See your Mac screen everywhere: this is how Screen Sharing works

Are you running into problems with your Mac, and could you use some help with this? Then Screen Sharing offers a solution. This allows you to ‘forward’ the screen of your Mac to another Apple computer. This is how Screen Sharing works on the Mac.

Screen sharing on the Mac: this is how it works

Screen Sharing allows another Mac to view and take over the screen of your computer. For example, your handy nephew or niece can try to solve a technical problem remotely. The option is of course also present in macOS Catalina. First we have to give permission to mirror your desktop to another Mac:

1. Select ‘System Preferences’ in the Apple menu;
2. Click on ‘Share’ and tick the box ‘Screen sharing’;
3. Note: Screen Sharing and Remote Management cannot be active at the same time.

You have now consented to Screen Sharing. To actually forward your desktop to another Mac, you must first start another screen sharing session. You do this like this.

1. Open Screen Sharing via Spotlight on the ‘helping’ Mac;
2. Enter the Apple ID details of the needy Mac, whose screen you are going to share;
3. The Mac whose screen is going to be shared (the person in need) will now receive an invitation;
4. As soon as the person in need accepts the invitation, the screen is shared.

You can also share the screen via iMessage. Make sure both of you, both the helping and needy Mac, are signed in with an Apple ID account. Then follow the directions below:

1. Launch the Messages app on the helping Mac;
2. Talk to the Mac owner who could use some help;
3. Tap the Screen Sharing icon, recognizable by the two windows;
4. Select ‘Ask to share screen’;
5. A FaceTime audio call is now started, so you can consult with each other while viewing the screen from a distance.

Examples of Screen Sharing on the Mac

Screen Sharing allows another computer to see what is happening on the screen and remotely open, move, and close files and windows. The Mac can even be restarted. These features are especially helpful when you run into problems with your computer and get help from a technician.

Screen sharing is also useful when collaborating on documents, presentations and perhaps even websites. Since you give the other “controlling” Mac a lot of power, Apple has somewhat hidden the function. As shown above, you have to actively look for the option. This way you can’t accidentally turn on Screen Sharing.

Are you a manager of a local network, for example of a school, organization or company? Then Apple Remote Desktop might be a handy recommendation. With this tool you can easily install and configure apps on other Macs in the network and, for example, create detailed user reports. Apple Remote Desktop does cost money.

More about macOS Catalina

macOS Catalina is the major Mac update of 2019. The new version is packed with useful features and innovations, such as the improved Photos app. Also check out our overview of the biggest macOS Catalina additions, such as the extensive Finder. Another cool feature is Sidecar. This turns your iPad into a second screen for your Mac.

More about macOS Catalina

• Taking screenshots on your Mac (Book): this is how you do it (26-3)
• macOS Battery condition: this way your MacBook battery stays healthy for longer (24-1)
• Is your MacBook getting very hot since the last update? Then try these solutions (10/2/2020)
• macOS 10.15.7 Now Available: Fixes Wi-Fi bug and iMacs graphics issues (9/25/2020)
• Latest macOS Catalina update fixes Wi-Fi and iCloud Drive bugs (11-9-2020)