Apple's new SharePlay feature for FaceTime was introduced in macOS Monterey 12.1, currently in beta. SharePlay, previously only available for iPhone and iPad, allows you to share your Mac screen with others on FaceTime calls. This opens up new opportunities for sharing experiences with family and friends.
SharePlay allows you to chat with others via FaceTime, listen to music and watch TV shows and movies together. To share your screen, an app window or your Mac's desktop screen with others on FaceTime, you can also chat with them to discuss a piece or remote tech support. Or simply to look at a photo album.
These steps will guide you through the SharePlay screen sharing feature within FaceTime on macOS Monterey 112.1.
Open FaceTime on your Mac. Click New FaceTime to add your contacts and click the FaceTime button. You can also choose a contact from the past to start a video chat.
After the call has connected click the SharePlay button within the control overlay.
Click on either Screen or Window in the FaceTime menu item dropdown to share your screen. Click the window you wish to share if you choose Window.
You can stop sharing the screen or window by clicking Stop Sharing Window/Screen from the FaceTime menu item dropdown. Here you can also modify the window being shared.
You can also click on the SharePlay button at the top-right of the window when sharing a window. This will open three options: Share Entire Display, Stop Sharing Window, or Change Shared Window.
SharePlay on Mac allows you to watch TV and listen to music together via FaceTime. Everyone on the call will have the same synced playback, controls and audio.
SharePlay can be used with third-party apps, in addition to Apple TV and Apple Music. SharePlay apps for iOS devices have been built by developers, but developers can now integrate SharePlay features into Mac applications. We have a dedicated guide to show you all the new features of FaceTime in iOS 15.1 or iPadOS 15.1.
Notice: FaceTime's SharePlay feature requires macOS Monterey 12.1, and is currently only available to beta testers. In the fall of 2021, Monterey 12.1 will be available to all users.
