Your iPhone is a paradise of fantastic mobile games that are not available on the Xbox. However, there are instances when the small screen can ruin your gaming experience. This can make you think, “Does the Xbox have AirPlay?” If it does, how do you AirPlay to the Xbox?
This article will discuss everything you need to know about connecting your Apple device to your gaming console.
Can You AirPlay to the Xbox?
No, you can’t AirPlay on the Xbox because it doesn’t support this feature. However, you can mirror your Apple device to the console to imitate the AirPlay functionality. Through screen mirroring, you can project your iPhone’s display to your Xbox monitor.
Xbox consoles can wirelessly connect to other devices on the same local network. Microsoft integrated the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) into its consoles, making this possible. However, if you own an iOS device, there is no native way to cast your display to non-iOS devices like your Xbox.
While the Xbox doesn’t have AirPlay, screen mirroring is an easy workaround for enlarging a small smartphone screen into a larger device.
Screen mirroring is different from casting. Mirroring duplicates your iPhone, iPad, or Mac’s screen. On the other hand, casting to the Xbox only lets you send specific content, such as a video or website.
Find out more about the iPhone’s AirPlay functionality on Apple Support.
How to AirPlay (Screen Mirror) to the Xbox
To screen mirror your Apple device to the Xbox, you need a third-party app that turns your Xbox into a screen mirroring receiver. Various apps are available online, but we will use AirServer Xbox Edition for this tutorial.
AirServer boasts of being a combined AirPlay, Miracast, and Google Cast application. This app allows you to mirror your iPhone at 720p and 1080p at 60 FPS.
Important! Your iPhone and Xbox should connect to the same Wi-Fi network for mirroring to work.
Here are the steps to screen mirror to the Xbox using AirServer:
Step 1: Download AirServer Xbox Edition on Your Xbox
The app has a 30-day free trial. After the trial, you must purchase the license key for $19.99 to continue using the app. The good thing about AirServer’s free trial is that it’s fully functional. It also doesn’t automatically charge once your trial ends.
Check out AirServer’s frequently asked questions (FAQs) on AirServer Support to know more about its free trial.
Step 2: Open & Set Up AirServer
Follow the on-screen instructions that will appear on your Xbox.
Step 3: Open Your iPhone’s “Control Center”
Step 4: Tap on “Screen Mirroring”
iPhone’s screen mirroring icon looks like two overlapping screens.
Step 5: Select Your Xbox from the List of Available Devices
Your iPhone’s display should mirror your Xbox once a connection is established.
Did you know you can also AirPlay on Chromebook? Find out how!
3 Alternatives to AirServer Xbox Edition
Apart from AirServer, there are other third-party apps that you can use to mirror your iPhone to the Xbox. These apps have different features, making them ideal for various purposes.
These are the alternatives to AirServer Xbox Edition:
- AirReceiver.
This app is for people looking for a cheaper alternative to AirServer. AirReceiver costs $2.99 on the Microsoft Store and is suitable for those who want to stream media content like images and videos to the Xbox. - Xbox App.
The Xbox app does not AirPlay or cast to the Xbox. Instead, it acts as a mobile console controller. The Xbox app allows you to play Xbox games on your iPhone, chat with other gamers, share game footage, and make purchases from the Xbox Store. - LetsView.
This is a free screen mirroring app for smartphones, PCs, tablets, and iPads. Like most mirroring apps, it lets you share files on a larger screen. However, it can also be a keyboard, mouse, and screen recorder for your Xbox.
Get iOS Apps on the Xbox Through Screen Mirroring
While you cannot natively AirPlay to the Xbox, screen mirroring allows you to display the content of your Apple device on a larger screen. If you want to play iOS games on your Xbox, you can use third-party apps like AirServer and AirReceiver.
Whatever your purpose for mirroring your smartphone is, choose an app suitable for your needs and demands.
