When you try to cast your iPhone screen to a TV or computer but see the message “Screen Mirroring Output Not Found,” it can be frustrating. Many users report that the screen mirroring button doesn’t appear in Control Center or that their iPhone says “No Device Found.” This is a common iPhone screen mirroring output issue — usually related to network connection, device compatibility, or iOS version changes.
Before troubleshooting, let’s clarify what AirPlay is: it’s Apple’s wireless display technology that allows you to mirror your iPhone screen to a TV or Mac to share videos, photos, or presentations. However, if you’re using an iPhone 16 or older model, system setting changes might cause your iPhone to fail in finding available devices for mirroring.
This article will walk you through all the possible causes and fixes — whether you’re trying to connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi or mirror your iPad to a computer — and introduce DeskIn, the ultimate alternative tool that helps you complete screen mirroring smoothly.
Common Reasons Why iPhone Screen Mirroring Output Can’t Be Found
When mirroring your iPhone screen to a TV or Mac, if you see messages like “Unable to connect” or “No device found,” it usually means AirPlay or the network environment has encountered a problem. Common reasons include a missing mirroring button in Control Center, unsupported devices, or AirPlay connection issues with your TV.
Some users also notice lagging or the “spinning” issue when mirroring to a Mac, or even messages like “Mac screen mirroring output not found.” These often relate to firewall settings, Wi-Fi interference, or outdated iOS versions. If AirPlay can’t find your device or the connection keeps failing, keep reading — we’ll cover each cause and its solution in detail.
1. No Screen Mirroring Button in Control Center
If the screen mirroring button doesn’t appear in Control Center, the feature may not be enabled. Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls and manually add “Screen Mirroring.” This solves the issue of iPhone screen mirroring settings not showing up.
For more details on controlling your Mac, see our guide:
How to Control a Mac Remotely with an iPhone – Full Step-by-Step Tutorial!
2. No Available Devices Found
If AirPlay can’t detect your TV or other devices, it’s often because they aren’t on the same Wi-Fi network or AirPlay isn’t enabled on the target device. Ensure your TV supports AirPlay and that your iPhone, TV, Mac, or Apple TV are all connected to the same Wi-Fi network to complete mirroring successfully.
Device Does Not Support AirPlay
If your iPhone can’t find a screen mirroring output, it could be due to device incompatibility. Below are common cases and recommendations:
iPhone 15 / 14 / 13 Series: Supports AirPlay 2, compatible with most smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.).
iPhone 12 / 11 / XS / XR Series: Requires iOS 16 or above and must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network; otherwise, devices may not appear.
iPhone 8 / 7 / 6 Series: Some newer TVs use protocols unsupported by older iPhones. Use a Lightning-to-HDMI cable or a third-party app like DeskIn.
Recommended Smart TV Brands: Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, and Philips support AirPlay 2. Some lower-end models require manually enabling “AirPlay” or “Screen Mirroring.”
If you’re using an older iPhone or a non-AirPlay TV, switch to DeskIn — it allows cross-platform screen casting without being on the same network and with lower latency.
4. Outdated iOS or Device Malfunction
If your iPhone 16 can’t find a mirroring output, the issue might be an outdated iOS or a device error. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates. If the issue persists after updating, restart your iPhone or reset network settings to rule out system malfunctions.
5. Network Interference or Firewall Blocking
If AirPlay fails to connect, your router, firewall, or antivirus software might be blocking the connection. Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, then temporarily disable firewall or security software and try again.
If problems persist, switch to DeskIn, a remote collaboration tool that bypasses network restrictions and mirrors your iPhone screen to a Mac or TV — stably and smoothly, without lag or disconnection.
How to Fix the “iPhone Screen Mirroring Output Not Found” Issue
If your iPhone can’t find a mirroring output or keeps failing to connect, don’t panic — this usually isn’t a hardware issue. Follow these troubleshooting steps: restart both devices, verify they’re on the same Wi-Fi, re-add “Screen Mirroring” in Control Center, enable AirPlay, update iOS, and check firewall permissions.
If your iPhone or iPad shows no signal even when connected via HDMI, use DeskIn — a wireless projection tool that easily mirrors your iPhone to a computer or iPad.
1. Restart Devices
When you encounter the “Screen Mirroring Output Not Found” message, the simplest and most effective first step is to restart your iPhone and your TV, Mac, or projector. Rebooting clears temporary system errors, refreshes Wi-Fi and AirPlay connections, and solves most display issues. Then test screen mirroring again.
2. Ensure Devices Are on the Same Wi-Fi
If AirPlay can’t detect your TV or compatible display, ensure your iPhone and receiving device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. AirPlay only works over a shared local network. Even if one device is on 5GHz and the other on 2.4GHz, they might fail to connect. Try reconnecting or resetting your router.
3. Re-add Screen Mirroring Option in Control Center
After certain iOS updates, users may notice the screen mirroring button disappears. Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls, then re-add “Screen Mirroring.” This restores the quick-cast shortcut, allowing you to mirror your iPhone screen to a Mac, iPad, or TV instantly.
4. Enable AirPlay on the Receiving Device
Knowing what AirPlay is helps: it’s Apple’s wireless display protocol that sends your iPhone screen to a TV or Apple TV. If AirPlay isn’t enabled on the receiving end, your iPhone won’t detect it. Open your TV or Apple TV settings to enable AirPlay and ensure both devices share the same network.
5. Update iOS
If you’re using an older iOS version, check for updates. Outdated systems may cause “iPhone 16 Screen Mirroring Output Not Found” or unstable connections. Go to Settings > General > Software Update, then install the latest version to fix compatibility and improve AirPlay performance.
6. Check Firewall Settings
If AirPlay still can’t connect, a firewall or security program might be blocking communication. Temporarily disable your computer or router’s firewall for testing, or add AirPlay as an allowed app. Make sure ports TCP 7000–7100 are open so your iPhone can detect the receiving device.
Still Can’t Fix It? Try the Ultimate Solution: DeskIn

