Using your iPhone as a projector is an easy and convenient way to share photos, videos, and presentations on a larger screen. With just a few accessories, you can turn your iPhone into a portable projection device. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use your iPhone as a projector.
What You Need
To use your iPhone as a projector, you will need:
- An iPhone or iPad
- A projector adapter
- An HDMI cable
- A projector or TV with HDMI input
Projector Adapter for iPhone
The key accessory you will need is a projector adapter made specifically for iPhones and iPads. These adapters connect to the charging port on your iOS device and have an HDMI connector that plugs into a projector or TV. Some popular options are:
- Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter – Made by Apple, connects Lightning iPhones and iPads to HDMI displays. Supports mirroring and video out.
- Anker Lightning to HDMI Adapter – Budget-friendly adapter that supports video mirroring. Has headphone jack and charging port.
- Belkin Lightning to HDMI Adapter – Supports 1080p HD mirroring and stereo audio output.
HDMI Cable
You will also need an HDMI cable to connect the projector adapter to the TV or projector. Make sure you get one that is long enough to reach from your iPhone to the display device. High-speed HDMI cables provide better video and audio quality.
Connecting Your iPhone to a Display
Once you have the required accessories, connecting your iPhone to a projector or TV is simple:
- Connect the projector adapter to your iPhone – Plug the Lightning or 30-pin end of the adapter into the charging port on your iPhone or iPad. Make sure it is fully inserted.
- Connect the HDMI cable – Take your HDMI cable and plug one end into the HDMI port on the adapter. Plug the other end into the HDMI input port on your display device.
- Connect power – If your adapter requires external power, plug it into a power source using the USB charging cable. Some adapters get power through the iOS device.
- Turn on display device – Power on the projector, TV or external display you want to mirror your iPhone to. Select the correct HDMI input if prompted.
- Enable video mirroring – On your iPhone or iPad, open Control Center and tap the Screen Mirroring icon. This will enable video out to the connected display device.
Your iPhone screen should now be mirrored on the display. You can also find the Screen Mirroring option in Settings > General on your iOS device.
Displaying Photos and Videos
One of the best uses for your iPhone as a projector is showing photos and videos on a larger screen. Here are some tips:
- Open the Photos app and select a photo or video to display it full screen on the connected projector or TV.
- Create a slideshow of photos to display a whole album. Tap the Share icon in Photos and select Slideshow.
- Play a video and use AirPlay to show it on the bigger display. Videos will play in full quality.
- For the best quality, connect your iPhone to the projector before opening Photos. This ensures it outputs at the optimum resolution.
- Use the iOS zoom gestures to magnify photos and videos when showing them on the projected display.
Showing Presentations and Documents
You can also use your iPhone as a projector for business presentations, documents, PDFs, and other on-screen content:
Mirror Your Screen
- With Screen Mirroring enabled, anything shown on your iPhone display will be projected on the connected screen.
- Open your presentation slides, documents, or on-screen content and it will be displayed through the projector.
- Use your iPhone as a teleprompter to read notes and cues off the projected screen behind your audience.
AirPlay Screen Sharing
- Open the document, slides, or app you want to present on your iPhone.
- Swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center and select Screen Mirroring.
- Choose the connected projector or TV from the list. Your iPhone screen will now be shared.
- Use the Siri remote or iOS device to control the presentation and change slides or screens.
Projecting a Keynote Presentation
Keynote for iOS makes it easy to connect your iPhone and present slides on a projector:
- With your iPhone connected, open Keynote and select the presentation to display.
- Tap the Play button on the floating toolbar to begin the slideshow.
- Tap left or right to change between slides. The presentation will be displayed through the projector.
- Use the pen tools in Keynote on your iPhone to highlight and annotate slides as you present.
- Add builds, transitions, and cinematic effects to enhance your projected presentation.
- Connect to the projector before opening Keynote to ensure maximum resolution for the presentation.
Tips for Projecting from iPhone
Here are some additional tips for getting the best results when using your iPhone as a projector:
- Position the projector in front of the screen or wall you want to display on. Face your iPhone toward the projector lens.
- Dim the lights in the projection room to get a clearer picture. Close windows or curtains if ambient light washes out the projected image.
- Place your iPhone on a tripod or flat surface to keep it stable and steady while projecting.
- Adjust the focus and zoom settings on the projector to optimize the projected iPhone screen.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb mode on your iPhone so you don’t get notifications popping up during your presentation.
- Make sure your iPhone is sufficiently charged or plugged into a power source. Projecting video will drain the battery faster.
- For best video quality, connect your iPhone while it is already mirroring the desired content instead of opening apps after connecting.
Alternative Projector Options
If you don’t have a projector adapter, there are a few other options for projecting your iPhone screen:
- Apple TV – You can AirPlay mirror your iPhone display to an Apple TV connected to a projector or TV. Useful for showing photos, slideshows, videos, and documents.
- Chromecast – Cast your iPhone screen to a Chromecast dongle plugged into a projector or monitor. Mirrors anything on your iOS display.
- Wireless projector – Projectors with built-in wireless casting let you mirror your iPhone over WiFi without cables. Look for the Screen Mirroring logo.
- Mac computer – Use QuickTime Player on a Mac to reflect your iPhone to an external display connected to the computer.
Conclusion
Turning your iPhone into a portable projector is simple with the right accessories. A projector adapter connects your iOS device to a display using HDMI for big-screen mirroring. You can project presentations, documents, photos, videos, and more. With just a few affordable adapters, connectors, and cables, you can use AirPlay, Keynote, and other apps to display content from your iPhone on any projector or TV for work or entertainment.