FaceTime Screen Sharing Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It
FaceTime is a great way to chat, share moments, and even work together. One of its best features is screen sharing, which lets you show your screen during a call. But sometimes, the screen share button appears greyed out, or it simply doesn’t work. If you’re facing this problem, don’t worry—here are the most common reasons and fixes.
1. Check Device and Software Compatibility
Screen sharing only works on newer versions of Apple software. Both you and the person you’re calling need:
- iPhone with iOS 15.1 or later
- iPad with iPadOS 15.1 or later
- Mac with macOS Monterey 12.1 or later
Also, make sure both of you are signed into iCloud with your Apple IDs. If one device is on an older system, the option won’t appear.
2. Restart FaceTime or Your Device
A quick restart can solve many glitches:
- Go to Settings > FaceTime and toggle it off, then back on.
- Close the app completely and reopen it.
- If needed, restart your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
3. Check Your Internet Connection
Screen sharing needs a strong and stable connection. If your internet is weak, the option may be disabled. Try:
- Switching from mobile data to Wi-Fi.
- Moving closer to your router.
- Restarting your router or trying a different network.
4. Enable SharePlay
SharePlay powers screen sharing. If it’s turned off, you won’t be able to use it.
- On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > FaceTime > SharePlay and switch it on.
- On Mac: Open FaceTime, go to Settings > SharePlay, and enable it.
5. Update Your Software
Outdated software often causes problems. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates. After updating, reopen FaceTime and test again.
6. Remove Emojis or Special Characters From Contact Names
It may sound odd, but if the person you’re calling has emojis or symbols in their contact name, it can interfere with FaceTime. Edit the contact name to plain text only, then try again.
7. Use a FaceTime Link
Instead of starting a call directly, try creating a FaceTime link:
- Open FaceTime and tap Create Link.
- Share the link with your contact.
- Join the call through the link and check if screen sharing works.
8. Reset Network Settings
If your internet looks fine but FaceTime is still buggy, reset your network settings:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Note: This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords, so you’ll need to reconnect manually.
9. Sign Out and Back Into FaceTime
Sometimes the issue is with your Apple ID connection. Go to Settings > FaceTime, tap your Apple ID, choose Sign Out, then sign back in.
10. Reinstall FaceTime (Last Resort)
FaceTime is a built-in app, but you can still delete and reinstall it:
- Hold the FaceTime app, tap Remove App > Delete App.
- Reinstall it from the App Store.
- Restart your device and try again.
This can fix bugs tied specifically to the app.
11. Force Restart Your iPhone
If nothing else works, try a force restart:
- iPhone 8 or later: Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
- iPhone 7: Hold the Side + Volume Down buttons until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 6 or earlier: Hold the Home + Power buttons until the Apple logo shows.
Final Tip: It Could Be a Bug
If you’ve tried everything and the screen share button is still greyed out, it may simply be an Apple bug. In that case, the only option is to wait for the next iOS or macOS update.
Quick Checklist
- Both devices on iOS 15.1+, iPadOS 15.1+, or macOS 12.1+
- Both signed into iCloud
- Stable Wi-Fi connection
- SharePlay turned on
- Latest software updates installed
- No emojis in contact names
- Tried restarting, re-logging, or resetting network
With these steps, you should be able to get FaceTime screen sharing working again in most cases.
