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UraeCurse's avatar
UraeCurse
Iron Contributor
Aug 11, 2025

How can I control iPhone from pc via usb or wifi?

I want to be able to view the iPhone screen, use the mouse and keyboard to control it, and maybe even transfer files or record the screen. This can be done easily on a Mac but it becomes much harder on a Windows PC.

I know QuickTime can be used for screen viewing, but it doesn't seem to allow full control. I'm wondering if there's any method, software, or workaround that lets me fully operate the iPhone from my Mac especially without jailbreaking if possible.

What tools or settings would you recommend to control iphone from pc via USB and for Wi-Fi connections? Are there any limitations I should be aware of?

 

6 Replies

  • Mazen_Amr's avatar
    Mazen_Amr
    Copper Contributor

    Hi.

    Have you tried using any desk, it is safe as it employs AES-256 encryption to ensure that all data transmitted during sessions remains secure. It is compatible by both MacOS and IOS

  • Alyvie89's avatar
    Alyvie89
    Iron Contributor

    Controlling iPhone from PC can be useful, but there are a few common mistakes you should avoid to ensure a smooth and secure experience:

    1. Avoid using third-party tools that are disreputable or lack proper security measures. They could compromise your device's security or cause it to malfunction.
    2. Be cautious with software that requires jailbreaking or rooting, as these can void your warranty and expose your device to security vulnerabilities. Ensure a secure connection, especially when using remote internet access.

    3. Use the latest versions of iOS and PC software to avoid compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities.
    When remotely controlling iPhone from PC, check app permissions and privacy settings to prevent unauthorized access to personal data.
    4. Only control your own devices or those you have explicit permission to access to avoid legal or ethical issues.
    5. Regularly monitor your connections and device behavior for suspicious activity or errors during a remote control session.

  • Mangown's avatar
    Mangown
    Iron Contributor

    You're correct that QuickTime Player on Mac allows screen viewing of an iPhone via USB, but it does not support full input or control iPhone from PC— only screen mirroring. Full control of an iPhone remotely, especially from a Windows PC or Mac, is limited due to Apple’s security policies. 

    Is full remote control of an iPhone possible without jailbreaking?

    Generally, no. Apple intentionally restricts remote control features to protect user security and privacy. The official ecosystem (like iOS, macOS, and Apple’s remote management tools) does not support full remote control of iPhones from PCs or other devices.

    Workarounds and options:

    How to control iPhone from PC? Jailbreaking an iPhone opens up more possibilities for control and customization that are not available on stock devices. However, jailbreaking also comes with significant risks, including voiding your warranty, security vulnerabilities, and potential instability. 

    Limitations & Risks

    • Stability & Security: Jailbreaking can introduce vulnerabilities.
    • Compatibility: Not all remote control tools work well or at all.
    • Legal & Warranty Risks: Jailbreaking voids Apple’s warranty and may violate terms of service.
    • Complex Setup: Requires technical knowledge and careful configuration.
  • BuHop11's avatar
    BuHop11
    Iron Contributor

    QuickTime is not recommended for controlling iPhone from a PC because it only supports screen mirroring, not full device control. Even when used through a macOS environment, QuickTime lets you view your iPhone’s display and record it, but you cannot use your PC's mouse or keyboard to interact with the phone. This means actions like tapping apps, typing messages, or navigating menus must still be done directly on the iPhone, making it unsuitable for anyone who needs true remote operation.

    Additionally, QuickTime is a macOS-only application, so PC users would need to go through the extra hassle of setting up a macOS virtual machine to control iphone from pc via usb. Running macOS in a VM on Windows can be time-consuming, requires technical knowledge, and may lead to performance issues or lag. 

    Given these limitations, QuickTime is more of a basic screen-viewing tool rather than a practical solution for controlling an iPhone from a PC.

  • Here are two free ways you can control an iPhone from a PC — though with iOS, “control” usually means viewing the screen and interacting indirectly, because Apple heavily restricts remote control without jailbreaking.

    ApowerMirror (Free Version)

    ApowerMirror offers a free plan for screen mirroring over USB or Wi-Fi.

    Install ApowerMirror on your PC and the companion app on your iPhone. After that, you can control iphone from Windows PC for free.

    For USB:

    1. Connect your iPhone to the PC with a cable.
    2. Enable “Trust This Computer” on your iPhone.
    3. Select your device in ApowerMirror to start mirroring.

    For Wi-Fi:

    1. Make sure both devices are on the same network.
    2. Use AirPlay to connect to the PC’s ApowerMirror service.

    The free plan has a watermark, but it works for basic mirroring and limited control features.

    Vysor (Free for Basic Mirroring)
    Vysor is mainly for Android, but it also supports iOS remote controlling iphone from pc over Wi-Fi.

    1. Install Vysor on your PC, open it, and select “iOS Device” from the menu.
    2. On your iPhone, use AirPlay to cast your screen to the Vysor receiver.
    3. Free tier allows unlimited mirroring sessions but no direct click/touch control.
  • VoluntPerry's avatar
    VoluntPerry
    Iron Contributor

    QuickTime Player on macOS can mirror your iPhone’s screen via USB with zero lag and no watermark completely free.

    Since QuickTime is Mac-only, the trick for PC users is to run macOS in a virtual machine (VM) like VMware Workstation, and then use QuickTime inside that VM. This will allow you to plug your iPhone into your PC and view the screen in real time.

    How to control iphone from pc free

    Step 1: Set up a macOS Virtual Machine on Your PC. Please install VMware Workstation on your PC. Create a new VM and configure it with enough RAM (at least 4 GB) and storage (30 GB+).

    Step 2: QuickTime comes pre-installed with macOS, so no extra download is needed. Just open the Applications folder to find it.

    Step 3: Pass the iPhone's USB connection through to the VM. On the iPhone, tap Trust This Computer when prompted.

    Step 4: In QuickTime, go to File > New Movie Recording. Click the dropdown arrow next to the record button and select your iPhone as the Camera and Microphone source. Your iPhone screen will appear instantly.

    Let me know if you need more help on remote control iphone from pc with usb.

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