Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about screen mirroring right here.
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What is screen mirroring?
Screen mirroring technology allows you to wirelessly display whatever is on your device screen onto a larger screen, such as a TV, projector or other display. Screen mirroring is useful for delivering presentations, collaborating in classrooms and meeting spaces, and sharing photos, videos, documents, reports and more.
Read our complete screen mirroring guide here.
Why screen mirroring isn’t working with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, etc.?
Some people may experience issues while trying to mirror content from a video streaming service on your phone or computer to a larger screen, such as a TV.
There are a few potential reasons for this.
- DRM Restrictions:
The primary reason why screen mirroring may not be working with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max and other streaming platforms is due to digital rights management (DRM) restrictions. These services use DRM to prevent piracy and to secure their content. DRM blocks any attempt to screen record or screen capture these apps on mobile devices.
If the devices/apps you're using don’t support DRM, then you won’t be allowed to mirror content from Apple TV+, Prime Video, Disney+, etc. In that case, you'll see a black screen or a "Blocked" message, which means screen mirroring is not working due to DRM restrictions.
- Outdated Video streaming apps or operating system:
Another reason why screen mirroring may not work on Netflix, HBO Max and others could be due to an outdated app or operating system on your device. An outdated app or operating system may not support the latest DRM or other requirements for screen mirroring.
Make sure you update the apps and operating systems to the latest versions, which may fix the problem you're facing while screen mirroring. To update your video streaming apps, go to the Google Play Store or App Store and check for updates.
- Poor Network Connection:
A poor network connection can also cause screen mirroring issues on apps like Hulu, Netflix and others. When the internet connection is slow or inconsistent, it can cause buffering, lag or interrupted playback while mirroring the screen to another device.
To avoid this, make sure you have a stable wifi or cellular network connection with enough bandwidth and a strong signal strength. Try to move your router closer to your device or use an ethernet cable to improve internet speed.
- Device Compatibility:
Screen mirroring may not work on all devices due to compatibility issues. Both devices, the one you're mirroring from and the one you're mirroring to, should support screen mirroring and have compatible software versions.
Make sure your device's operating system and hardware support video stream mirroring.
- Third-Party Apps:
Lastly, third-party apps may interfere with the app-mirroring process for video streaming services. Apps like screen recorders, VPNs or data-saver apps may block screen mirroring or cause the app to stop unexpectedly.
To fix this, you can try disabling any third-party apps that may be interfering with Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV+, etc. on your device. If that doesn't work, you can try uninstalling the app altogether.
Is it possible to screen mirror an iPhone to another iPhone?
No, it is not possible to screen mirror an iPhone to another iPhone. There are a few key points to consider for this question:
- Why is it not possible to screen mirror an iPhone to another iPhone?
This is due to an Apple AirPlay limitation. iPhone users can use built-in AirPlay to mirror and stream to AirPlay receivers including MacBooks, Apple TV, HomePod, AirPlay-enabled TVs and Reflector-enabled devices. However, AirPlay on iPhone can only send content. It cannot receive other AirPlay connections. Therefore, you cannot mirror from one iPhone to another.
- Will Apple ever release a way to screen mirror an iPhone to another iPhone?
It’s possible but not likely as there is not a large consumer demand for this feature. It is simply not a feature that many people need.
- Are there any alternative options for screen mirroring an iPhone to another iPhone?
Yes, you can screen mirror an iPhone to much larger screens using a number of different methods, including built-in AirPlay. Mirroring to a bigger screen is ideal for presentations, in-person collaboration and viewing iPhone content on a larger screen.
- Need a way to share wirelessly from iPhone at work or school?
Ditto is an easy way for everyone to wirelessly share content in the places you meet, present and collaborate. Ditto delivers one simple method to share to TVs, projectors, interactive whiteboards and more.
Ditch the cables, adapters and complex hardware. Use Ditto to share from iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Windows and Chrome OS.
Learn more and get started with Ditto for free.
Can I Screen Mirror Without an Internet Connection?
Yes, it’s possible to wirelessly screen mirror without an internet connection. Many built-in screen mirroring and streaming protocols such as AirPlay, Cast and Miracast do not require internet to establish a mirroring connection. However, in many cases, the sending and receiving devices will need to be connected to the same local network — such as your wifi network — but neither your devices nor the local network need internet access unless you want to mirror content from the internet.
When using Miracast, devices can connect via Wi-Fi Direct, which establishes a direct connection between the sending and receiving devices without needing a wifi network to facilitate the process.
In any case, if you want to stream or share content from the internet, a network connection is required.
It's important to note that, while it's possible to mirror without internet, it's not always practical in certain environments. Screen mirroring technology developed for professional use in schools, businesses and other organizations generally requires an internet connection for essential operations or complete functionality.
For example, Ditto screen mirroring occurs entirely over your local network and screen data never cross the internet, but the sending and receiving devices must briefly ping the internet to initiate a connection. Ditto also includes a digital signage component for your receiving devices, which requires an internet connection to refresh the signage.
In most cases, you will want or need an internet connection to fully achieve your wireless collaboration or content-sharing goals both at home and at work.
Lastly, some people use the term screen mirroring when using an HDMI cable to physically connect two devices. While that method would not require an internet connection, we do not consider a physical connection to be true screen mirroring. We view screen mirroring as a completely wireless process, and we wouldn’t wish the HDMI life on our worst enemy.
Is screen mirroring only possible with smart TVs?
No, screen mirroring is not limited to just smart TVs. It can be done on any screen that has either a built-in or external mirroring receiver.
You can mirror to smart or non-smart TVs, projectors, interactive whiteboards and other displays using Ditto. Simply connect a Ditto receiver to one of those devices. You’ll be able to screen mirror all of your phones, tablets and computers to those displays using Ditto.
Better yet, Ditto delivers a simple connection method for every device and collaboration-focused features that you do not get with basic, built-in Smart TV screen mirroring.
Create a Ditto account to get started.
Can I screen mirror to multiple devices at once?
Yes, you can screen mirror to multiple devices at once using Ditto. Simply use the multi-display screen mirroring feature in Ditto to mirror the screen of your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows, Chrome OS or Android device to multiple displays simultaneously.
In the Ditto Connect app, you’ll be able to see a list of your receivers. You can pick and choose which ones you want to share wirelessly to at the same time.
Note: You need to create a Ditto account to use Ditto and mirror multiple devices at once.
Can I screen mirror multiple devices to the same TV or display at once?
Yes, you can screen mirror multiple phones, tablets and/or computers to a single display simultaneously using Ditto.
Mirroring multiple devices to a single display is useful when you need to view real-time, side-by-side comparisons or multiple sources of content at once. This Ditto feature is often used during presentations and in collaborative settings like schools and businesses.
Ditto makes it easy to do this. Simply use the Ditto Connect app on each device to connect to your Ditto receiver. All of your devices will then appear on the same screen.
Note: You need to create a Ditto account to mirror multiple devices to the same TV with Ditto.
