Mac screen sharing enables real-time collaboration, remote support, or device management by allowing one Mac to view or control another. The process varies slightly depending on whether you're using built-in macOS tools (like the Screen Sharing app or FaceTime), third-party applications (Zoom, TeamViewer), or specialized features (High Performance mode). At its core, screen sharing requires enabling the feature on the target Mac, initiating a connection from the controlling device, and managing permissions for security.

Key findings from the sources include:

• Built-in macOS tools like the Screen Sharing app (found via Spotlight or /System/Library/CoreServices/Applications/) and FaceTime/iMessage integration offer native solutions without additional software ^[1][3][10].
• High Performance mode (macOS Sonoma 14+) supports 4K HDR, stereo audio, and high frame rates but requires wired connections and 75 Mbps bandwidth ^[4].
• Third-party apps (Zoom, Google Meet, TeamViewer) expand functionality for cross-platform sharing but may require desktop cleanup tools like PliimPRO or Bartender for professional presentations ^[2][8][9].
• Security is critical: Always verify the recipient’s identity before granting control, and use MDM solutions like Trio for enterprise environments ^[3][6].

Step-by-Step Guide to Mac Screen Sharing

Method 1: Using the Built-in Screen Sharing App

The Screen Sharing app is preinstalled on all Macs and provides direct control over another device on the same network or via Apple ID. This method is ideal for IT support, remote work, or managing multiple Macs in a household or office.

To begin, ensure the target Mac has screen sharing enabled:

1. On the target Mac, navigate to System Settings > General > Sharing and toggle Screen Sharing on ^[1][8].
2. Under "Allow access for," select either: - "All users" (for local network access) - "Only these users" (to restrict to specific Apple IDs) ^[3].

Next, initiate the connection from the controlling Mac:

1. Open the Screen Sharing app by: - Pressing Command + Space to open Spotlight, typing "Screen Sharing," and selecting the app ^[3]. - Navigating to /System/Library/CoreServices/Applications/ in Finder ^[1].
2. In the Screen Sharing window: - Click "Network" in the sidebar to see available Macs on the local network. - Alternatively, click "All" and enter the target Mac’s Apple ID email or IP address ^[1].
3. Click Connect, then enter the target Mac’s username and password when prompted. You may also need to accept a permission request on the target device ^[6].

Once connected, you can:

• View or control the remote screen by selecting "Control" or "Observe" in the connection dialog ^[10].
• Transfer files by dragging and dropping between the local and remote Mac ^[1].
• Adjust settings via the Screen Sharing menu bar icon (e.g., display quality, clipboard sharing) ^[9].

To end the session:

1. Click the Screen Sharing menu bar icon on the controlling Mac.
2. Select "Disconnect" from the connections list ^[1].

Troubleshooting tips:

• If the target Mac doesn’t appear in the Network list, ensure both devices are on the same network and Screen Sharing is enabled ^[1].
• For Apple ID connections, verify both Macs are signed into iCloud with the same account or trusted contacts ^[6].
• Firewall settings may block connections; temporarily disable the firewall in System Settings > Network > Firewall if issues persist ^[3].

Method 2: Screen Sharing via FaceTime or iMessage

For quick, ad-hoc sharing—especially for personal support or collaborations—FaceTime and iMessage offer seamless integration without requiring IP addresses or network configurations. This method works across macOS and iOS devices but requires both parties to use Apple IDs.

Using FaceTime (macOS Monterey 12+):

1. Start a FaceTime call with the contact you want to share with.
2. Click the SharePlay icon (rectangle with a person) in the call controls.
3. Select "Share My Screen" to broadcast your display or "Share [Contact’s] Screen" to request control of theirs ^[7][10].
4. The recipient must accept the screen-sharing request in their FaceTime window.
5. To take control of the other screen: - Click the Screen Sharing icon in the menu bar. - Select "Request to Control" and wait for the recipient’s approval ^[10].

Using iMessage:

1. Open a conversation in Messages with the contact.
2. Click the (i) info icon in the top-right corner.
3. Hover over the FaceTime or call button to reveal the Share Screen icon (two overlapping rectangles) ^[7].
4. Click the icon and choose "Share My Screen" or "Ask to Share" ^[10].
5. The recipient must accept the request to begin sharing.

Key advantages of this method:

• No need to configure network settings or remember IP addresses ^[7].
• Supports audio communication alongside screen sharing for real-time guidance ^[10].
• Works with iPhones and iPads running iOS 15+/iPadOS 15+ ^[8].

Limitations:

• Requires both parties to have Apple IDs and be signed into iCloud ^[6].
• No file transfer capability (unlike the Screen Sharing app) ^[1].
• Performance may degrade on low-bandwidth connections ^[4].

Advanced Options: High Performance and Third-Party Tools

For professional use cases—such as video editing, color grading, or enterprise IT support—macOS offers High Performance screen sharing and third-party tools with extended features.

High Performance Screen Sharing (macOS Sonoma 14+)

This mode is designed for creative professionals who need accurate color representation (e.g., 4:4:4 chroma, HDR) and low latency. Requirements include:

• Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3) on both ends ^[4].
• Wired Ethernet connection (Wi-Fi may not suffice).
• 75 Mbps bandwidth for 4K resolution ^[4].
• macOS Sonoma 14 or later ^[4].

Steps to enable:

1. Open Remote Desktop (available in the Mac App Store).
2. Select the target computer in the sidebar.
3. In the Screen Sharing Type pane, choose "High Performance" ^[4].
4. Initiate the connection as usual (via IP or Apple ID).

Note:

• Only one High Performance session can run per Mac at a time ^[4].
• The physical display of the target Mac will blank for privacy during the session ^[4].

Third-Party Tools for Cross-Platform Sharing

While built-in tools suffice for Mac-to-Mac sharing, third-party apps expand compatibility with Windows, Linux, and mobile devices. Popular options include:

• Zoom/Google Meet: Ideal for presentations and webinars, with features like presenter preview and background replacement (macOS Sequoia) ^[2][9].
• TeamViewer: Supports unattended access for IT support and file transfers ^[8].
• USE Together: Enables multi-user collaboration on the same screen ^[8].

Preparation tips for professional sharing:

• Use PliimPRO to hide desktop icons and Bartender to clean the menu bar ^[2].
• Test audio and display settings beforehand to avoid mid-session adjustments ^[9].
• For asynchronous sharing, record your screen with QuickTime Player or Capto and share the file later ^[9].