How to Set Up a Presentation Using Your iPhone or iPad

How to give presentations from your iPhone or iPad

Bring your mobile presentation to life by connecting your iOS device to an external display. Several technologies can power mobile presentations on a larger screen, including AirPlay, which allows streaming and screen mirroring.

We’ll explain how sending your presentation to an external display works for the most common devices you’ll encounter.

1. Send an iOS presentation to an Apple TV.

Mirroring your presentation from an iPad or iPhone to an Apple TV is straightforward. Here’s how it works:

1. Power on your Apple TV. Make sure it’s on the same Wi-Fi network as your iOS device.
2. On your iOS device, load the presentation or content you want to share to the Apple TV.
3. Tap the AirPlay icon. (It looks like a rectangular screen with a triangle at the bottom.)
4. Choose your Apple TV.
5. Your content will begin. To stop streaming, tap the AirPlay icon in the app you’re streaming from.

2. Send an iOS presentation to a smart TV.

If you have an internet-enabled smart TV, you have a few options, depending on your TV model.

AirPlay 2-compatible smart TVs

If you have an AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV, such as select Samsung models, LG TVs and Roku TVs, the process is nearly the same as using AirPlay with an Apple TV:

1. On your AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV, go to Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings and enable AirPlay.
2. On your iOS device, load the presentation or content you want to share to the Apple TV.
3. Tap the AirPlay icon.
4. Select your AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV.
5. Play your presentation or content.

Smart TVs that aren’t AirPlay 2-compatible

If your internet-connected smart TV isn’t AirPlay compatible, consider a third-party mirroring app like AllCast. AllCast is an iOS app that wirelessly streams your phone’s content to an external monitor. Here’s how it works:

1. Download AllCast from the App Store on your iOS device.
2. Launch AllCast and tap the broadcast icon. It will find compatible devices on your network.
3. Select your smart TV.
4. Play your presentation or content.

AllCast is also compatible with Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV devices, Apple TV, Microsoft Xbox consoles, and smart TVs from Samsung, Sony, Panasonic and more. While AllCast is free to download and use, in-app purchases allow you to remove ads and unlock features.

3. Send an iOS presentation to a Mac.

If you want to send your iOS presentation to a larger Mac, the process is simple.

1. Make sure your iOS device and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On your iOS device, open the Control Center.
3. Tap Screen Mirroring.
4. Select your Mac.
5. You may see an AirPlay passcode on your Mac screen. If so, enter the code on your iOS device.

4. Send an iOS presentation to a non-smart TV or projector.

Working with an old-school TV or a projector that doesn’t connect to the internet? Not a problem. Use a connector or adapter to achieve the same effect as mirroring.

Connect to a monitor with an adapter.

If you have access to a monitor and you don’t want to connect wirelessly, opt for an old-fashioned cable adapter. Apple sells a Lightning digital AV adapter with an additional power port (so you can charge your iPhone or iPad while you present from it).

At $49, Apple’s adapter is pricey for a one-off presentation, but if you travel a lot, the purchase could be worthwhile. Using Wi-Fi across various venues can be a gamble. If you’re presenting to clients, you may not want to roll the dice.

Connect to a projector with an adapter.

Many modern projectors have proprietary apps to connect to wirelessly from mobile devices, but they vary drastically in quality, availability and compatibility. If you want to be certain of your ability to connect to a specific projector, an adapter is an excellent option.

Newer projectors typically have HDMI and VGA ports. If you have a choice, opt for an HDMI adapter because it’ll be more versatile. If you need to connect to an older projector, you will probably have to connect using a VGA adapter; Apple sells one (also priced at $49) with an added charging port, so you don’t run out of juice.

FAQs about sending an iOS presentation to an external display

If you’re having trouble connecting your iPad or iPhone to a monitor or have other questions about creating a great presentation, you’ll find commonly asked questions below.

What is screen mirroring?

Screen mirroring is the process of displaying the contents of a device like an iPad or iPhone on another device, such as a television, external monitor or projector. Screen mirroring is sometimes confused with screencasting, which is the process of recording everything happening on your screen.

Why do people use screen mirroring?

Screen mirroring is helpful anytime you want to share small-screen content on a big screen. People use screen mirroring in both personal and professional settings, including watching entertainment and running through presentations.

Can you screen mirror without Wi-Fi?

The only way to screen mirror without Wi-Fi is to use a cable connection or adapter. Screen mirroring apps won’t work if you can’t access Wi-Fi. In fact, if you’re using a screen mirroring app, the device you’re mirroring from and the device you’re mirroring to have to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

One significant benefit of buying an HDMI adapter is that you no longer need to worry about Wi-Fi access when mirroring – you can plug in the cord and get started.

What are the best iPad apps for creating presentations?

There are many excellent presentation tools for all platforms. Keynote is Apple’s answer to PowerPoint, and it’s a go-to among professionals who use Apple devices because it’s a free download from the App Store. You can also use PowerPoint on Apple devices via the PowerPoint mobile app. If you want to try something different, Google Slides is the current black horse in the presentation software arena, and it’s also available through Apple’s App Store.

Do I need an adapter to connect my iPad to my TV?

If you have Apple mobile devices and want to share content with a broader audience, an adapter is an excellent option. An adapter’s main advantage is allowing you to connect to nearly any external monitor. Adapters are helpful for people who want to mirror to an older TV or monitor without internet connectivity, as well as anyone who frequently hosts presentations in places without open Wi-Fi networks or smart monitors.

Can you screen mirror with an Android device?

Yes. Android and iOS both support business uses, such as screen mirroring for presentations. You can mirror your Android, PC or Google device on an external screen or projector with a built-in app, Bluetooth, a third-party app or an HDMI adapter. If you go down the app and Bluetooth route, ensure that your mobile device and the external monitor are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Mona Bushnell contributed to the writing and research in this article.