How to Share Your Mac Screen Directly From the Messages App
Troubleshooting Mac problems is relatively easy, but sometimes you may need to see someone’s screen or take control of their laptop. And, oddly enough, the Messages app can help you with this. The Messages app has a built-in screen sharing tool available for all Macs running macOS Mojave 10.14 and later, and it’s safer and easier than using third-party remote control apps.
In macOS Monterey Apple added the function of the general access to the screen in FaceTime application through SharePlay function . But this is only available for macOS running macOS Monterey 12.1 and won’t let you control anyone else’s Mac. Here, we’ll focus on the Messages app and how you can use it to share or control someone else’s screen.
How to request screen sharing (and hijack someone’s Mac)
Both users must be signed in with their Apple ID in the Messages app. Then start a conversation with the person you want to help. Click the little “ i ” button in the upper right corner and select the “ Share ” option. Here select the option ” Ask to share the screen “.
The Messages app will send a notification to the user that you are requesting a view of their screen. Once they accept the invitation, you will see their screen in a new screen sharing window. After enabling screen sharing, it also turns on the microphone so you can talk to someone about their problem.
If you want, you can also take full control of their Mac: on the top toolbar, click the Control button to send you a request to control their screen. Once they accept the invitation, you can control everything on their screen using your keyboard and trackpad.
You can return to view mode by tapping the glasses icon in the Controls section. When you’re done, you can close the window or ask them to end their session.
How to share your screen (or have someone control your Mac)
It works the other way around. If you want to show something on your screen or want someone to help you, you can offer to share your screen and give them control over your Mac.
Again, open the conversation in the Messages app, click the little “ i ” icon, go to the “ Share ” section and select the “ Invite to share my screen ” option.
This will send them a notification. Once they accept the invitation, they can see what’s on your screen and you can talk to them using the microphone.
If you want them to control the screen, click the blue Screen Sharing icon in the menu bar and select the Allow (the user) to control my screen option .
Once they accept the invitation, they can control your screen. Once you’re done, click the Screen Sharing button in the menu bar and select the End Screen Sharing option to end your session.