SharePlay Messages App: How to Use It

SharePlay in Messages lets you watch movies, listen to music, and share your screen with friends right inside your conversation. This guide shows you how to start a SharePlay session, control playback, and fix common issues. You’ll need an iPhone or iPad with iOS 15.1 or later (or a Mac with macOS Monterey), and both you and your friend need to be in the same Messages conversation.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone, iPad, or Mac with FaceTime and Messages
iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, or macOS Monterey or later
A friend who also has a compatible device and is signed in with their Apple ID
A streaming app that supports SharePlay (Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, TikTok, and many others)
Both of you need to be in the same Messages conversation

Step-by-Step

Open an existing Messages conversation with the friend you want to watch or listen with. Tap the conversation to open it.
Tap the person’s name or the info button (the “i” in a circle) at the top of the conversation. This opens the details view.
Tap the SharePlay icon (it looks like a person with a rectangle behind them). It’s next to the FaceTime video and audio buttons. This starts a new FaceTime call with that person.
Wait for your friend to join the call. They’ll see an incoming FaceTime call and can accept it. Once they’re in, you’re both in a SharePlay session.
Open the app you want to share (e.g., Apple TV, Disney+, or Apple Music). The app will open on both your screens if it supports SharePlay.
Play something. Press play on a movie, show, or song. The other person will see a prompt asking if they want to join. They tap “Join SharePlay” to sync playback.
Control playback together. Either person can pause, play, rewind, or fast-forward. The controls affect both screens at the same time.
Use the SharePlay controls during the call. You’ll see a small SharePlay icon at the top of the screen. Tap it to see options like “End SharePlay” or to open the shared app again.
End the session by hanging up the FaceTime call. You can also tap the SharePlay icon and choose “End SharePlay” to stop sharing but keep the call going.

Common Mistakes

Not starting a FaceTime call first. SharePlay only works during a live FaceTime call. If you just open an app, it won’t sync.
Using an app that doesn’t support SharePlay. Not every streaming app has SharePlay built in. Check for the SharePlay icon in the app or look for “SharePlay” in its settings.
Both people not being on compatible devices. If one person has an older iPhone or hasn’t updated, SharePlay won’t work.
Starting from a group chat. SharePlay in Messages works best with one-on-one conversations. In a group, you can start it, but it may be confusing.
Forgetting to update your apps. Even if your OS is updated, the streaming app itself might need an update to support SharePlay.

Tips

Use the picture-in-picture feature to keep watching while you browse other apps. The video will shrink to a corner of your screen.
Adjust volume independently. Each person can change their own volume without affecting the other.
Use the “SharePlay” button in the app itself. Some apps have a SharePlay button right in the player. Tap it to start a session without going through Messages.
Check your FaceTime settings. Go to Settings > FaceTime and make sure FaceTime is enabled.
Use the “Screen Share” option if you want to share anything else on your screen, like a website or photo album. It’s in the same SharePlay menu.

Troubleshooting

SharePlay doesn’t start: Make sure both devices have the latest iOS/iPadOS/macOS and that the app you’re using supports SharePlay. Restart both devices if needed.
Video is out of sync: Pause and press play again. If that doesn’t fix it, end SharePlay and start a new session.
Friend can’t see the prompt to join: Ask them to check their FaceTime settings and make sure they’re not in Do Not Disturb mode. They can also try opening the app manually.
Audio is choppy or video freezes: This is usually a network issue. Make sure both of you have a strong Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
SharePlay icon is missing: Go to Settings > FaceTime and confirm that SharePlay is enabled. Also check that you’re in an active FaceTime call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SharePlay without FaceTime?

No, SharePlay requires an active FaceTime call. It’s the only way to sync content between devices.

Does SharePlay work with Android phones?

No, SharePlay is Apple-only. Both participants need an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Can I watch a movie with more than one friend?

Yes, you can start a group FaceTime call and then use SharePlay. Up to 32 people can join a FaceTime call, but not all apps support that many simultaneous streams.

Why can’t I see the SharePlay button in my streaming app?

The app might not support SharePlay yet. Check the app’s App Store page for “SharePlay” in the description, or update the app to the latest version.

Can I share my screen instead of a specific app?

Yes, during a FaceTime call, tap the SharePlay icon and choose “Share My Screen.” This shares your entire screen, not just one app.

Does SharePlay use extra data?

Yes, streaming content uses data just like normal streaming. The FaceTime call itself uses a small amount of data, but the video or music comes from the app’s servers.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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