WhatsApp has become integral to our everyday routines, facilitating connections between individuals worldwide. Step-by-Step Instructions for Sharing Your Screen on WhatsApp With WhatsApp, you remain constantly linked to acquaintances. In 2023, it became a messaging platform; users can engage in chats and video calls, share voice notes, and even make calls.
Regardless of whether you utilize an iOS or Android device, a recent update from WhatsApp allows users to screen share during video calls. This comprehensive guide will elucidate sharing your screen during video calls. Let’s delve into it.
Screen Sharing on iPhone and Android Devices
This new functionality enables users to share their screens during ongoing video calls, proving immensely beneficial for working professionals and business owners, whether for presentations or digital guidance via WhatsApp. Here’s how to execute it:
Initiating the Call: Commence a video call with your contact as usual and await their response.
Tapping the Share Screen Icon: During the active video call, both parties will notice a small icon at the bottom of the screen featuring two overlapping rectangles designated for screen sharing on WhatsApp.
Starting the Broadcast on iPhone: For iOS users, tap on the screen option and then on the “start a broadcast” button to initiate screen sharing immediately.
Commencing on Android: Android users will encounter a prompt (if using the feature for the first time); tap “continue” and then “start now” in the subsequent pop-up window to begin sharing the screen on WhatsApp.
Stopping the Broadcast: To conclude screen sharing, tap the “stop sharing” button, deactivating the feature.
Share Screen on Desktop App:
As of now, the availability of this feature for WhatsApp Web or Mac programs is still being determined. However, users of the WhatsApp Windows desktop app can proceed as follows:
Launch the Desktop App: Open the WhatsApp desktop app on your computer and connect it to your smartphone’s WhatsApp using a QR code if not already linked.
Initiate Video Call: Once within the WhatsApp Windows desktop app, initiate a video call with your contact.
Activate Screen Sharing: While engaged in the video call, locate and click the icon at the bottom of the phone’s screen to activate screen sharing on WhatsApp.
Choosing What to Share: In the WhatsApp Windows Desktop App, users can select either a specific window or the entire screen for sharing.
Commence Screen Sharing: Confirm the selection by clicking “OK” to commence screen sharing of the desktop screen.
Ending the Session: To terminate the screen-sharing session, click the “Stop Sharing” option to conclude the process.
Understanding the Functionality of Screen Sharing
Screen sharing enables users to broadcast a real-time display of their screen during a call. According to a company statement, users can activate this feature by selecting the ‘share’ icon and opting to share a specific application or the entire screen. Additionally, Meta noted, “You can now also enjoy video calls in Landscape mode for a wider and more immersive viewing and sharing experience on your phone.”
Sharing Your Screen on WhatsApp from a Desktop
Sharing your screen while using the WhatsApp Windows desktop app is also feasible, albeit with a slightly different procedure than mobile devices.
- Launch the WhatsApp desktop app and initiate a video call.
- Locate and click on the Share icon within the call window.
- Choose between sharing your entire screen or a specific application.
- The other participants in the call can now view your screen.
- If you share your entire screen, any applications you open will be visible to the call participants.
- If you share a specific application, only that one will be visible, provided you refrain from minimizing its window.
- When you’re ready to cease screen sharing, navigate to the WhatsApp app and tap the Stop screen sharing icon.
Additional Considerations for Screen Sharing
Screen sharing entails that everything displayed on your screen becomes visible to others on the call. For instance, if you access your camera roll while screen sharing, all call participants will see your photos. Similarly, opening a web browser reveals the current page you’re on and even search suggestions if you input a URL. Any usernames or passwords on your screen are also exposed to everyone on the call.
Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully consider any sensitive information or content on your device and take precautions to prevent accidental exposure while screen sharing. This may involve closing apps containing sensitive data to avoid switching to them accidentally during screen sharing. Additionally, utilizing your browser in private or incognito mode can help safeguard your browsing history.
Limitations of WhatsApp Screen Sharing
Currently, screen sharing is exclusively accessible during video calls. If you’re engaged in a voice call, you won’t find any options to initiate screen sharing. Moreover, when attempting to share audiovisual content like YouTube videos or live gaming streams, only the images will be shared, with no accompanying audio. For online watch parties utilizing WhatsApp screen sharing, enabling subtitles becomes necessary.
During screen sharing, the video feeds of other call participants will remain visible below the shared content, which is a consideration for all call members.
Enhance Your WhatsApp Video Call Experience
For those who frequently utilize WhatsApp video calls for online classes or meetings, including screen sharing brings added convenience.
While Zoom and Google Meet also provide screen-sharing capabilities, opting for WhatsApp can be preferable for quick screen-sharing sessions without switching to another application.
Essential Information Regarding WhatsApp’s Screen Sharing
Here are some key points to note about WhatsApp’s screen-sharing feature:
- The feature is exclusively available during video calls, regardless of the number of participants. Audio calls do not support screen sharing.
- All information on your screen, including usernames and passwords, will be visible to the recipients of the screen share.
- Only on-screen content is displayed during screen sharing; accompanying audio is not transmitted during the call.
- Screen sharing is compatible with both Android and iPhone devices.
- While any participant can initiate a screen-sharing session during a video call, only one can share their screen simultaneously.
- Your camera remains active even while screen sharing.
- During screen sharing, you can rotate your phone to landscape mode for a different layout.
WhatsApp’s Screen-Sharing Functionality
WhatsApp’s screen-sharing functionality permits users to showcase their screen content during a video call, facilitating real-time viewing for others. This platform-agnostic feature allows users to share their screens with anyone utilizing WhatsApp on various devices, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, or web platforms. Through this capability, users can collaborate on documents, share photos with family members, coordinate vacation plans, shop online with friends, or offer technical assistance to relatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Can I share my screen during a WhatsApp video call?
Answer: You can share your screen during a WhatsApp video call by following these steps.
Question: How do I start sharing my screen on WhatsApp?
Answer: To start sharing your screen, initiate a video call with your contact, then locate and tap on the “Share Screen” icon, usually found at the bottom of the call screen.
Question: Can I choose which part of my screen to share on WhatsApp?
Answer: You can share your entire screen or a specific application/window during a WhatsApp video call.
Question: How do I stop sharing my screen on WhatsApp?
Answer: To stop sharing your screen, tap the “Stop Sharing” button or exit the screen-sharing mode within WhatsApp.
Question: Can I share my screen with multiple people on WhatsApp?
Answer: You can share your screen with multiple participants during a WhatsApp video call.
Question: Is screen sharing available on all devices with WhatsApp?
Answer: Yes, screen sharing is available on all devices supported by WhatsApp, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and web platforms.
Conclusion
Sharing your screen on WhatsApp during a video call is a valuable feature that enhances communication and collaboration. Whether you’re working on a project, sharing photos with friends, or providing tech support to family members, following the simple step-by-step instructions allows you to share your screen with others seamlessly.
With screen sharing available across various devices, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and web platforms, WhatsApp provides a versatile and convenient platform for connecting with others visually and sharing content in real time.
