4 Ways to Fix FaceTime Screen Sharing Not Working on Mac

Quick Tips

• Open Settings on Mac > Security and Privacy > Screen and System Audio Recording Permissions.
• Ensure that SharePlay is enabled for FaceTime on your Mac.
• Open FaceTime Settings on Mac > Disable and enable FaceTime service again.

Basic Fixes

• Check device support: Android and Windows users can join a FaceTime call via the web only. And more importantly, they will miss out on many FaceTime features like screen sharing, and SharePlay.
• Check display resolution: FaceTime might find it difficult to share screen on high-resolution Macs and monitors. This is most evident in a low-speed internet speed. You can change the display resolution.
• Update macOS: Open Settings > General > Software Update and install the update if one is available.
• Check Apple system status page: Apple’s services often face downtime. The company offers a dedicated system status page to track all the services.

Fix 1: Give FaceTime Relevant Permission

When you attempt to share a screen over a FaceTime call for the first time, it asks to enable relevant permission. Swiped away that permission prompt, then screen sharing won’t work. You permit screen recording permission for FaceTime and only then can the app read the screen and share with others over a call.

Step 1: Open Settings > Security and Privacy.

Step 2: Select Screen and System Audio Recording from the right menu.

Step 3: Click the Plus icon and then add FaceTime app.

Step 4: Ensure that the screen recording permission has been enabled.

Fix 2: Enable SharePlay

SharePlay lets you enjoy media playback with other users on your Mac. Let’s say you have to watch an episode or a movie on Apple TV app. You can use the SharePlay feature to share your screen in FaceTime.

Step 1: Open FaceTime > FaceTime at the top-left corner > Select Settings.

Step 2: Click the SharePlay tab and then enable the feature.

Fix 3: Disable and Enable FaceTime on Mac

You can temporarily disable FaceTime for your account and enable it again to remove such glitches. But remember that this can take a while and couple of tries to get it working.

Step 1: Open FaceTime and then open FaceTime Settings.

Step 2: Open the General tab and then disable FaceTime.

Step 3: Wait for some time and then enable it again.

Fix 4: Use Safe Mode

The last solution that we recommend is booting your Mac in Safe Mode. This built-in troubleshooting method for Macs prevents third-party app interference and loads only system apps on startup.

For Macs with M-Series Chip

Step 1: Shut down your Mac.

Step 2: After your Mac shuts down, press and hold the Power Button till you see the two startup options – Macintosh HD and Options.

Step 3: Select Macintosh HD while holding the Shift key and then select Continue in Safe Mode.

For Macs with Intel Chip

Step 1: Restart your Mac.

Step 2: Press and hold the Shift key when your Mac restarts. Release the Shift key when you see the login window.

Step 3: Sign in and then check if the problem is solved.