If none of the above methods work and you still can’t mirror your iPhone screen to your TV or computer, it’s time for a more stable solution — DeskIn.
Often called the best iPhone remote access tool, DeskIn easily mirrors your iPhone screen to MacBook, Windows PC, or other devices — without depending on AirPlay or specific network conditions. It delivers Apple TV–level image quality with ultra-low latency, perfect for meetings, gaming, or multi-screen workflows.
DeskIn Key Features:
Ultra HD Quality: Supports up to 4K 60FPS and 2K 144FPS for crisp, fluid visuals.
Ultra-Low Latency: Less than 40ms, enabling real-time interaction without lag.
Cross-Platform Support: Works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even the web.
Full Mobile Control: Lets you both mirror your phone to your computer and remotely control your PC from your phone.
Feature-Rich Free Plan: Includes screen projection, voice chat, and file transfer at no cost.
Fast and Stable Connection: 200+ global acceleration nodes automatically select the best route for uninterrupted performance.
Whether you’re remotely operating a Mac or sharing screens across devices, DeskIn provides smooth, wireless transmission — the most flexible and efficient AirPlay alternative available today.
How to Use DeskIn for iPhone Screen Mirroring
To mirror your iPhone to a Windows PC, MacBook, iPad, or Android device, there’s no need to rely on AirPlay. DeskIn lets you complete the connection quickly across platforms.
Steps:
Download & Log In: Install DeskIn on both your iPhone and computer (e.g., MacBook). Sign up and log in.

Connect & Mirror: Open DeskIn on your Mac, click “Mirror / Extend Screen,” then scan the QR code using your iPhone.

Start Mirroring: Tap “Start Projection” to instantly display your iPhone screen on your computer.

You can also check out these related guides:
Common Questions About Apple Screen Mirroring
1. Why can’t my iPhone mirror its screen?
Common reasons include unstable Wi-Fi, unsupported devices, or blocked connections by firewalls. If your iPhone can’t find any mirroring output, restart both devices and ensure they’re on the same network. If that fails, use DeskIn, which supports wireless mirroring to Mac, PC, iPad, and Android.
2. Where is the iPhone screen mirroring option?
Open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring (or “Screen Cast” on some iOS versions). If it’s missing, go to Settings > Control Center and add it manually. This function works with Apple TV or AirPlay-enabled smart TVs.
3. Why can’t AirPlay connect to my TV?
If AirPlay shows “No Device Found,” ensure your TV and iPhone share the same Wi-Fi and that your software is up to date.
4. How can I mirror my iPhone to a TV?
You can use AirPlay, an HDMI adapter, or third-party apps. If your iPhone-to-HDMI connection doesn’t respond, try using an official Lightning adapter. For wireless projection to computers or tablets, DeskIn lets you mirror iPhone → PC → iPad easily — without cables.
Conclusion: Fix iPhone Screen Mirroring Output Issues for a Smoother Casting Experience
When you encounter issues like “iPhone Screen Mirroring Output Not Found,” “AirPlay Connection Failed,” or “Unable to Connect,” most can be solved by restarting devices, checking the Wi-Fi network, and updating iOS.
If none of these work, your device may be incompatible or limited by AirPlay restrictions. In that case, try DeskIn, which makes iPhone-to-computer projection effortless. DeskIn not only supports cross-platform connections with low latency but also works stably even without an internet connection — making it a more flexible and seamless alternative to AirPlay.
Download DeskIn now and experience smoother, more reliable iPhone screen mirroring!
