How to Share Screen on Messenger (Computer and App)

Screen sharing turns a Messenger call into a quick way to show someone a document, walk a relative through a setting, or review a design with a client. Messenger supports it on computers and in the phone apps, and it works in audio calls too, not just video. Here's how to start it, choose exactly what the other person sees, and fix it when the option doesn't appear.

Share your screen on a computer (messenger.com)

1. Start a video or audio call from the chat.
2. Click Share screen in the call controls.
3. Choose Entire Screen, a Window, or an Application tab, then select the one to share.
4. Click Share.
5. To stop, click Share screen again.

If you need to check your microphone or camera while sharing, Messenger says to click Options in the top right of the call, then Device Settings.

Share your screen on the Messenger app

1. Start a video or audio call with the person or group.
2. Tap the screen to show the call controls.
3. Find the screen sharing option among the call buttons (you may need to swipe up or tap More).
4. Confirm when your phone asks for permission to record or cast the screen.
5. Tap stop when you're done.

Messenger publishes separate screen sharing help for iPhone, iPad and Android, so the button position varies a little between devices, but the idea is the same.

Choose what to show

Option (computer)	What the other person sees	Use it when
Entire screen	Everything, including pop-ups	You need to move between apps
Window	Only one app window	Showing a single document or program
Application tab	Only one browser tab	Showing a website or online tool

Sharing one window or tab is the safer default. It keeps your email, notifications and other tabs private, and it's easier for the viewer to follow.

Why Share screen isn't showing

• You're not in a call yet. Screen sharing starts from inside a call.
• Your app or browser is out of date. Update Messenger or your browser.
• Permissions are blocked. On a computer, your browser and operating system need permission to share the screen. On a phone, allow the screen recording or casting prompt.
• Another app is holding the camera or microphone. Messenger suggests closing other video-calling programs if devices aren't working.

Privacy while you share

Anything visible in what you share is visible to everyone on the call. Turn on Do Not Disturb, close apps you don't want seen, and stop sharing before you switch to something private. Messenger also notes that in one-to-one calls your IP address is shared with the other person once they answer, so screen sharing with strangers is best avoided.

Sharing on a call with a group

Screen sharing works in group calls too, which makes Messenger a handy option for a quick team catch-up or a family call where one person needs to show everyone something. Only share what everyone on the call should see, and if someone joins late, tell them what they've missed rather than scrolling back. If the group is large, ask people to mute while you're sharing so your explanation isn't drowned out.

When the other person can't see your screen

• Check you clicked Share after choosing the window. Selecting it isn't enough on its own.
• If you shared a window that's now minimised, bring it back up, because a hidden window may show as blank.
• Ask them to check their connection, since a slow network can freeze the shared view while your voice still comes through.

Screen sharing for business owners

For small businesses, Messenger screen sharing is a handy free option for quick client check-ins, showing a website draft, or helping a customer find a setting. It's not a full meeting platform, so for longer sessions with recording or many attendees, a dedicated meeting tool is better. For a fast "let me show you" call with someone already in your Messenger, it's hard to beat.

Tips for a clear screen share

• Increase text size or zoom in, because shared screens look smaller to the viewer.
• Close tabs and windows you won't use, to avoid clicking the wrong one.
• Tell people what you're about to show before you share it.
• Pause between steps so the other person can follow.

For the call itself, my guides to Messenger saying waiting for network and Messenger crashing help if the call drops or the app freezes mid-share.

My verdict

Start a call, click Share screen, and share one window or tab rather than your whole screen. It works in audio calls as well as video, which makes it a quick way to show something without switching your camera on. Turn on Do Not Disturb first, and stop sharing the moment you're done.

Frequently asked questions

How do I share my screen on Messenger?

Start a video or audio call, then click or tap Share screen and choose what to share.

Can I share my screen on a Messenger audio call?

Yes. Messenger supports screen sharing in both video and audio calls.

Can I share just one window on Messenger?

Yes. On a computer you can choose Entire Screen, a Window or an Application tab.

How do I stop sharing my screen on Messenger?

Click Share screen again on a computer, or tap stop on your phone.

Why can't I share my screen on Messenger?

Make sure you're in a call, update the app or browser, and allow screen sharing permissions.

Does screen sharing work in Messenger group calls?

Yes. You can share your screen in group calls as well as one-to-one calls.

Can I change my mic or camera while sharing?

Yes. Click Options in the top right of the call, then Device Settings.