WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging and video calling platforms globally. With its screen-sharing feature, you can now share your screen during a video call to show presentations, documents, or help someone troubleshoot an issue. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to share your screen on WhatsApp video calls across different devices, including Android, iPhone, and PC.
What is Screen Sharing on WhatsApp?
Screen sharing allows you to broadcast the content of your device’s screen to the other participants on a video call. This feature is helpful for various purposes, such as demonstrating app functionality, sharing documents, showing presentations, or assisting someone with tech support.
Prerequisites for Screen Sharing
Before diving into the steps for screen sharing, ensure that:
- You are using the latest version of WhatsApp, as the screen-sharing feature may not be available in older versions.
- You have a stable internet connection for smooth video and screen-sharing performance.
- Both you and the person on the other end of the call have updated WhatsApp to a version that supports screen sharing.
Now, let’s look at how to share your screen on Android, iPhone, and PC.
How to Share Screen on WhatsApp Video Call for Android
Start a Video Call:
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- Open WhatsApp on your Android device and select the contact you want to video call.
- Tap the video call icon at the top right corner to initiate the video call.
Initiate Screen Sharing:
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- Once the video call has started, you will see a screen-sharing icon (a rectangle with an arrow) at the bottom or top of the screen, depending on your device model and WhatsApp interface.
- Tap the screen-sharing icon to start sharing your screen.
- A prompt may appear asking for your permission to allow screen sharing. Confirm to proceed.
Screen Sharing in Progress:
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- Your screen will now be shared with the other person on the video call. They will be able to see everything displayed on your screen.
- You can navigate through different apps, show documents, or demonstrate features during the call.
Stop Screen Sharing:
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- To stop sharing your screen, tap the screen-sharing icon again or tap the “Stop Sharing” option that appears.
How to Share Screen on WhatsApp Video Call for iPhone
Start a Video Call:
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- Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and choose the contact you wish to call.
- Tap the video call button to begin the call.
Enable Screen Sharing:
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- Once the call has started, look for the screen-sharing icon on the screen. It usually appears at the bottom.
- Tap the icon to begin sharing your screen.
- A confirmation dialog may appear requesting access for screen sharing. Tap “Start Broadcast” to continue.
Broadcasting Your Screen:
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- Your screen is now being shared with the other participant. You can switch between apps, show presentations, or browse through images, and the other person will see your screen in real-time.
End Screen Sharing:
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- To stop screen sharing, tap the screen-sharing icon or end the “Broadcast” by tapping the “Stop” button.
How to Share Screen on WhatsApp Video Call for PC
Download WhatsApp Desktop App or Use WhatsApp Web:
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- To share your screen on a PC, use the WhatsApp Desktop app or visit web.whatsapp.com on a compatible browser.
Start a Video Call:
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- Open a chat with the contact you want to call and click on the video call icon at the top right corner.
- You may need to allow WhatsApp to access your camera and microphone for the call.
Enable Screen Sharing:
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- During the call, click on the screen-sharing icon located in the call controls (usually found at the bottom of the video call window).
- A prompt will appear asking which window or screen you want to share. Choose the specific window or your entire screen.
Sharing Your Screen:
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- Once selected, the screen or window will be shared with the other person on the call. You can demonstrate anything happening on your desktop, including navigating between different apps or showing presentations.
Stop Screen Sharing:
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- Click the screen-sharing icon again to stop sharing, or end the video call to stop sharing automatically.
Troubleshooting Screen Sharing Issues
If you encounter issues while trying to share your screen, consider these troubleshooting steps:
- Update WhatsApp: Make sure you have the latest version installed.
- Restart the App: Close and reopen WhatsApp to refresh the connection.
- Check Permissions: Ensure WhatsApp has the necessary permissions for screen sharing in your device settings.
- Stable Internet Connection: A strong and stable connection is crucial for seamless screen sharing. If possible, switch to Wi-Fi to improve connection quality.
- Reboot Your Device: Restarting your device can resolve many technical glitches.
Important Considerations
- Privacy Concerns: Screen sharing shows everything on your screen, including notifications. It’s a good practice to enable “Do Not Disturb” mode to avoid interruptions.
- Data Usage: Screen sharing can consume significant data. If you are on a limited data plan, monitor your usage or connect to a Wi-Fi network.
Conclusion
Sharing your screen during a WhatsApp video call is a handy feature for presentations, troubleshooting, and more. With the steps provided for Android, iPhone, and PC, you can easily enable this feature and make your calls more interactive and productive. Always ensure you are using the latest version of WhatsApp for the best experience and make sure to follow privacy best practices while sharing your screen.
