How to Screen Share on Mac: 3 Methods for Remote Collaboration

Productivity

2 mins ago

Karly Chan

Published on

May 26, 2025

Updated on

Aug 7, 2025

Screen sharing on a Mac can be incredibly useful, whether you're collaborating on a project, troubleshooting a technical issue, or giving a quick tutorial to a colleague or friend. But if you're new to macOS or switching from another system, figuring out how to start screen sharing can be confusing.

This guide walks you through the 3 easiest ways with common error fixes, to share your screen on a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or iMac without a technical background required. From built-in tools to smarter third-party options like DeskIn, you'll find the method that fits your needs best.

Click here to download DeskIn

👀 More About Mac Screen Share:

If you need to share your Mac screen with another Mac on the same local network, Apple's built-in Screen Sharing app offers a simple and effective solution. It's especially useful for tech support, collaboration, or remote access within homes or offices, with no third-party software required.

That said, this method only works Mac-to-Mac and requires both devices to be on the same network, which makes it ideal for quick, local sharing scenarios. If that fits your situation, follow these steps to get started.

Step 1. Go to "Apple menu > System Settings > General > Sharing".

Step 2. Toggle on "Screen Sharing". Under "Allow access for," choose All users or Only these users, depending on your needs.

Step 3. On the other Mac, open Finder, then go to "Network", or open the Screen Sharing app via Launchpad.

Step 4. Select the Mac you want to connect to, or enter its IP address or hostname, then click "Connect".

Step 5. Finally, find your target Mac computer under "Settings > Display", and mirror your Mac screen on it.

💡 Things to Keep in Mind:

Both Macs must be powered on and connected to the same network.
If the Firewall is enabled, make sure it allows incoming Screen Sharing connections.
Performance may vary depending on your network speed and system resources.

If you're running macOS Sonoma or later, FaceTime now provides a built-in screen sharing feature to show your screen during a video call, offering a frictionless way to share your screen on an iMac, MacBook, or any macOS device. It's especially helpful for quick demonstrations, collaborative discussions, or helping friends and family troubleshoot issues, without needing any extra apps or setup.

This method is best suited for temporary Mac screen sharing during real-time conversations, especially when talking to someone on another Mac or iOS device. However, it's important to note that FaceTime screen sharing does not allow remote control, and is therefore not suitable for IT-level support or secure access. To share your screen during a FaceTime call, follow these steps as follows.

Step 1. Start or join a FaceTime call with the person you want to share your screen with.

Step 2. Click the "Share Screen" button (a rectangle with a person icon) in the FaceTime control bar.

Step 3. Choose either "Entire Screen" or "Specific Window", depending on what you want to show.

Step 4. To stop sharing, click the "screen sharing" icon again, or switch to a different window if needed.

Read More:

If you need to share your Mac screen securely across different networks or platforms, or even take full remote control of another device, DeskIn is a powerful and user-friendly alternative to traditional methods. It's designed for users who need more than just basic screen sharing, perfect for remote work, IT support, or virtual collaboration.

Unlike Apple's built-in tools, DeskIn doesn't require a public IP address or port forwarding, thanks to its intelligent NAT traversal. All connections are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring your data remains private and protected. In addition to screen sharing, DeskIn also supports file transfers, real-time control, and cross-platform compatibility, which means you can remote access your Mac from iPhone, Android, or Windows PC, and enjoy all advanced features without hassle.

Click here to download DeskIn

👍 Key Features of DeskIn:

No Public IP Required - Easily connect without configuring network ports or firewalls.
End-to-End Encryption - All screen sharing sessions are securely encrypted to protect sensitive data.
Cross-Platform Compatibility - Available on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.
More Than Just Screen Sharing - Support for remote control, file transfers, and real-time collaboration.
Simple Access Methods - Connect using temporary access codes or set custom passwords for frequent connections.

Here's how to share a Mac screen securely, and even remote control your other Mac computer with DeskIn.

Step 1. Download and install the DeskIn app on both the host (sharing) and viewer (control) devices.

Click here to download DeskIn

Step 2. Register or log in to your DeskIn account.

Step 3. On the host device (Mac), generate a temporary connection code or set a permanent access password.

