Can you screen share on Mac FaceTime?

Yes, screen sharing is possible on FaceTime for Mac, but there are certain requirements to be aware of. For one, screen sharing is only available on macOS 12 or newer versions. If your Mac is running an older version, you'll need to use screen recording instead of sharing directly.

To use screen sharing on FaceTime, all participants in the call must meet the following conditions:

• The devices must be running iOS, iPadOS, or macOS; screen sharing is not supported with non-Apple devices.
• Everyone involved in the call should have the latest software updates installed.
• SharePlay must be enabled on all devices.
• Apple enforces strict rules regarding copyrighted content, so you may not be able to share your screen if you're streaming media that requires a subscription.

How to start FaceTime screen share on Mac

Starting and ending screen sharing on FaceTime for Mac is quick and easy, as long as you’re using the latest macOS version. Before sharing your MacBook Air screen via FaceTime, follow these steps:

• Make sure all participants in the call are using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that meets the minimum system requirements for screen sharing.
• Make sure your device is connected to a reliable and high-speed internet connection.
• Enable SharePlay on all devices involved in the call. You can ask other participants to enable it on their end as well.

Continue reading the following sections to discover how to begin or end screen sharing on FaceTime.

Begin screen sharing on FaceTime for Mac

Starting screen sharing on FaceTime is simple, but your device must meet the basic requirements. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1. Launch FaceTime on your Mac and initiate a call.

Step 2. While waiting for others to join, open the app or content you want to share during the call.

Step 3. In the menu bar at the top right of your screen, click the green/white "Video" button and select "Screen Share."

Step 4. You can now choose to share either the current window or multiple windows.

Stop screen sharing on FaceTime for Mac

After sharing your Mac screen on FaceTime, you may want to end the call. However, if you need to continue discussing other matters or if someone else wants to share their screen, stopping screen sharing is easy. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1. In the top-right corner of your screen, click the menu bar and select "Screen Sharing."

Step 2. Select "Stop Sharing" to stop screen sharing on FaceTime.

Bonus: Share Mac Screen by AnyViewer [Best FaceTime alternative]

Sharing your screen on FaceTime is undeniably convenient and practical, thanks to Apple’s design. However, if you’re looking for added features, such as screen control, AnyViewer offers a more versatile remote desktop solution. It not only allows you to share your Mac screen but also gives you the ability to control it remotely.

Additionally, AnyViewer is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, enabling seamless screen sharing across different platforms—whether between two Macs, a Mac, and a Windows PC or even between Mac and mobile devices. This makes AnyViewer an excellent choice for bridging the gap between various devices.

AnyViewer is the perfect tool for sharing your Mac screen. Download and install it on your Mac today to get started. Let’s see how to share a Mac screen with a Windows computer:

Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer on your Mac. Create an account and sign in.

Step 2. Download and install AnyViewer on your Windows computer. Then, use the same credentials to log in.

Step 3. On your Windows computer, go to the Device tab, select your Mac, and click "View screen."

Step 4. Your Mac screen will now appear on your Windows computer.

★Tips: Upgrading to a Professional or Enterprise account unlocks advanced features such as:

Adding more users for unattended remote access.

Controlling unlimited Mac at the same time.

Higher image qualities for remote control and screen sharing.

Creating device groups to simplify the management of multiple Mac devices.

Setting roles and permissions to regulate user access effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, FaceTime screen share Mac is a convenient feature for Apple users, allowing easy screen sharing between compatible devices. However, it comes with certain restrictions, such as limited cross-platform support and content-sharing limitations. For those seeking more flexibility and additional features like unattended Mac remote control, AnyViewer is an excellent alternative, offering seamless screen sharing across multiple devices, including Windows and mobile devices.

Share Mac screen on FaceTime FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about sharing your screen on FaceTime for Mac:

1. Why is FaceTime not showing screen share on Mac?

Several factors could be causing this issue:

• Your Mac may not be running macOS 12 or a newer version. Update to the latest macOS.
• SharePlay, which allows content streaming and sharing, might be disabled. Make sure it's enabled.
• Ensure your device is connected to a strong, reliable internet connection.
• If the issue persists, try reinstalling the FaceTime app to clear any configuration errors.

2. Why can't I share my screen on FaceTime?

The main reason might be that your device is running an outdated macOS, iOS, or iPadOS version. To share your screen, your device must be on macOS 12, iOS 15.1, or iPadOS 15.1 or later.

If one or more participants have outdated firmware, screen sharing won't work. Additionally, you may not be able to share content from subscription-based services, as Apple restricts sharing certain media.

3. How to turn on screen share on FaceTime?

Turning on screen sharing on FaceTime is simple, but the process varies slightly for iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

• For iPhone/iPad:

Step 1. Open FaceTime and start the call. For convenience, open the app with the content you want to share.

Step 2. Tap your screen, then select "Share Content" and choose "Share My Screen" from the FaceTime controls.

Step 3. Switch to the app you want to share.

• For Mac:

Step 1. Launch FaceTime and open the app with the content to share.

Step 2. Click the Menu bar, then select "Screen Share."

Step 3. Choose the content you want to share on FaceTime.