HOW TO Use Screen Sharing in Messages

Start a conversation

Make sure both you and the person you’re helping are logged in to iCloud in Messages > Preferences > iMessage. Open a new chat window in the app, type in their contact details, and start up your conversation.

Remote access

Once they’ve accepted your request, their desktop will appear in the Screen Sharing window on your Mac, so you can see what’s happening on their machine. Messages will switch to a voice call so you can chat directly.

Helping hand

It’ll help you to help them if the person lets you control their Mac rather than you both fighting for control of the pointer, so ask them not to touch their machine while you have access. It’s amazing how often that happens!

Open Screen Sharing

If your friend or relative is struggling with an issue on their Mac, you can see what the problem is via Screen Sharing. To do that, choose Conversations > Ask to Share Screen from the menu bar to request remote access.

Take control

If someone continues to struggle even with your help, you can take direct control of their machine. Click the Control button at the top of the Screen Sharing window. You can now move their pointer, open apps, and more.

Transfer a file

You can even transfer files with the person you’re connected to, either when Screen Sharing or just via Messages. To do that, go to Conversations > Send File (Opt+Cmd+F) then choose the file to share.