Step 4. On the viewer device, enter the code or credentials, and you'll instantly gain access to the shared screen, with optional control.

Whether you're assisting a client, collaborating on a project, or managing a remote desktop setup, DeskIn offers a secure, seamless, and efficient screen-sharing experience for all scenarios.

During your usage, you may come across any trouble, like Mac screen sharing not working, or not being able to share your Mac. Whether you're using the built-in Screen Sharing app or trying to share during a FaceTime call, there are several common reasons why it might not work as expected.

Here's how to identify and fix the most frequent issues:

Devices Are Not on the Same Network: The built-in Screen Sharing app only works when both Macs are connected to the same local network. If you're trying to connect remotely, this method won't work.
Firewall Is Blocking RDP or VNC Ports: macOS firewalls or network security settings might block the ports used for screen sharing. Make sure port 5900 (VNC) is allowed through your firewall.
Screen Sharing Permissions Not Enabled: Go to System Settings > General > Sharing, and ensure Screen Sharing is turned on. Also, verify that the correct users are authorized under the "Allow access for" section.
User Account Lacks Access Rights: If the user trying to connect isn't granted permission on the host Mac, screen sharing won't initiate. You may need to add them to the approved list.
Incompatible or Outdated macOS Versions: Some features, like FaceTime screen sharing, are only available on macOS Sonoma and newer. If one device is running an older version, compatibility issues may occur.

📌 Tips: If you need to share your screen between different networks or across platforms, consider using DeskIn. It doesn't require both devices to be on the same network and automatically handles firewall/NAT traversal. With end-to-end encryption and multi-platform support, it's a reliable workaround when native macOS tools fall short.

Click here to download DeskIn

Screen sharing isn't just a tech-savvy feature; it's a practical tool that makes everyday collaboration smoother. Whether you're working from home, helping a family member troubleshoot their Mac, or hosting a virtual training session, screen sharing lets others see exactly what's happening on your screen in real time.

Here are some common scenarios where sharing your screen on a Mac can come in handy:

Remote presentations to clients or teammates.
Live technical support when someone needs to walk you through an issue (or vice versa).
Online classes or training sessions where visual explanation is key.
Collaborative document editing or design review that benefits from shared visuals.

Conclusion

In summary, screen sharing on Mac can be easily done using the built-in Screen Sharing app for local networks, FaceTime for quick, temporary sharing, or DeskIn for secure, cross-platform collaboration. For seamless and secure screen sharing, DeskIn offers the best solution, especially when working remotely or across different devices. Choose the method that best fits your needs, and for enhanced security and flexibility, consider downloading DeskIn for remote desktop and screen sharing!

Click here to download DeskIn

👀 More About Mac Screen Share:

Step 1. Go to "Apple menu > System Settings > General > Sharing".

Step 2. Toggle on "Screen Sharing". Under "Allow access for," choose All users or Only these users, depending on your needs.

Step 3. On the other Mac, open Finder, then go to "Network", or open the Screen Sharing app via Launchpad.

Step 4. Select the Mac you want to connect to, or enter its IP address or hostname, then click "Connect".

Step 5. Finally, find your target Mac computer under "Settings > Display", and mirror your Mac screen on it.

💡 Things to Keep in Mind:

Both Macs must be powered on and connected to the same network.
If the Firewall is enabled, make sure it allows incoming Screen Sharing connections.
Performance may vary depending on your network speed and system resources.

Step 1. Start or join a FaceTime call with the person you want to share your screen with.

Step 2. Click the "Share Screen" button (a rectangle with a person icon) in the FaceTime control bar.

Step 3. Choose either "Entire Screen" or "Specific Window", depending on what you want to show.

Step 4. To stop sharing, click the "screen sharing" icon again, or switch to a different window if needed.

Read More:

Click here to download DeskIn

👍 Key Features of DeskIn:

No Public IP Required - Easily connect without configuring network ports or firewalls.
End-to-End Encryption - All screen sharing sessions are securely encrypted to protect sensitive data.
Cross-Platform Compatibility - Available on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.
More Than Just Screen Sharing - Support for remote control, file transfers, and real-time collaboration.
Simple Access Methods - Connect using temporary access codes or set custom passwords for frequent connections.

