Unable to control iphone from mac via iphone mirroring app

The native iPhone Mirroring feature in macOS Sequoia and iOS 18 is supposed to let you control your iPhone from your Mac wirelessly, but connection issues are very common. Since you're already on the required OS versions (macOS Sequoia 15+ and iOS 18+), the issue is likely a setting or glitch. Try these fixes in order if you are searching for how to control iPhone from Mac:

Fix 1: The "Locked iPhone" Trick

The iPhone must remain locked for mirroring to work. If you unlock it, the connection drops immediately . After restarting your iPhone:

• Unlock it once after the reboot completes
• Then lock it again with the side button
• Now try connecting from your Mac without unlocking the iPhone again

Fix 2: Enable "Rotating Private WiFi Address" on Both Devices

This is a surprisingly common hidden fix:

• On iPhone: Settings > Wi-Fi > tap your network > turn on Rotating Private WiFi Address
• On Mac: System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details > turn on Rotating Private WiFi Address

Fix 3: Disable VPN and Check Firewall

• VPNs block the local network discovery that iPhone Mirroring requires . Disable any VPN on both devices. Also check Mac Firewall isn't set to "block all incoming connections".

Fix 4: Reset iPhone Mirroring Connection

• On your Mac, open the iPhone Mirroring app > click iPhone Mirroring in the menu bar > Settings > Revoke Access to [Your iPhone] . Then set up the connection again from scratch.

How to control iPhone from Mac: Switch Control is designed for users with physical disabilities, but it essentially allows you to use your Mac's keyboard to control your iPhone's interface. You can navigate, launch apps, type, and interact with your iPhone—all without touching the phone .