How to Use FaceTime Screen Sharing and Remote Control

4 min read September 9, 2026

Share an iPhone or iPad screen during FaceTime and safely let a trusted person point, demonstrate, or take temporary control.

Before you begin: FaceTime must be installed and available on both devices for these instructions to work. Both people should be using compatible Apple devices, have an internet connection, and begin with a one-to-one FaceTime audio or video call.

FaceTime can do more than let two people see and hear each other. You can share what is on your iPhone or iPad screen, point to an item, and—with permission—even let a trusted person control the device remotely.

This can be especially helpful when a family member is trying to explain where a setting is or demonstrate how to use an app.

Screen sharing and remote control are different

With screen sharing, the other person can see your screen. They may also be able to tap, draw, or write temporary marks to point something out, but they cannot operate your device.

With remote control, the other person can tap, swipe, type, open apps, and change some settings on your device. You must approve their request first.

Important safety warning

Only allow remote control for someone you know and trust. A person controlling your screen may be able to open apps, change settings, delete items, or send messages.

Apple blocks certain sensitive actions, such as changing your Apple Account or Face ID settings, using Apple Pay, or erasing the device. However, remote control still provides significant access.

Never accept a FaceTime call or remote-control request from an unexpected caller claiming to be Apple, Microsoft, your bank, the government, or a security company. Legitimate support representatives will not unexpectedly call and demand control of your phone.

What you need for remote control

  • A one-to-one FaceTime audio or video call
  • FaceTime installed and available on both devices
  • iOS 18 or later on iPhone, or iPadOS 18 or later on iPad
  • The person requesting control saved in the other person’s Contacts
  • An internet connection on both devices

Apple says FaceTime remote control is not currently available in the European Union.

How to share your iPhone or iPad screen

  1. Start a one-to-one call in the FaceTime app.
  2. Tap the screen once if the FaceTime controls are hidden.
  3. Tap the More button, which looks like three dots.
  4. Tap Screen Sharing.
  5. Tap Share My Screen.
  6. Wait for the three-second countdown.

The other person can now see most of what appears on your screen. You can leave FaceTime and open the app or setting where you need help; the call continues in a smaller window.

Your incoming notifications are hidden from the person viewing your screen. Passcodes and passwords are also concealed as you enter them.

How to ask someone else to share their screen

  1. During the FaceTime call, tap the screen to show the controls.
  2. Tap More.
  3. Tap Screen Sharing.
  4. Tap Ask to Share Screen.
  5. Wait for the other person to approve the request.

Once sharing begins, tap the shared-screen window to make it larger.

How to point without taking control

While viewing someone’s shared iPhone or iPad screen, you can tap, draw, or write on it to show them where to look. Your marks disappear after a few seconds.

This is often the best place to start. The person sharing can perform the steps themselves while learning what to do.

How to request remote control

  1. Ask the other person to begin sharing their screen.
  2. Tap the window showing their shared screen.
  3. Tap the Remote Control button.
  4. Explain why you are requesting control and wait for them to tap Allow.

After they approve, you can tap, swipe, and type on the shared device. The person holding the device can still use it, and their actions take priority over yours.

How to allow someone to control your screen

When a trusted person requests control, a notification appears during the FaceTime call.

  1. Confirm that you recognize the person and expected the request.
  2. Tap Allow.
  3. Watch what the person does and ask them to explain each step.

Face ID or Touch ID is disabled during the remote-control session. You may need to enter a passcode yourself when protected information is required. Never say a password or passcode aloud or type it where another person can see it.

How to stop screen sharing or control

You remain in charge and can stop at any time.

  • To stop remote control of your device, tap Stop at the bottom of the screen-sharing window.
  • To stop sharing your screen, tap More, then tap Stop beside Screen Sharing.
  • Ending the FaceTime call stops both screen sharing and remote control.

If anything feels unexpected or uncomfortable, end the call immediately.

If the Remote Control button is missing

Check these common causes:

  • One or both devices need a software update.
  • The call includes more than two people.
  • The person requesting control is not saved in Contacts.
  • One participant is using an unsupported device or operating-system version.
  • Remote control is unavailable in your region.

Screen sharing may still work even when remote control is unavailable. You can continue by talking through the steps and using temporary marks to point to buttons.

The Savvy takeaway

FaceTime screen sharing is a convenient way to show a trusted person what you see. Remote control goes further and should be reserved for people you know well. Begin with screen sharing, explain every step, and stop the session as soon as the task is finished.

Sources: Apple’s FaceTime screen-sharing instructions and Apple’s FaceTime screen-control safety guide.