Here's how to share a Mac screen securely, and even remote control your other Mac computer with DeskIn.

Step 1. Download and install the DeskIn app on both the host (sharing) and viewer (control) devices.

Click here to download DeskIn

Step 2. Register or log in to your DeskIn account.

Step 3. On the host device (Mac), generate a temporary connection code or set a permanent access password.

Step 4. On the viewer device, enter the code or credentials, and you'll instantly gain access to the shared screen, with optional control.

Whether you're assisting a client, collaborating on a project, or managing a remote desktop setup, DeskIn offers a secure, seamless, and efficient screen-sharing experience for all scenarios.

Here's how to identify and fix the most frequent issues:

Devices Are Not on the Same Network: The built-in Screen Sharing app only works when both Macs are connected to the same local network. If you're trying to connect remotely, this method won't work.
Firewall Is Blocking RDP or VNC Ports: macOS firewalls or network security settings might block the ports used for screen sharing. Make sure port 5900 (VNC) is allowed through your firewall.
Screen Sharing Permissions Not Enabled: Go to System Settings > General > Sharing, and ensure Screen Sharing is turned on. Also, verify that the correct users are authorized under the "Allow access for" section.
User Account Lacks Access Rights: If the user trying to connect isn't granted permission on the host Mac, screen sharing won't initiate. You may need to add them to the approved list.
Incompatible or Outdated macOS Versions: Some features, like FaceTime screen sharing, are only available on macOS Sonoma and newer. If one device is running an older version, compatibility issues may occur.

Click here to download DeskIn

Here are some common scenarios where sharing your screen on a Mac can come in handy:

Remote presentations to clients or teammates.
Live technical support when someone needs to walk you through an issue (or vice versa).
Online classes or training sessions where visual explanation is key.
Collaborative document editing or design review that benefits from shared visuals.

Conclusion

Click here to download DeskIn

What’s next?

View All

Deskimo Coworking Spaces and DeskIn Remote Desktop made remote working possible

PRODUCTIVITY

Unlocking the Ultimate Remote Work Setup: Deskimo Meets DeskIn

Remote work promised freedom, but for many professionals it quietly delivered a new kind of friction. The apartment is too noisy. The café Wi-Fi is patchy. The laptop bag gets heavier every month as cables, chargers, and a second monitor piles on. Somewhere along the way, "working from anywhere" started to feel a lot like hauling your office everywhere.

The fix is to pair two tools that solve opposite halves of the same problem. Deskimo, a coworking space platform, gives you on-demand access to workspaces by the minute. DeskIn, a remote desktop software, gives you access to your home or office computer from any device. Put them together and you get a workflow that removes hardware limits, keeps your data on your home machine, and lets you walk into any city with nothing but a tablet.

Why your personal space isn't always a productive space

Working from home sounds ideal until your partner takes a call in the shared study. Or when the neighbour upstairs starts drilling at 9 a.m. Most work requires deep engagement and intense focus, free from distractions. Most homes were not designed to provide these on demand.

Coworking spaces fill this gap in three ways. Firstly, they set a physical boundary between personal life and work. Research suggests coworking setup is linked to higher productivity than working from home. Secondly, they offer amenities that are difficult to replicate at home: strong Wi-Fi, ergonomic chairs, private meeting rooms and quiet zones. Thirdly, individual workstations, open-plan workspaces foster a professional presence. You are most likely surrounded by people who are also there to work, and this social context encourages you to do the same.

Keep the Desk, Skip the Membership

The downside of most coworking spaces is the commitment. Monthly memberships and yearly office leases assume you need a desk every day, but most remote workers don't. Deskimo removes that friction: book a desk or meeting room by the hour, only when you need it, at hundreds of locations across cities.

The "Light Bag" Workflow

Once you start working outside of home regularly, the first thing you'll notice is the bag. A full laptop setup - machine, charger, mouse, maybe a portable monitor - adds up fast, especially if you're commuting by train or bike.

The fix is simple: leave your powerful machine at home. Carry only a lightweight tablet or thin laptop. DeskIn bridges the gap: open the app on your tablet, connect to your home workstation, and your full desktop environment streams to your screen. CAD software, video editing timelines, 40-tab research sessions. Everything runs on your hardware at home while you sit at a Deskimo desk across town.

