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