You can, but not the way almost everyone tries first. Sidecar, the Apple feature that turns another device into a Mac screen, only works with iPads. To use an iPhone, you need an app installed on both sides: one on the Mac that sends the image, and one on the iPhone that receives it.
This guide explains why Sidecar is left out, which two methods work, cable and Wi-Fi, and the step-by-step process from installation until the Mac screen appears on your iPhone.
Why Sidecar doesn't solve it
The official list of devices compatible with Sidecar includes the iPad Pro, iPad 6th generation and later, iPad mini 5th generation and later, and iPad Air 3rd generation and later. No iPhone appears on it, in any version of macOS. There is no hidden setting to unlock this feature for the iPhone.
Even for those who have an iPad, Sidecar requires the same Apple Account on both devices, with two-factor authentication, and a Mac from 2016 or later. If you have an iPad and Sidecar isn't showing up, check the seven most common causes. If your case involves an iPhone, a company Mac, or an old Mac, see the three cases where Sidecar is not an option.
What works today: cable or Wi-Fi
Without Sidecar, the path is a third-party app. It captures the Mac's screen and sends it to the iPhone, which can duplicate the same image (mirror) or act as an additional workspace where you can drag windows (extend). The image arrives via one of these two means.
Via USB cable
This is the most stable method. The image does not travel through the network, so it doesn't suffer from congested Wi-Fi, walls in the way, or a distant router. A standard data cable, like the one that comes with your iPhone, works fine. It works well for those who always work at the same desk.
Via Wi-Fi
It leaves the iPhone free on your desk, in a stand, or next to your keyboard, with no wires hanging. Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, but you don't need the internet: the image goes directly from the Mac to the iPhone over the local network.
| USB Cable | Wi-Fi | |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Highest | Depends on the network |
| Requires network | No | Same local network, no internet |
| iPhone position | As far as the cable reaches | Free |
| WiPhoneMonitor edition | Basic, Advanced, and Professional | Advanced and Professional |
In WiPhoneMonitor, the Basic edition transmits via cable. The Advanced and Professional editions also transmit via Wi-Fi, with AES-256-GCM encryption and automatic reconnection if the network fluctuates. See the three editions and what each one includes.
There are other paid apps that do the same job. If you are comparing, see what each one costs in Brazil, based on a five-year account.
Step-by-step with WiPhoneMonitor
- Check the requirements. The Mac needs macOS 14 or later, and the iPhone needs iOS 17.6 or later. On the Mac, the version appears in the Apple menu, About This Mac. On the iPhone, go to Settings, General, About.
- Request your trial key. Fill out the free trial form. It’s for 7 days, no credit card required, and the key arrives via email in a few moments.
- Install the Mac app. Download the installer from the website homepage and drag WiPhoneMonitor to your Applications folder.
- Allow the two macOS permissions. The first time you open the app, macOS asks for two permissions, in System Settings, Privacy & Security. Screen Recording lets the app capture the Mac's image to send it to the iPhone. Accessibility lets you control the Mac's cursor by touching the iPhone screen. Turn WiPhoneMonitor on in both and, if macOS asks, quit and reopen the app.
- Install the iPhone app. It is free on the App Store. The license is activated only on the Mac, so you pay nothing on the iPhone.
- Activate the key. In the Mac app, open the settings, go to License, and paste the key that arrived by email.
- Connect the two. Via cable, connect the iPhone to the Mac. Via Wi-Fi, make sure both are on the same network. Then, open the app on the iPhone.
- Choose mirror or extend. To repeat the Mac screen, mirror it. To gain space and drag windows to the iPhone, extend it.
7-day free trial
No credit card required. The key arrives by email in a few moments. See the three editions and two plans.
Common issues and what to do
The iPhone doesn't appear via Wi-Fi
It’s almost always the network. Check if the Mac and iPhone are on the exact same network, rather than one on the main Wi-Fi and the other on a guest network. Company, hotel, and guest networks usually isolate devices from each other, in which case the wireless connection won't happen. Test via cable to confirm that everything else is working.
Nothing happens with the cable
Unlock the iPhone with the cable already connected, and when a prompt appears asking if you trust this computer, tap Trust. If nothing appears, change the cable: some cheap cables only charge and do not transmit data.
The Mac screen doesn't appear on the iPhone, or touch doesn't move the cursor
It's a permission issue. Open System Settings, Privacy & Security, and check that WiPhoneMonitor is turned on under Screen Recording, which enables the image, and under Accessibility, which enables cursor control by touch. After turning them on, quit and reopen the Mac app.
Transmission doesn't start
Without an active key, the transmit button is disabled in any edition. Check if the key was pasted into License in the Mac app and if the trial period or annual plan is still valid.
The image freezes or lags on Wi-Fi
Move the devices closer to the router, prefer the 5 GHz network if your router has both, or switch to the cable. In the Professional edition, quality adjusts automatically according to the network, and the built-in benchmark measures the connection to choose the best setting.
If your problem is with Sidecar on iPad, and not with the iPhone, the correct guide is this one: Sidecar doesn't appear on Mac: how to fix it.
iPhone or iPad: what fits on each screen
The iPhone screen is too small to work on all day, but large enough to move anything that just needs to be visible off the main screen: Slack or WhatsApp conversations, a music player, Activity Monitor, documentation for a function, or a color/tool palette. An iPad has enough room for an entire workspace window.
The same app works on both, and the license does not limit how many iPhones and iPads you connect to the Mac. For those who use the second screen all day, with small text and movement on the screen, the Professional edition transmits in Retina at 60 frames per second. If you edit video, see how to set up the second screen in Final Cut, Premiere and DaVinci.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my iPhone as a second Mac monitor for free?
With Apple's native feature, no: Sidecar only accepts iPads. With WiPhoneMonitor, you can use it for 7 days without paying and without a credit card. After that, the Basic edition costs R$ 99.90 per year or R$ 199.90 for the lifetime plan.
Do I need internet to use an iPhone as a Mac screen?
No. Via cable, the image doesn't go through any network. Via Wi-Fi, both devices need to be on the same local network, but the image goes directly from the Mac to the iPhone without going through the internet.
Do I need the same Apple Account on the Mac and iPhone?
No. WiPhoneMonitor does not require a login for Apple, Google, or Microsoft Accounts. This allows you to use a company Mac with a managed account and your personal iPhone.
Does it work with any iPhone?
It works with iPhones running iOS 17.6 or later, which includes the iPhone XR, XS, and all models released after them. The Mac needs macOS 14 or later.
Can I connect more than one iPhone or iPad?
Yes. The license limits the number of Macs (1 for Basic, 2 for Advanced, and 3 for Professional), but does not limit how many iPhones and iPads you connect to them.