What a Light Bag Day Actually Looks Like

A typical morning might start with email and focused work at a café-style hot desk over coffee. After lunch, you book a Deskimo private meeting room, connect to your home workstation through DeskIn, and tackle the heavy rendering or design work. Your bag weighs less than a paperback. Your output doesn't change.

Security Without the Usual Compromise

Working on public Wi-Fi has always been a quiet risk. When you open sensitive files on a portable device at a hot desk, those files are now physically travelling with you on a drive that could be stolen or compromised.

DeskIn's architecture sidesteps this. Your work runs on your home or office machine; the actual files never leave your network. Your device becomes a window: it displays pixels, sends back your clicks and keystrokes, and stores nothing from the session. Combined with DeskIn's end-to-end encryption and Privacy Mode (which blanks the host screen so no passerby sees what you're working on), the setup is arguably safer than carrying a laptop.

This matters most for teams working with regulated data - legal, healthcare, finance. Now you can offer staff the freedom to work from any Deskimo location without stretching your security perimeter to every space they visit.

Multi-Screen Workflows Without Buying Monitors

finance manager presenting SaaS service to clients via remote desktop at Deskimo private meetting room

One of the underrated benefits of coworking spaces is that they often provide equipment that you wouldn't buy. Many Deskimo locations have meeting rooms equipped with external monitors, smart TVs or dual-display desks. Check the amenities at your chosen location and ask the staff if this is important for your session.

Bring the Desktop, Borrow the Screens

DeskIn's screen management feature allows you to make the most of these setups without the need for additional cables or adapters. You can wirelessly extend your remote desktop across multiple displays, which is a great upgrade for anyone working with spreadsheets, design files or code. For example, you could put financial models on one screen, reference documents on another, communication on a third; all without buying a single monitor.

How to use Remote Desktop in a coworking Space

The idea is appealing, but the practical question is where to begin. Here are a few guidelines:

1. Start with the space, then add the software.

If focusing at home has been a struggle, book a few Deskimo sessions across different locations and see what clicks. Some people thrive in café energy; others need a silent private booth. Once you know where you work best, install DeskIn on both your desktop and your portable device. Spend a session fine-tuning the connection before you depend on it for work.

2. Match the space to the task

Open coworking areas suit light communication and email. Quiet zones are better for focused writing or deep analysis. Private meeting rooms belong to client calls and heavy multi-screen work. With Deskimo's pay-per-minute pricing, you only pay for the room type you actually need; no overspending on a meeting room when a hot desk will do.

3. Be honest on your budget

A permanent private office in a major city can run from several hundred to several thousand dollars a month. A combined Deskimo and DeskIn setup, used a few days a week, typically costs at a fraction of that, before you even count the hardware you no longer need to buy. Ask the Deskimo staff about location pricing and team plans, as costs vary by city and space type.

4. Be aware of the trade-offs

Coworking spaces are not a perfect substitute for a dedicated office. Availability fluctuates, noise levels vary, and long sessions on pay-per-minute pricing is costly. The fix is simple: book ahead for important sessions, have an alternative location in mind, and use Deskimo day passes or bundles when you know you'll be there all day.

Bringing It Together

If you are using remote desktop software to work but struggle with noisy home environments, a coworking space could be the missing piece. Try booking a workspace on Deskimo app using the referral code DESKIN to get for $10 off (new users only). Setting up a new Deskimo Business account? Use referral code DESKBIZ for 60% off your first credit package.

If you already have a Deskimo membership but find yourself hauling heavy gears to every session, DeskIn could change that. Download the app, connect to your desktop in minutes. Use promo code DESKIMO for 50% off DeskIn for the first month (or 20% off on annual plans). This promotion is valid until 31 July 2026.

The best remote setup isn't about buying more gear. It's about showing up anywhere with almost nothing, and still doing your best work.

About Deskimo

Deskimo is an on-demand workspace platform that gives professionals pay-per-minute access to coworking spaces, private offices, and meeting rooms. No long-term leases. No monthly subscriptions. Book a space when you need it and only pay for the time you use.

