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WhatsApp, the internationally renowned messaging platform, extends beyond mere text exchange, providing users with diverse functionalities including file sharing, money transfer, and now, screen sharing during video calls.
This article aims to guide users through the screen sharing process on WhatsApp, irrespective of whether they are utilizing an iPhone, an Android device, or WhatsApp’s desktop application.
Sharing Your Screen on WhatsApp: A Guide for iPhone and Android Users
Similar to features found on platforms like Google Meet and Zoom, WhatsApp’s screen-sharing function allows you to display your entire screen during a video call.
However, it’s essential to note that everything on your screen, including notifications, will be visible to the other participant.
To prevent this, activate Do Not Disturb mode. Here’s how to share your screen on WhatsApp for both iPhone and Android:
- Initiate a video call with your contact on WhatsApp.
- Once they answer, locate and tap the “Share Screen” icon at the bottom of the screen.
- On your iPhone, tap “Start Broadcast” to commence sharing your iPhone’s screen. On Android, if it’s your first time sharing the screen, tap “Continue,” then “Start Now” in the pop-up message.
- To cease screen sharing, simply tap the “Stop Sharing” button.
WhatsApp’s Latest Feature
The Meta-owned social media messaging application WhatsApp has introduced screen sharing and landscape mode features for video calls, as announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on August 8th. “We’re introducing the capability to share your screen during a video call on WhatsApp,” Zuckerberg shared on Facebook.
Sharing Your Screen on the Desktop App: A Step-by-Step Guide
Although WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop for Mac do not currently support screen sharing, this feature is available on WhatsApp Desktop for Windows. If you’re utilizing WhatsApp’s desktop app on Windows, adhere to these steps:
- Launch the WhatsApp for Desktop app on your computer.
- Scan the QR Code displayed on your phone to link your WhatsApp account to the desktop app.
- Initiate a chat conversation with your friend and commence a video call.
- Locate and click the “Share Screen” icon to begin sharing your desktop screen.
- Choose whether to share a specific window or your entire display.
- Select “Display” and click “OK” to commence sharing your screen with the other party.
- Click the “Stop Sharing” button to conclude the screen sharing session.
WhatsApp Screen Sharing Safe and Secure
WhatsApp’s screen sharing feature employs end-to-end encryption, akin to voice or video calls on the platform. This implies that only the participants of the call can view the content shared from your screen. Even WhatsApp itself cannot access the shared content, and your video call remains unrecorded by the company.
However, it’s vital to recognize that end-to-end encryption safeguards your call solely during transit. The individuals you are calling have the ability to see and potentially record the shared content. Therefore, exercising caution when sharing sensitive information during a WhatsApp call is advisable.
There Any Restrictions to WhatsApp Screen Sharing
Currently screen sharing is exclusively available during video calls. If you initiate a voice call, you won’t find any options to share your screen. Additionally, when sharing audiovisual content like YouTube videos or gaming livestreams, only the images will be shared; there won’t be any shared audio. For hosting an online watch party using WhatsApp screen sharing, it’s necessary to enable subtitles.
During screen sharing, the video feeds from other participants in the call will also be visible beneath the shared content, a factor worth noting for all members of the call.
Guide to Sharing Your Screen on WhatsApp’s Mobile App
The process of sharing your screen on both WhatsApp’s Android and iOS apps is similar. However, it’s important to note that users must share their entire screen when using this feature on their mobile devices. While sharing their screens, users can switch between different apps on their phones. Everything displayed on their phone screen will be visible to other participants on the call.
WhatsApp’s Screen Sharing Functionality
WhatsApp’s screen sharing feature enables users to broadcast their screen during a video call, allowing others to view real-time activity. This functionality is cross-platform compatible, facilitating screen sharing across devices including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and web. With this feature, users can collaborate on work documents, share photos with family, coordinate vacation plans, shop online with friends, or offer tech support to relatives.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of screen sharing on WhatsApp opens up a myriad of possibilities for seamless communication and collaboration. By following the step-by-step tutorial outlined above, users can effortlessly share their screens during video calls across various devices.
Whether it’s for work-related tasks, sharing memorable moments with loved ones, or providing assistance to friends, WhatsApp’s screen sharing feature proves to be a versatile tool for enhancing connectivity and productivity.
