Mirror Your iPhone/iPad Screen on Ubuntu with UxPlay
A Comprehensive Guide
August 2024
PC Boss
Why Use UxPlay for Screen Mirroring?
UxPlay is an excellent tool for Ubuntu users who want to mirror their iPhone or iPad screens. It supports hardware-accelerated H.264 decoders for faster media transcoding and better performance. Additionally, it integrates with GStreamer plugins to facilitate high-quality and smooth audio-video rendering, making it a reliable option for screen mirroring on Ubuntu.
Prerequisites
Before diving into the installation and setup process, ensure you meet the following requirements:
Ubuntu System with Wi-Fi: Make sure your Ubuntu system is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
iPhone or iPad with iOS 7 or Later: Your Apple device should be running iOS 7 or a later version.
Same Wi-Fi Network: Both your Ubuntu system and Apple device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing and Using UxPlay
Update and Upgrade Your System
Before installing UxPlay, update the apt package list and upgrade existing packages to ensure your system is up to date. Open your terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Install UxPlay
Next, install UxPlay using the following command:
sudo apt install uxplay -y
Install GStreamer Plugins for Enhanced Performance
To optimize performance, especially for media transcoding, install the necessary GStreamer plugins:
sudo apt install gstreamer1.0-plugins-good gstreamer1.0-plugins-bad gstreamer1.0-libav -y
These plugins work alongside UxPlay to ensure high-quality audio-video rendering.
Launch UxPlay on Ubuntu
Now that UxPlay is installed, you can launch it by executing the following command in your terminal:
uxplay
Mirror Your iPhone/iPad Screen
On your iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner to open the Control Center. Tap on the Screen Mirroring icon, and select UxPlay from the list. Your device’s screen should now be visible on your Ubuntu desktop.
Note: UxPlay only mirrors your screen; you cannot interact with your iPhone/iPad through your Ubuntu desktop.
Adjust Screen Resolution
If you want to change the screen resolution, you can do so by using the -s option. For example, to set the resolution to 1440x900, run:
uxplay -s 1440x900
Use Audio-Only Mode
To stream only the audio, use the -async option, which utilizes Apple’s Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) for the best possible audio quality:
uxplay -async
Rotate the Screen
You can rotate the mirrored screen by using the -r L or -r R options for left or right rotation, respectively:
uxplay -r L
Limitations of UxPlay
While UxPlay is a powerful tool, it does come with some limitations:
No Support for DRM-Protected Content: You cannot mirror content from DRM-protected applications like Apple TV, Netflix, or Amazon Prime.
No AirPlay2 Support: UxPlay does not support AirPlay2 video streaming, so you cannot cast content directly from apps that use this protocol.
Future Compatibility Risks: Although UxPlay works with the current AirPlay mirroring protocol, Apple may discontinue this protocol in future updates, potentially rendering UxPlay obsolete.
Top 10 Q/A
What is UxPlay?
UxPlay is an open-source utility that allows you to mirror your iPhone or iPad screen on an Ubuntu desktop.
Is UxPlay free to use?
Yes, UxPlay is completely free and open-source.
Can I interact with my iPhone/iPad on the Ubuntu screen?
No, UxPlay only supports screen mirroring; interaction with the device is not possible through the Ubuntu desktop.
Does UxPlay support audio streaming?
Yes, UxPlay supports audio-only streaming using the -async option.
Can I mirror DRM-protected content like Netflix or Apple TV?
No, UxPlay cannot decrypt DRM-protected content, so such applications are not supported.
What is required to use UxPlay?
You need an Ubuntu system, an iPhone/iPad with iOS 7 or later, and both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Does UxPlay support AirPlay2?
No, UxPlay does not support AirPlay2 video streaming.
Can I adjust the resolution of the mirrored screen?
Yes, you can adjust the resolution using the -s option.
How do I rotate the screen in UxPlay?
Use the -r L or -r R options to rotate the screen left or right.
Is there any latency when mirroring the screen?
Some latency, especially in audio, is expected due to the limitations of the iOS system.
BOSS LEVEL TIP: Future-Proofing Your Screen Mirroring Setup
To ensure your screen mirroring setup remains functional even if Apple makes changes to AirPlay, consider the following proactive steps:
Regularly Update UxPlay: Stay updated with the latest versions of UxPlay to benefit from ongoing improvements and bug fixes.
Explore Alternative Tools: Keep an eye out for alternative screen mirroring tools that might emerge, offering better compatibility or new features.
Test Compatibility with New iOS Versions: Before updating your iPhone or iPad to a new iOS version, check for any reported issues with UxPlay in online communities or forums. This can help you avoid compatibility issues.
Screen mirroring is a valuable feature that allows you to display your mobile device’s screen on a larger screen, making it easier to present, troubleshoot, play games, or enjoy media. While Android users have several options for mirroring their screens on Ubuntu, Apple users have fewer choices. However, with UxPlay, an open-source utility based on Apple’s AirPlay technology, you can easily mirror your iPhone or iPad screen on an Ubuntu desktop.