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Screenshare window doesn't work over FaceTime

Hey everyone,

I'm having an issues window sharing over FaceTime. When I'm on a FaceTime call, I click the top green box which allows me to choose whether I want to screenshare the entire screen or screenshare a specific window. Usually the window I want to share will highlight purple, and in the middle it'll say "Share this window". However, recently it hasn't been doing that. All it's been doing is highlighting the window purple and not allowing me to share the screen even if I click it. I was wondering if there is a fix to this. I've already tried restarting the device and have allowed screensharing in my privacy settings, but maybe I'm missing something. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you!

Posted on May 11, 2023 8:49 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 19, 2023 6:54 AM

Hi ryalam1,


Regarding the feature the steps in the guide state you'll need to choose 'Window' then choose the app to share the screen. You can view this information below and in the guide page here: Use SharePlay to share screens in FaceTime on Mac


  1. "While on a FaceTime call on your Mac, open an app you want to share in the call.
  2. In the menu bar, click the FaceTime button .
  3. Click the Screen Share button , then do one of the following:
    • Share the app window: Choose Window, move the pointer to the app you want to share, then click Share This Window.


    • Share the whole screen: Choose Screen, move the pointer to any part of the screen, then click Share This Screen.


    • To stop sharing, click the FaceTime button  in the menu bar, then click the Stop Sharing button."



If the issue continues, check out the steps in the section "If the issue doesn't continue in safe mode" also found below and in the article here: How to use safe mode on your Mac


"If the issue doesn't continue in safe mode


If the issue doesn't continue while in safe mode, leave safe mode by restarting your Mac normally. Then test for the issue again. The issue might be resolved.

If the issue returns after leaving safe mode, startup items are probably at fault. Apps can install such items in numerous places, and they aren't always easy to find or recognize. For that reason, you should first make sure that you've installed any available updates for your Apple software and third-party apps.

If updating your software doesn't help, try any of these solutions:

  • Test your login items.
  • To learn whether software in your user account is causing the issue, set up a new user account, then log in to it and try to reproduce the issue in that account.
  • Unplug all accessories from your Mac, including printers, drives, USB hubs, and other nonessential devices. You could have an issue with one or more of those devices or their cables.
  • Reinstall macOS."


As stated later recommended in the article if the issue remains after completing the steps above, contact Apple directly to further assist.


Get Support


Cheers.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 19, 2023 6:54 AM in response to ryalam1

Hi ryalam1,


Regarding the feature the steps in the guide state you'll need to choose 'Window' then choose the app to share the screen. You can view this information below and in the guide page here: Use SharePlay to share screens in FaceTime on Mac


  1. "While on a FaceTime call on your Mac, open an app you want to share in the call.
  2. In the menu bar, click the FaceTime button .
  3. Click the Screen Share button , then do one of the following:
    • Share the app window: Choose Window, move the pointer to the app you want to share, then click Share This Window.


    • Share the whole screen: Choose Screen, move the pointer to any part of the screen, then click Share This Screen.


    • To stop sharing, click the FaceTime button  in the menu bar, then click the Stop Sharing button."



If the issue continues, check out the steps in the section "If the issue doesn't continue in safe mode" also found below and in the article here: How to use safe mode on your Mac


"If the issue doesn't continue in safe mode


If the issue doesn't continue while in safe mode, leave safe mode by restarting your Mac normally. Then test for the issue again. The issue might be resolved.

If the issue returns after leaving safe mode, startup items are probably at fault. Apps can install such items in numerous places, and they aren't always easy to find or recognize. For that reason, you should first make sure that you've installed any available updates for your Apple software and third-party apps.

If updating your software doesn't help, try any of these solutions:

  • Test your login items.
  • To learn whether software in your user account is causing the issue, set up a new user account, then log in to it and try to reproduce the issue in that account.
  • Unplug all accessories from your Mac, including printers, drives, USB hubs, and other nonessential devices. You could have an issue with one or more of those devices or their cables.
  • Reinstall macOS."


As stated later recommended in the article if the issue remains after completing the steps above, contact Apple directly to further assist.


Get Support


Cheers.

May 18, 2023 10:21 PM in response to ManJor

Hey ManJor,


I ended up booting up in safe mode and it solved the issue temporarily. Once I used the screenshare for a second time, the recipient was having trouble seeing my screen stating that nothing is showing up. I am back to normal mode now and I'm again having the issue where the "share window" button doesn't appear. This issue has been a head scratcher for me!

May 14, 2023 4:16 PM in response to ryalam1

Hi ryalam1,


Let's start up in safe mode and test. This can help us further isolate and possibly resolve the sharing issue. Here's how: Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support


"Before you begin

To start up your Mac in safe mode, you need to know what type of Mac you have.

  1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > About This Mac.
  2. Look at the information in the window to determine what type of Mac you have:
    • If you see an item labeled Chip, followed by the name of the chip, you have a Mac with Apple silicon.
    • If you see an item labeled Processor, followed by the name of an Intel processor, you have an Intel-based Mac.
  1. Use the corresponding set of instructions below to start up your Mac in safe mode.

Start up your Mac with Apple silicon in safe mode

  1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > Shut Down.
  2. Wait for your Mac to shut down completely. A Mac is completely shut down when the screen is black and any lights (including in the Touch Bar) are off.
  3. Press and hold the power button on your Mac until “Loading startup options” appears.
  4. Select a volume.
  5. Press and hold the Shift key, then click Continue in Safe Mode.
  6. The computer restarts automatically. When the login window appears, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

Start up your Intel-based Mac in safe mode

  1. Turn on or restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the login window.
  2. Log in to your Mac.
  3. You might be asked to log in again.
  4. On either the first or second login window, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

Verify your Mac started up in safe mode

If you’re unsure whether your Mac started up in safe mode, you can use the System Information app to check the mode.

  1. On your Mac, press and hold the Option key, then choose Apple menu  > System Information.
  2. In the System Information app, select Software in the sidebar.
  3. In the System Software Overview, look at the value listed next to the item labeled Boot Mode.
    • Safe: The Mac is using safe mode.
    • Normal: The Mac is not using safe mode.

"


Hope this helps.


Cheers.


Screenshare window doesn't work over FaceTime

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