How To Control Someone’s iPhone Screen On FaceTime
There’s nothing more frustrating than giving directions to a loved one over the phone. Even if they send you a video or use their camera to show you the issue, directing somebody how to use an app or where to go on a web page without physically being present can still be a struggle.As an extension of screen sharing, Apple has brought a new feature to the iPhone that allows friends and family to control your screen or vice versa.You don’t even need to be sharing the same Apple ID, which is necessary when you want tocontrol an iPad from an iPhone.
If you’re not usingApple’s new iPhone 16, make sure your iPhone is updated and usingiOS 18 or newer. Simply make a FaceTime call, and all the tools you need to control an iPhone remotely are right there. As a matter of safety, you won’t be able to remotely control anyone’s screen (and nobody can control your screen) unless you have each other saved in your contacts.Applesays there could be other restrictions as well in order to protect data and privacy. It’s not available in every country, so if you’re unable to follow along with the steps, that could be why.
Steps to gain remote control of another iPhone
Once you’re in the FaceTime app, you can request control of your contact’s screen by following these steps:
Sometimes, a remote request declined message will pop up automatically. This is one of those additional restrictions Apple warns users about. It happens if you added a person as a contact fairly recently because you should only allow somebody to remotely control your iPhone if they’re trustworthy. The person controlling the screen won’t be able to change the Apple account or Face ID. They also won’t be allowed to make payments. Additionally, the phone’s owner takes priority over anyone controlling their phone, so they’ll still be able to swipe around and even type while somebody has control.
You can end the remote control whenever you want
Don’t worry: you’re not stuck with somebody else having control over your iPhone until they decide they’re done. You can easily sever the connection.
It’s nice that Apple has given users a more efficient method for helping friends and family members (especially family members) with troubleshooting on their iPhones, but it’s even better that it’s easier to end the session.We can’t stress enough that relinquishing control of your iPhone to somebody you barely know is dangerous. Only share with people you trust.