About DeskIn

DeskIn is remote desktop software that delivers low-latency access to your personal and enterprise computers from any device. With end-to-end encryption, multi-screen management, and fast data transmission, it's made for professionals who need all the power of a desktop computer without having to carry the hardware.

PRODUCTIVITY

How to Control Alt Delete Function on Remote Desktop [Troubleshooting]

If you've ever tried pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard while connected to a remote desktop session, you know it doesn't work the way you expect. The command is intercepted by your local machine, not the remote one. Frustrating, right?

When Ctrl + Alt + Del Doesn’t Work Remotely

For remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads, knowing how to control alt delete on remote desktop is crucial. Whether you’re trying to lock your screen, access the Task Manager, or change a password, this simple shortcut matters more than you think.

Good news: there’s a better way to handle it, and I’ll walk you through it step-by-step.

1. Why Ctrl + Alt + Del Doesn’t Work by Default

What’s the Problem?

When you're using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or remote access tools, your keyboard commands go to the local system unless told otherwise.

Ctrl + Alt + Delete is a protected system command.
Your local system always takes control of it first.
The remote computer never receives it.

This is by design, but for those managing remote PCs, it's a headache.

Who Needs This?

Remote workers managing multiple machines
IT admins doing maintenance
Freelancers working across time zones
Digital nomads accessing office PCs from anywhere

What You Really Need

You need a way to send Ctrl + Alt + Delete to the remote machine without causing local disruptions.

Using DeskIn: A Smarter Way to Handle Remote Access

DeskIn is a free remote desktop tool that lets you access any PC, from anywhere. One major perk? It lets you send Ctrl + Alt + Delete directly, no stress.

How to Do It With DeskIn

Launch the DeskIn app on both devices
Connect to your PC/Mac/Laptop with DeskIn (if it is connected then your mobile display will be like this)

Connect to your PC/Mac/Laptop with DeskIn

On the bottom right corner menu, click the arrow and another add button will appear
Then select the action menu on the far left

Then the ctrl+alt+delete button appears which you can easily use at any time.

Click it — problem solved!

You don’t need to remember complex shortcuts or keyboard hacks. DeskIn makes it one-click easy.

Try DeskIn Now

Still stuck figuring out how to control alt delete on remote desktop? Let DeskIn handle it for you. Click here to download DeskIn.

PRODUCTIVITY

Why I Can't Install Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop is a common choice when you need to access remote devices. However, many users are having trouble installing and using Chrome Remote Desktop. This article will explain some common reasons for failure to install Chrome Remote Desktop and give reliable solutions.

Why is Chrome Remote Desktop not installing, and how to solve it?

1. Network issues:

The network is unstable or too slow, causing the downloaded installer file to be incomplete or damaged.

Solution: Check your network status to make sure the network connection is stable and fast enough. Check your firewall and router settings to make sure they allow the download and installation of Chrome Remote Desktop.

2. System compatibility issues:

Chrome remote desktop supports iOS, macOS, Chrome OS, Android, Windows, Linux system, but not all versions. Make sure your operating system version matches the requirements of Chrome Remote Desktop.

Windows: Windows 10 and above
macOS: macOS 11 Big Sur and above
Linux: Wayland and X11 display protocol, automatic adaptation
Android: Android 8.0 Oreo and above
iOS/iPadOS: iOS 15 and above

Other requirements:

Browser: Requires the latest version of Google Chrome or Chromium
Network: A stable network connection is required to ensure a good remote control experience

3. Security software interference:

Antivirus software, firewall, or other security settings on your computer identified Chrome Remote Desktop as malware or an unauthorized application may cause the installation failure.

Solution: During the installation process, temporarily disable antivirus software, firewalls, or other security settings that may interfere. Once the installation is complete, re-enable these settings and make sure they are configured correctly to allow Chrome Remote Desktop to run.

4. Insufficient permissions:

The current user account lacks permission to install new applications. The system administrator has set up settings to prevent the installation of unapproved applications.

Solution: Run the installer as administrator: Right-click the installer and select "Run as administrator". You may need to enter the password to verify.

