WhatsApp constantly rolls us exciting features that enhance user experience tremendously. One such beneficial functionality that the Meta-owned platform rolled out in 2023 is the screen-sharing feature, allowing users to share their screen with other participants during a video call. So, what does this feature entail and how does it work? Here’s your ultimate guide to WhatsApp’s screen share feature.
The screen share update is protected with end-to-end encryption and is never recorded by WhatsApp. It is available on Android, iPhone, and Windows desktop app, and can be a compelling alternative to apps like Google Meet and Zoom. Whether you’re sharing work documents, going through your gallery with your family members, planning a vacation with your pals, or just helping someone with tech support – there’s so much you can leverage from this update. Moreover, “you can now also enjoy video calls in Landscape mode for a wider and more immersive viewing and sharing experience on your phone,” Meta mentioned.
Things you should know about WhatsApp’s screen sharing
- The feature only works during video calls, irrespective of the number of members. Any audio call won’t allow you the screen-share option.
- All information displayed on the screen, including your usernames and passwords, will be visible to the people you’re sharing the screen with.
- This feature only displays your phone’s on-screen content. Any audio accompanying the content won’t be transmitted over the call.
- You can use the screen-share option with both Android and iPhone users.
- Anyone can start the screen-sharing session during a video call. However, only one participant can share their screen at a given time.
- Your camera will stay active even while you’re sharing your screen.
- You can also rotate your phone to landscape mode to get a new layout for screen sharing.
How to use WhatsApp’s screen share feature on Android and iOS?
- Open WhatsApp and engage in a video call.
- During the video call, select the ‘Share’ button in the bottom display bar.
- For those who are using the feature for the first time, press ‘continue’ when WhatsApp’s dialogue box appears.
- Select ‘Start now’ to grant the app access to your screen.
- To stop the session, tap the screen share button from the video call screen again.
How to use WhatsApp’s screen share feature on desktop app?
On the desktop version, WhatsApp allows users to either share their entire computer screen or just share a particular app. Here’s how to use it:
- Go to the WhatsApp desktop app and initiate a video call.
- On the call window, click the ‘Share’ option and choose if you want to showcase the entire screen or a specific app.
- To stop screen-sharing, return to the WhatsApp app and tap the Stop screen-sharing icon.
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(Feature image credit: Vectonauta/ Freepik)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Does WhatsApp have screen sharing?
Yes, WhatsApp rolled out its screen share feature for video calls in 2023.
- How do I share my screen on WhatsApp video call?
Simply select the ‘Share’ button in the bottom display bar during your video call and the screen-share feature will be activated.
- Can I use WhatsApp’s screen share feature on iPhone?
Yes, you can use WhatsApp’s screen share feature on iPhone, and Android as well as WhatsApp’s desktop app.
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Written by
Kriti Nayyar
Senior Digital Writer, Wellness, Culture, Astrology, Tech
Kriti is a stay-at-home dog mama, whose knack for telling interesting stories keeps her erstwhile monotonous life sane. A literature & journalism degree holder, you'll find her binging on Agatha Christie novels while critiquing the everyday state of affairs. On Kriti's seldom social outings, she's seen devouring coffee sangria with appetizing bread on the side.
