Can You AirPlay From Mac to iPhone?
Updated October 2026 · 3 min read
Short answer: No.
iPhones can't receive AirPlay, so there's no way to AirPlay a Mac screen to one. To get your Mac on your iPhone you need a different app. Beam does it on your own Wi-Fi for free, and from anywhere with Beam Unlimited.
What AirPlay actually supports
AirPlay can send content from a Mac, iPhone, or iPad to:
- Apple TV
- AirPlay-compatible smart TVs and displays
- HomePod (audio only)
- Another Mac (via AirPlay Receiver, macOS 12+)
An iPhone is never an AirPlay receiver. It can send, but not receive, and Apple has never added a way for it to act as a display.
What about "reverse AirPlay"?
Lots of people search for "reverse AirPlay" hoping to get their Mac screen onto their phone. It doesn't exist. Apple doesn't support it, and no app can make AirPlay do it.
What you can do is stream from one device to the other with an app built for it. That's what Beam does: over your Wi-Fi at home, and over your own Tailscale network when you're away.
What works instead: Beam
Beam is two free apps. Beacon runs in your Mac's menu bar and sends the screen. Beam runs on your iPhone or iPad and plays it full screen, with the Mac's sound. You can also tap the stream to click, scroll and type on the Mac.
At home it works over your Wi-Fi, and nothing goes through the internet. Install both apps, pair once with a 6-digit code, and tap Start Beam. Away from home, Beam Unlimited reaches your Mac over your own Tailscale network. Beam runs no servers in either case. See the away-from-home guide.
How Beam compares to AirPlay
| AirPlay | Beam | |
|---|---|---|
| Mac to iPhone | Not supported | Works |
| iPhone to Mac | Works | Not what it's for |
| Mac to Apple TV | Works | Not what it's for |
| Streams audio | Yes | Yes |
| Internet required | No | No at home |
| Works away from home | Not supported | With Unlimited |
| Free | Yes (built-in) | Free tier, then $7.99 once |
Frequently asked questions
Can you AirPlay from Mac to iPhone?
No. iPhones are AirPlay senders, not receivers. Use Beam for Mac-to-iPhone streaming.
Is there a way to stream my Mac screen to my phone?
Yes. Beam streams your screen and sound over your Wi-Fi and is free to download. With Beam Unlimited it also works from anywhere over your own Tailscale network, mobile data included.
Does Sidecar work on iPhone?
No. Sidecar, which turns an iPad into a second Mac display, only works with iPad.
Can I use my iPhone as a monitor for my Mac?
Beam shows your Mac screen on your iPhone, and you can click, drag, scroll and type on it. It doesn't add an extended desktop, so you can't move windows onto the phone. For that you'd need an iPad and Sidecar. More in using an iPhone as a Mac monitor.
See your Mac on your iPhone
Beam does what AirPlay can't. Free to download on Mac, iPhone and iPad.