How to Screen Mirror Android Phone Tablet to Windows

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Using the Microsoft app Connect, it's possible to mirror your smartphone or tablet to your computer screen. This guide will help you in using this feature available on Windows 10.

Tools You'll Need:

  • A paperclip
  • iPhone charging cable
  • Access to a computer with iTunes installed
  • Any other non-consumable tools needed
  • Comment out tools section if no tools are necessary

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Supplies You'll Need:

  • Zip ties
  • Any other consumable supplies
  • Comment out supplies section if no supplies are necessary

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Before You Begin:

  • Be at your computer.
  • Have your mobile device available.
Windows 10

Requirements and Limitations

It's best to keep in mind the requirements and limitations of this process.

No Apple iOS Support

No Apple iOS Support

Apple has chosen to develop their own, proprietary system called AirPlay. AirPlay only works with Macs, and is not available on Windows.

Wi-Fi Miracast Only

Miracast

This process relies on a standard technology called Miracast, which is similar to "HDMI without a cable". It takes the sound and display of your phone, and sends it to the Connect app.

Miracast is a Wi-Fi standard; meaning it only works if both devices have Wi-Fi antennas. Your smartphone or tablet will have a Wi-Fi antenna, but some desktop computers do not.

Connect App is Beta

Microsoft has not completed work on the Connect app. Instead of holding it back, they have released it for people to use while it's still being actively developed. This is known as a "beta" release.

This means that some features of the Connect app may not work right, aren't complete, and may crash.

Beta software, by definition, can have bugs or problems associated with its use. The developer has provided it to the public without full testing and does not take full responsibility for how it functions on your computer.

2. Cast to Computer (Android)

On Your Computer

  1. Select your Start menu, then select the Connect app from the App List.
Windows 10 Start Menu

Windows 10 Connect
  1. A Window will open giving you your computer's name, letting you know it's ready to connect.
Connect window, ready to connect.

On Your Phone or Tablet

  1. Swipe down from the top of your phone to open the notifications area.
Android home screen with arrow indicating to swipe down.
  1. Swipe down again from the top of the notifications.
Notifications with arrow indicating to swipe down.
  1. Select Cast or Screen Sharing.
Cast for Android
  1. Android will search for your device.
Android searching for Casting Device
  1. If prompted, select your Computer Name from the list.

On Your Computer

  1. The Connect app will show your phone's screen.
Connect app showing phone screen
  1. Use your phone as you normally would, and the screen will show on your computer.
Browsing Google on smartphone showing in Connect app.

To Stop Casting

On Your Computer

  1. Select Close in the top-right corner of the Connect app.
Close

On Your Phone or Tablet

  1. Swipe down from the top of your phone to open the notifications area.
Android home screen with arrow indicating to swipe down.
  1. Swipe down again from the top of the notifications.
Notifications with arrow indicating to swipe down.
  1. Select Cast or Screen Sharing to disconnect.
Cast connected