Hansel Arief

Can You Screen Share on FaceTime?

Yes, you can. FaceTime includes a built-in screen sharing feature on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It’s especially useful when you want to walk someone through an app, collaborate remotely, or help troubleshoot a problem in real time. It's a powerful tool as other communication apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Line currently do not have this feature. That said, this feature only works between Apple devices running supported versions of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS.

This guide covers everything you need to know: how to share your screen, what to do if the feature is missing, and how to make sure your connection stays smooth, especially while traveling.

What You Need to Use FaceTime Screen Sharing

Screen sharing on FaceTime isn’t available to everyone by default. You’ll need a few key things in place first:

• You and the person you're talking to must both be using Apple devices.
• FaceTime screen sharing only works on iPhones and iPads running iOS 15.1 or later, or Macs running macOS Monterey 12.1 or later.
• Both parties must be signed in to iCloud with a valid Apple ID.
• You can’t screen share with Android or Windows users, even if they join a FaceTime link from a browser.
• Screen sharing won’t work inside some apps that block it. For media, you’ll need SharePlay support.

Once all that checks out, you’re good to go.

How to Share Your Screen on iPhone or iPad

1. Start a FaceTime call like you normally would.
2. Once the call connects, tap the screen share icon, it looks like a rectangle with a person in front of it.
3. Tap Share My Screen from the pop-up menu.
4. Your device will count down from three, then begin broadcasting your screen.
5. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go back to your Home Screen or open any app you want to share.
6. To stop sharing, go back to the FaceTime call and tap the screen share icon again.

During screen sharing, the other person will see your activity live. They won’t be able to control your screen, but they can follow along as you tap, scroll, or navigate.

How to Share Your Screen on a Mac

On a Mac, you have more options than on your iPhone and iPad. You can either share your entire screen or just a single window. Here's how:

1. Start a FaceTime call on your Mac.
2. Open the app or content you want to share.
3. Click the screen share icon in the FaceTime menu bar.
4. Choose whether you want to share a specific window or your full screen.
5. Hover over the screen or window you want to share, then click Share This Screen or Share This Window.
6. When you're done, click the screen share icon again and select Stop Sharing, or switch to a different window.

This is especially handy for remote presentations, tutorials, or collaborative editing sessions.

How to Join or Take Over Screen Sharing

If someone else is already sharing their screen, you’ll see a prompt to join it. Tap or click Open to start viewing.

Want to take over screen sharing? Just tap the screen share icon and choose Share My Screen again. When prompted, confirm that you want to replace the existing screen share.

Only one person can share their screen at a time in a FaceTime call.

If Screen Sharing Isn’t Working

If you don’t see the screen sharing icon, or if it’s greyed out, here’s what to check:

• Make sure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is updated to the minimum required software version (iPhones and iPads running iOS 15.1 or later, or Macs running macOS Monterey 12.1 or later).
• Confirm that the person you're calling also meets the same version requirements.
• Both of you must be signed into iCloud.
• Don’t use FaceTime from a browser. Screen sharing only works in the native FaceTime app.
• If you're trying to share a streaming video, check whether the app supports SharePlay. Many don’t allow screen sharing due to copyright restrictions.

Also note: if you’re using parental controls or device management profiles, those settings may disable screen sharing.

Is FaceTime Screen Sharing Private?

FaceTime hides most sensitive overlays like notifications or pop-up previews when you start screen sharing. But it’s still a good idea to:

• Close apps with private content
• Silence incoming alerts or enable Do Not Disturb
• Avoid typing passwords or showing sensitive information while sharing

If you're unsure what the other person might see, test it out with a friend first.

Will It Work on Android or Windows?

Not for now. Even though Apple allows Android and Windows users to join FaceTime calls via browser, screen sharing remains exclusive to Apple devices.

So if you’re in a mixed-device group chat, you’ll need to switch to something like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams if screen sharing is a must.

FAQs

Can I screen share on FaceTime with someone using Android or Windows?

No. While Android and Windows users can join FaceTime calls via a browser link, features like screen sharing, SharePlay, and other advanced functionalities are exclusive to Apple devices.

Why don't I see the screen share option on FaceTime?

Ensure that both you and the person you're calling are using devices with iOS or iPadOS 15.1 or later, or macOS Monterey 12.1 or later. Additionally, both parties must be signed into iCloud. Note that screen sharing is only available through the FaceTime app and not via browser links.

Can I share only one app instead of my entire screen?

Yes. On a Mac, FaceTime allows you to choose between sharing your entire screen or a specific application window. However, on iPhone and iPad, the entire screen is shared without the option to select individual apps.

Can the other person control my screen during a FaceTime call?

Yes, starting with iOS 18, FaceTime introduced a feature that allows users to request or grant remote control during a call. This means a trusted contact can control your screen to assist with tasks or troubleshooting.

Is FaceTime screen sharing private?

FaceTime is designed with privacy in mind. When you share your screen, notifications and other sensitive overlays are hidden by default. However, it's advisable to close any apps containing private information and enable Do Not Disturb to prevent unexpected interruptions.

Can I use FaceTime screen sharing to watch Netflix or other streaming services?

Not all. Streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video have digital rights management (DRM) protections that prevent their content from being shared via screen sharing. Attempting to do so will result in a black screen for viewers. While some streaming apps support SharePlay, Netflix does not currently offer this feature.

Hansel Arief

I've been the Digital Lead for Eskimo eSIM since 2021. My favorite thing to do while travelling is to find lessser-known hidden gems and try authentic, local cuisines.