables you to take advantage of your PC's superior audio capabilities or enjoy content on a larger screen while maintaining full control over playback.

To begin, make sure X-Mirage is running on your Windows PC and that both your PC and iOS device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Next, open your preferred music or video app on your iOS device and start playing the content you want to stream. Then, simply tap on the AirPlay icon (a triangle icon with concentric circles) within the media app. If you're watching something in your gallery, you can find the AirPlay option in the Share menu.

Once you tap AirPlay, a list of available AirPlay devices will appear. Choose X-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 can 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 Methods to Utilize AirPlay on Windows

While X-Mirage functions as an AirPlay receiver on Windows, there are several other options available that provide similar or enhanced capabilities.
LonelyScreen

LonelyScreen is a straightforward AirPlay receiver designed for Windows. It enables you to mirror your iOS device's screen and stream audio/video content to your PC. Although it may lack some of the advanced functionalities of X-Mirage, it serves as a reliable choice for basic AirPlay operations.
5KPlayer

5KPlayer is a versatile media player that also serves as an AirPlay receiver. It supports various video formats, allowing you to mirror your iOS device's screen, stream media, and even download online videos. With its wide range of features, it presents a compelling alternative to X-Mirage.
Reflector 4

Reflector 4 is a premium AirPlay receiver recognized for its sleek interface and robust capabilities. It enables you to mirror multiple devices simultaneously, record mirrored screens, and stream content to platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Its emphasis on content creation and sharing makes it a favored option among educators and streamers.

Kodi

Kodi is a media center software that is both free and open-source. It has the capability to support AirPlay through the use of add-ons. By configuring Kodi correctly, it can function as an AirPlay receiver, enabling you to stream media from your iOS device to your PC. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who already utilize Kodi for their media management needs. Furthermore, Kodi is compatible with Android TV, allowing you to transform your television into an AirPlay receiver.

AirDroid, on the other hand, is primarily designed as a tool for file transfer and screen mirroring on Android devices. However, it also offers the AirDroid Cast feature, which permits you to mirror the screen of your iOS device onto a local webpage that can be accessed from any device, including your Windows computer.

Regardless of the application you choose, utilizing AirPlay on Windows can greatly enhance your media experience and provide you with greater flexibility in how you interact with your iOS devices.