Open the iPhone Mirroring app on the Mac with the iPhone locked and nearby. Use the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication on both devices, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and stop any active AirPlay, Sidecar or Internet Sharing session on the Mac.
01Check compatibility before changing settings
Section linkThe Mac needs Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip and macOS Sequoia 15 or later. The iPhone needs iOS 18 or later and a passcode. Apple lists the feature as unavailable in the European Union. Use one Mac and one iPhone at a time. Open iPhone Mirroring from Applications or Spotlight. If the app asks you to unlock the phone during setup, enter the passcode on the iPhone, then lock it again to connect.
02Retry with the devices side by side
Section linkTurn on Handoff on both devices and follow any prompt in the Mac app. If you’re streaming to another device, pause the stream for the test. The connection works when the iPhone screen appears and you can open an app from the Mac. Unlocking the iPhone during mirroring stops the session. If it still times out, install available system updates and restart both devices.
03Set up the connection again if it keeps timing out
Section linkOpen the iPhone Mirroring app on the Mac and choose Settings from its menu. Use Revoke iPhone Access for the intended phone, then connect again. This resets mirroring setup and removes that phone’s notification permission on the Mac. On a managed device, ask the administrator about VPN or security settings if the connection still fails.