Screen sharing is a tool that had been missing from FaceTime in macOS for far too long, but Apple finally added the feature in macOS Monterey 12.1. Modern Macs, iPhones, and iPads all have the ability to screen share when running the appropriate software.
If you and other participants are using compatible operating systems, you’re ready to start screen sharing with FaceTime. Let’s discuss how the feature works.
Share Your Screen on FaceTime Using SharePlay
Screen sharing requires all participants to have macOS 12.1, iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, or later on their devices. At this stage, you cannot share your screen with Windows or Android users, so you’ll need to ensure that everyone on the call has the right software installed. If even one participant lacks a compatible device, screen-sharing options won’t appear.
Looking for more macOS secrets? Take a look at our essential macOS shortcuts cheat sheet.
Here’s how to share your screen on FaceTime using macOS:
Other participants in the FaceTime call will be able to view the screen or window you shared until you choose to cancel.
If you wish to end screen sharing or alter what others see, you can do so from the same SharePlay menu. FaceTime also offers additional SharePlay features, which let you do cool things like watching a movie with friends on a FaceTime call.
FaceTime Screen Sharing Is a Welcome Feature
Screen sharing is a popular feature of many video conferencing apps, and now you can easily use FaceTime in macOS to share a screen too. Sharing your screen only takes a few clicks, and the overall user interface is intuitive.
One downside, however, is that anyone using a device unable to run newer software will need to excuse themselves from screen-sharing calls. That said, obsolescence is inevitable, and eventually, everyone will catch up.