Screen sharing in Messages

Help friends and family members by accessing their Macs remotely

REQUIRES

An Apple ID, Messages for macOS

YOU WILL LEARN

How to use Screen Sharing in Messages to remotely access a Mac

IT WILL TAKE 20 minutes

IF YOU’RE THE Apple Genius among your friends and family, chances are they sometimes ask you for help when they get stuck. That’s easy when you can pop around and help them with their Mac in person; it’s a little harder when you can only do so remotely.

Ideally, you either need to be able to see what they’re trying to do on–screen, or take direct control on their Mac — with their permission, of course. Free apps such as TeamViewer (teamviewer.com) make this fairly simple, but an easier way is to use the Messages app in macOS.

You’ll both need an Apple ID and be logged into Messages using iCloud. From there, select Conversations > Ask to Share Screen, wait for them to accept remote access, and within seconds a Screen Sharing window will pop up on your Mac, showing their desktop, with a range of options along the top of the window.

While in Screen Sharing mode, Messages will automatically switch your conversation to a voice call, making it easy to chat through the issue. However, if you’d prefer to type your responses, go to Conversations > Mute Microphone.

Now, roll up your sleeves and put your Apple Genius head on. It’s time to use Screen Sharing to deliver help remotely.

You won’t be able to gain access to the remote Mac until the person you’re chatting to in Messages gives permission — so make sure they’re happy to share.