In case you’re still incognizant, Apple introduced screen-sharing functionality in FaceTime last year as an iOS 15 exclusive. While sensing the outbreak of video conferencing and virtual interactions, Apple struck while the iron was hot.
What is Screen Share on Apple Devices?
Screen Share allows you to share or cast your screen and its contents to others in real time. It is a handy tool for virtual demonstrations, tutorials, collaborations, and more.
This feature is available on iPhones running iOS 15.1 or later, iPads running iPadOS 15.1 or above, and Macs running macOS 12.1 (Monterey) or newer. With that out of the way, let’s check how it works.
Screen Share on an iPhone/iPad
- Open FaceTime on your iPhone/iPad.
- Start a FaceTime call. You can add participants directly from your contacts or create an invite link.
- Click on the Share Content button.
- Select Share My Screen.
After a three-second countdown, your screen will be visible to others. A purple-colored icon in the notification center will inform you of the same.
Screen Share on a Mac
- Launch FaceTime.
- Start a FaceTime call by selecting the desired contacts or creating a link.
- Select ‘Screen Share.’
- Choose ‘Screen’ or ‘Window’ depending on whether you want to share the whole screen or an application window.
- Select the application window of your choice when you get a prompt.
If you want to join an already ongoing FaceTime call, it’s possible. FaceTime will automatically prompt you to join an ongoing screen-sharing session. All you need to do is tap ‘Open.’
If you’re planning to take over a host to share your screen instead, here’s how you can do it.
- While a session is in progress, click on ‘Share Content.’
- Click on ‘Share My Screen.’
- Select ‘Replace Existing.’
How to Turn Off Screen Share
On an iPhone/iPad, clicking the ‘Share Content’ button ends screen sharing. For Mac, tap the FaceTime icon in the menu bar and select ‘Stop Sharing’ from the dropdown menu to stop sharing your screen.
SharePlay
SharePlay is a particularized version of screen sharing. It allows shared playback of various forms of media with your friends and family. Contents from supported apps like Disney+, Apple TV+, Apple Music, HBO Max, and many more can be watched and enjoyed together.
Of course, all the participants require legal rights to the contents first, implying a participant cannot watch or listen without an applicable subscription. In that case, they’ll have to transact or apply for a free trial if it’s available.
A supported app automatically prompts ‘Play for Everyone’ once it detects you’re on a FaceTime call. Any participant can play/pause and adjust the media controls whenever they wish.
Screen Share is Useful
Apple’s Screen Share and SharePlay are definite trump cards that continue to ease virtual interactions. Since it’s in its early stages, you can expect bugs here and there. However, Apple will fix them sooner or later with upcoming updates. We hope to have helped you use Screen Share and SharePlay in FaceTime, and rightfully so.