Like most professionals, educators often need to project images or videos onto a display of some kind.

Whether it’s just a wall, the whiteboard at the front of the classroom, or even an actual screen, students often need to see what’s on a mobile device. This will most often be a laptop, but some teachers still use iPads and smartphones do create or stream the images and/or video.

Below are five ways to project an iPad screen in your classroom–or at home. Or an office.

You get it.

Five Ways To Project An iPad to a Screen

1. AirPlay to a Mac or Apple TV

Best for: Wire-free projection

Steps: Swipe down > Screen Mirroring > Select device

Pros: Built-in, no apps required, reliable with Wi-Fi

Cons: Requires compatible hardware

2. USB-C or HDMI Direct Connection

Best for: High-res, low-latency display

What you need: USB-C to HDMI adapter or USB-C display

Pros: No lag, no Wi-Fi issues

Cons: Not wireless; requires cable

3. QuickTime Player on Mac (Wired Mirroring)

Best for: Recording or live demo with narration

Steps: Connect iPad to Mac > Open QuickTime > File > New Movie Recording > Select iPad as camera

Pros: Free, supports recording

Cons: Wired only

4. Third-Party Tools (Reflector, AirServer, etc.)

Best for: Windows users or advanced features

Pros: Can mirror multiple devices, annotate, record

Cons: Some are paid; may require setup

5. Video Conferencing Apps (Zoom, Meet, Teams)

Best for: Hybrid or remote teaching

Steps: Join call from iPad > Share screen

Pros: Built-in in most platforms now

Cons: Dependent on platform quality