How To Mirror Your Display in macOS

Often times, I find myself looking to watch something on my MacBook Pro, but on a larger display. This is when I use a trick called display mirroring -- which can be done via both software and hardware -- that saves the day.

How to Mirror Your Mac Display with a Wire

If you have a cable that's compatible with your Mac that connects to your TV or monitor, you can also mirror your display the old fashioned way, by chaining them together. We tested this on a Late 2013 MacBook Pro running the latest version of macOS Sierra, but it should work similarly on older machines.

1. Click the Apple logo in the top left corner.

2. Select System Preferences.

3. Select Displays.

4. Click Arrangement.

5. Click Mirror Displays.

You've mirrored your display using a cable!

Mirror via Air Play

The most convenient, wireless method for Display Mirroring uses Apple's AirPlay technology, though it requires you own a compatible device, such as an Apple TV. We tested this on a Late 2013 MacBook Pro with a 4th Gen Apple TV, but it works similarly on other models.

If you're using the 2010 Apple TV 2 or the 2012 Apple TV 3, your Apple TV and your Mac need to be on the same WiFi network, but you can use devices on differing networks as long as the Mac is from 2012 or later and your Apple TV is either 2013's Apple TV 3 rev A or 2015's Siri-enabled Apple TV 4.

1. Click the Apple logo in the top left corner.

2. Select System Preferences.