Ah, the magic of FaceTime! I’ve had my fair share of late-night calls and weekend virtual hangouts. And one thing I’ve noticed is that sometimes you just want to show what’s on your screen. Whether it’s a captivating YouTube video, a tricky software problem you’re facing, or a fresh design you’ve just whipped up – sharing your screen is an essential skill in today’s virtual world.
So, after experimenting and diving into the depths of FaceTime and other tools, here are the top 6 methods to share your screen on FaceTime, each tried and tested by yours truly.
1. MacOS Monterey’s Inbuilt SharePlay
Ever since Apple introduced the SharePlay feature in macOS Monterey, screen sharing has become a breeze. Not only can you share your screen, but you can also watch movies or listen to songs together. All you need to do is:
- Start a FaceTime call.
- Click on the SharePlay icon (it looks like three overlapping rectangles).
- Select “Share My Screen”.
Voila! You’re now sharing your screen. But remember, both you and the recipient must be running macOS Monterey or later. Find out more about SharePlay on Apple’s official website.
Related:
2. Use QuickTime Player
Before SharePlay made its debut, I often used QuickTime for screen sharing. It’s simple:
- Launch QuickTime Player.
- Click on “File” and then “New Movie Recording”.
- Next to the red record button, click the arrow and select your iPhone or iPad.
- Now, your device’s screen will appear on your Mac. Just place it beside the FaceTime window and you’re good to go!
3. Third-party Apps
There are several third-party apps like Zoom or Skype that offer screen sharing capabilities. You can start a call on these platforms, share your screen, and then use FaceTime for audio. It might sound a bit overkill, but it works!
4. Use iMessage
Did you know you can also share your screen via iMessage on Mac?
- Start a conversation in iMessage.
- Click on “Details” at the top right.
- Select “Invite to Share My Screen”.
This will start a screen sharing session with the other person. You can continue your chat on FaceTime while they view your screen.
5. Screen Mirroring with Apple TV
If your friend or colleague is with you, you can mirror your Mac or iPhone screen directly to an Apple TV. Just swipe into the control center, select “Screen Mirroring”, and choose your Apple TV. This might not be the same as sharing over the internet, but it’s super handy for in-person demos or presentations.
6. Using Discord
Originally a platform for gamers, Discord has evolved into a versatile communication tool. One of its standout features? Screen sharing. Start a call, click on the screen icon, and choose what you want to share.
Final Thoughts
Screen sharing has become a crucial tool in our daily communications. Whether you’re collaborating on a project, catching up with friends, or troubleshooting a tech issue with your family, these methods will surely enhance your FaceTime experience.
