iMessage and Google Hangouts Lets Apple Users Screen Share

Apple users, rejoice! You can now screen share on all devices with the assistance of iMessage or Google Hangouts. Screen sharing is already available on Mac desktops, with easy setup. With QuickTime, you can share the iPhone or iPad with any person interested in seeing what your iOS home screen is like. 

First, you’ll need to set up iMessage or Google Hangouts to make it happen.

How To Screen Share With iMessage

The app you use is going to depend on your preference. If you opt for iMessage, you’ll need to start it up on the Mac and ensure the other person you’ll be screen sharing with has iMessage opened as well. You can find the app in the Applications folder. 

Once both of you are in the iMessage app, you can share your screen share. Go to their chat box and start a new chat (File, New Message) and send them a person to set up the screen share process.

Your contact will open the chat window and need to hit “Details” at the top of the right-hand side of the window. You can follow it by clicking the icon with two superimposed rectangles and choose either the Ask Share Screen option or the Invite to Share My Screen option. 

The person will be sent a request to share the screen with them. Once accepted, the Screen Sharing app will open up and begin the process. 

How To Screen Share With Google Hangouts

If Google Hangouts is more your cup of tea, you’ll be glad to know how easy it is to screen share your screen. Similar to iMessage, both of you must sign into Hangouts for the Web through the hangouts.google.com URL.

Once logged in, communication lines are open. You need to hit the camera icon to begin the video calling session.  When this happens, hit the “Screenshare” button. This is found on the upper left-hand side of the video calling window, under the speech bubble icon. Be sure to pick the app or window you’re going to share.  

Once screen sharing has been set up on the iPhone, iPad or Mac, you’ll need to lightning cable to connect to the Mac. Your tablet and phone must also be operating on the iOS 8 or later software. Go to the Applications folder to bring up the QuickTime Player app.

Once you do this, visit File and then New Movie Recording on the menu bar. Click the down arrow, which is next to the red recording icon. Under the Camera category, choose the name of your iPhone or iPad to share the screen share with. 

Keep in mind that, in order for this process to work, it must begin with you sharing your desktop screen with the other person.