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At times, it may be necessary to mirror your Android phone’s screen on your MacBook Pro. Maybe you want to view your photos or videos on a larger screen, or you want to record a demonstration of how to use a particular app. Irrespective of your reasons, the process of mirroring your Android phone’s display on a MacBook Pro is straightforward. This article explores some methods that you can use to mirror your Android phone’s display on your MacBook Pro.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before you embark on this task, you need to ensure that you have the following requirements:
• An Android phone running Android 5.0 or later.
• A MacBook Pro running macOS 10.14 or later.
• A reliable Wi-Fi network connection.
What Requires Your Focus?
Before proceeding to the mirroring process, you need to ensure that the following factors are in order:
• Both your Android phone and MacBook Pro should be connected to the same wireless network.
• Your MacBook Pro should have QuickTime Player installed.
• Developer options should be enabled on your Android phone.
Method 1: Using AirDroid
AirDroid is an app that allows you to access and manage your Android phone from your computer. It allows you to perform numerous tasks such as transferring files, texting, and making phone calls, among others. Follow the steps below to mirror your Android phone’s display using AirDroid:
1. Download and install AirDroid on your Android phone and create an account.
2. Connect to the same Wi-Fi network on both your Android phone and MacBook Pro.
3. Launch the AirDroid app on your Android phone, sign in, and tap the "AirMirror" feature.
4. Tap the "Start Now" button, and the app will provide you with a code.
5. On your MacBook Pro, open a web browser and go to the AirDroid web page.
6. Input the code provided by the app and tap the "Connect" button. You will now be able to see and control your Android phone from your MacBook Pro.
Pros:
• Allows you to control your Android phone from your MacBook Pro.
• Does not require any cables.
• Free to download.
Cons:
• The app may be slow at times.
• Requires a high-speed internet connection.
• The free version has limited features.
Method 2: Using Reflector 3
Reflector 3 is an app that enables you to mirror your Android phone’s screen on your MacBook Pro. It allows you to record and stream your phone’s screen on your MacBook Pro. Follow the steps below to mirror your Android phone’s display using Reflector 3:
1. Download and install Reflector 3 on your MacBook Pro.
2. Turn on your Android phone’s developer options by tapping on "Settings," "About phone," and tapping "Build number" seven times.
3. After enabling developer options, go to "Settings," "Developer options," and tap "USB debugging".
4. Connect your Android phone to your MacBook Pro via a USB cable.
5. Tap "Charge this device" on your Android phone and select "Transfer files."
6. Your MacBook Pro will prompt you to install some drivers. Follow the installation instructions.
7. After installation, launch Reflector 3 on your MacBook Pro, and it will automatically detect your Android phone.
Pros:
• Provides high-quality display resolution.
• Can record and stream your phone’s screen on your MacBook Pro.
• Easy to install and use.
Cons:
• Requires a USB cable to connect your Android phone to your MacBook Pro.
• The app is not free.
• Limited trial version.
Method 3: Using Google Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is a free Google Chrome extension that allows you to access and control your Android phone from your MacBook Pro. Follow the steps below to mirror your Android phone’s display using Chrome Remote Desktop:
1. Download and install Google Chrome on your MacBook Pro if you have not already.
2. Install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension from the Chrome Web Store.
3. Launch the extension, and it will guide you on how to download the Chrome Remote Desktop Host Installer.
4. After installation, launch the app on your Android phone and grant it the necessary permissions.
5. Launch Chrome on your MacBook Pro and click "Get started" to connect to another device.
6. You will be prompted to authorize Chrome Remote Desktop to use your Google account.
7. Enter the PIN displayed on your Android phone to start mirroring.
Pros:
• Free to download and use.
• Easy to install and set up.
• Can remotely access and control your Android phone from your MacBook Pro.
Cons:
• Requires a reliable internet connection.
• The mirroring process may lag at times.
• Requires a Google account to use.
Why Can’t I Mirror My Android Phone to My MacBook Pro?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to mirror your Android phone’s display on your MacBook Pro. Some common reasons include:
1. The Wi-Fi network is not reliable or stable.
2. The QuickTime Player on your MacBook Pro may be outdated.
3. Your Android phone may not have developer options enabled.
4. You may be running an outdated version of Mojave on your MacBook Pro.
If you experience any of these issues, you can try the following fixes:
1. Ensure that your MacBook Pro and Android phone are connected to a reliable and stable Wi-Fi network.
2. Update QuickTime Player on your MacBook Pro to the latest version.
3. Enable developer options on your Android phone.
4. Update Mojave to the latest version on your MacBook Pro.
Implications and Recommendations
Mirroring your Android phone’s display on your MacBook Pro can help you to accomplish several tasks easily. For instance, you can view and edit your photos and videos on a larger screen or carry out a demonstration of an app. You can choose any of the above methods to mirror your Android phone’s display on your MacBook Pro, depending on your preference and requirements. Ensure that you follow the instructions carefully and have all the requirements in place. Additionally, keep in mind the pros and cons of each method when making your choice.
FAQs
Q: Does mirroring my Android phone to my MacBook Pro consume a lot of data?
A: It depends on the app or method that you use. Some methods like AirDroid and Chrome Remote Desktop may consume more data than Reflector 3.
Q: Can I use a cable to mirror my Android phone to my MacBook Pro?
A: Yes. You can use a USB cable to connect your Android phone to your MacBook Pro and mirror the phone’s screen using Reflector 3.
Q: Do I need to download any apps on my MacBook Pro to mirror my Android phone’s display?
A: Yes. Depending on the method that you choose, you need to download and install an app like Reflector 3 or Chrome Remote Desktop on your MacBook Pro.
Q: Can I mirror my Android phone’s display on a Windows PC?
A: Yes. There are several methods that you can use to mirror your Android phone’s display on a Windows PC, including using the Reflector 3 app.
Q: Can I record my Android phone’s screen while mirroring it on my MacBook Pro?
A: Yes. If you use an app like Reflector 3, you can record your Android phone’s screen while mirroring it on your MacBook Pro.
In Conclusion
Mirroring your Android phone’s display on your MacBook Pro can help you to accomplish several tasks easily, and it’s a simple and straightforward process. You can choose any of the above methods depending on your preference and requirements. Ensure that you follow the instructions carefully and have all the requirements in place. Additionally, keep in mind the pros and cons of each method when making your choice.