5. Registry issue:

Registry left over from an older version of Chrome or Chrome Remote Desktop interfere with the installation of the new version.

Solution: Use the regedit tool to find and delete old registry entries related to Chrome or Chrome Remote Desktop.

6. Incomplete installer file:

The downloaded installer file itself is defective or corrupted.

Solution: Redownload the Chrome Remote Desktop installation package from the Chrome official website or other reliable sources. During the download process, ensure a stable network connection to avoid corruption of the downloaded files.

If you still can't use Chrome Remote Desktop after trying the fix, here is a better alternative for you——DeskIn remote desktop.

DeskIn remote desktop: a better remote desktop software.

DeskIn is a remote desktop software designed for individual users. It is not only easy to use but also provides richer functions and a smoother connection experience than Chrome remote desktop.

High features of DeskIn:

Simple installation, strong compatibility
DeskIn supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, and also supports initiating connections on the web. Installation is easy and you don't need to use it on a specific browser.
Stable and low latency
DeskIn provides a stable connection with no connection time limit and wont drop even connect for a long time; the latency is as low as 40ms, which is especially suitable for efficient office and remote support needs.
Flexible and safe login
Beside email registration, DeskIn also supports one-click registration and login using Google accounts and Apple IDs. When you first login on a new device, you need a verification to keep your account safe.
High security
DeskIn uses 256-bit encryption technology to ensure the security of data transmission. It also has a variety of security settings, such as unattended access and security passwords, privacy screen, black and white lists, etc., to prevent the device from being maliciously connected.
Rich functionality
DeskIn supports up to 4K60FPF/2K144FPS and also supports manual adjustment. Free features like screen expansion, remote CDM, projection, voice calls making it suitable for more usage scenarios.

Get started with DeskIn easily

Step 1: Install and open DeskIn on the local and remote devices respectively, register a free account and log in. For the first log in on a new device, you need email verification to keep your account safe.

Step 2: Enter the ID of the controlled device on the main control device, click Connect, you can use password connection or password-free connection to complete the verification.

After a few seconds, you can control the remote device as if it were right next to you.

Conclusion

If you encounter problems with Chrome Remote Desktop not being able to install, DeskIn is a more stable and powerful alternative. DeskIn is not only easy to install, but also provides stable connections and high security, making it an ideal choice for remote connections.

PRODUCTIVITY

Unlocking the Ultimate Remote Work Setup: Deskimo Meets DeskIn

Why your personal space isn't always a productive space

Keep the Desk, Skip the Membership

The "Light Bag" Workflow

What a Light Bag Day Actually Looks Like

Security Without the Usual Compromise

Multi-Screen Workflows Without Buying Monitors

Bring the Desktop, Borrow the Screens

How to use Remote Desktop in a coworking Space

The idea is appealing, but the practical question is where to begin. Here are a few guidelines:

1. Start with the space, then add the software.

2. Match the space to the task

3. Be honest on your budget

4. Be aware of the trade-offs

Bringing It Together

The best remote setup isn't about buying more gear. It's about showing up anywhere with almost nothing, and still doing your best work.

About Deskimo

About DeskIn

PRODUCTIVITY

How to Control Alt Delete Function on Remote Desktop [Troubleshooting]

When Ctrl + Alt + Del Doesn’t Work Remotely

Good news: there’s a better way to handle it, and I’ll walk you through it step-by-step.

1. Why Ctrl + Alt + Del Doesn’t Work by Default

What’s the Problem?

When you're using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or remote access tools, your keyboard commands go to the local system unless told otherwise.

Ctrl + Alt + Delete is a protected system command.
Your local system always takes control of it first.
The remote computer never receives it.

This is by design, but for those managing remote PCs, it's a headache.

Who Needs This?

Remote workers managing multiple machines
IT admins doing maintenance
Freelancers working across time zones
Digital nomads accessing office PCs from anywhere

What You Really Need

You need a way to send Ctrl + Alt + Delete to the remote machine without causing local disruptions.

Using DeskIn: A Smarter Way to Handle Remote Access

DeskIn is a free remote desktop tool that lets you access any PC, from anywhere. One major perk? It lets you send Ctrl + Alt + Delete directly, no stress.