Screen sharing is useful when helping a trusted family member with a setting. It also has privacy risks: other people can see things that appear on your screen.
About 15–20 minutes7 illustrated teaching steps3 practice questionsPrintable notes
By the end, you'll be able to…
Explain what screen sharing reveals, find the appropriate control and know how to stop before private information appears.
Before you start
You do not need to start a real video call. This lesson contains a simulated practice screen instead.
Take your time. Each step tells you what to do and why it helps. Illustrations are teaching examples, not exact screenshots.
1
Step 1 of 7
Know what screen sharing actually does
On a video call, screen sharing can show another person what is displayed on your phone or computer. Depending on the app and permissions, this can include notifications, photos, messages and pages you open. You usually remain in control of your phone, but the viewer can see the shared display.
Why this matters
A sharing control is not the same as giving someone direct control of your device.
Your turn
Name two things you would not want someone else to see.
2
Step 2 of 7
Prepare before a trusted practice call
Close banking apps, email containing security codes and anything personal. Silence notifications if appropriate. Tell the person what you intend to show. Practise only with someone you know and trust, not an unexpected caller.
9:41 ●●●
Video call · example
Trusted contact
MicShare screenEnd
Teaching illustration: private screen · This is a simulation; no real screen content is accessed.
Why this matters
Preparing first prevents accidental exposure of private content.
Your turn
Imagine closing two private apps and explain why.
3
Step 3 of 7
Locate screen sharing in Google Meet
Join a meeting with someone you trust. On mobile, tap the screen and look for More, then Share screen or Present, and follow the confirmation prompt. Google Meet calls this presentation. Exact wording differs between phone models and app versions.
On iPhone
In the Google Meet app, tap the meeting screen, open More, then Share screen if available. Confirm only when ready.
On Samsung / Android
In the Google Meet app, tap the screen, open More → Share screen, then confirm sharing.
Why this matters
Knowing the location of the control makes it easier to start and stop deliberately.
Take care
Do not test in a meeting with strangers or where private content may appear.
Your turn
Find the control description in the official Google Meet help guide.
4
Step 4 of 7
Understand sharing on WhatsApp calls
WhatsApp also supports screen sharing in supported video-call versions. During a video call, look for the screen-share control in the call options; this may look like a phone or screen with an arrow. If you cannot see it, your device, app version or call conditions may differ. You can always end the call instead of guessing.
On iPhone
Open WhatsApp and inspect a trusted video call’s controls without starting a screen broadcast.
On Samsung / Android
Inspect controls in a trusted WhatsApp video call; the position varies by version.
Why this matters
Memorising an icon is less reliable than understanding when and why you should share.
Your turn
Explain how you would stop if the controls are unfamiliar.
5
Step 5 of 7
Practise stopping screen sharing
Google Meet provides a Stop sharing or Stop presentation control in the call. iPhones may also display a system broadcast indicator. Always look for confirmation that the sharing has ended. If uncertain, stop sharing and end the call.
9:41 ●●●
Video call · example
Trusted contact
MicShare screenEnd
Call controls — illustration · The buttons on the page are a simulation, not part of Meet or WhatsApp.
On iPhone
Follow the on-screen Stop sharing or broadcast control, then check the indicator is gone.
On Samsung / Android
Use Stop sharing/Stop presentation in the call and verify it has ended.
Why this matters
A safe habit is to stop sharing before opening anything private.
Your turn
Use the simulator below to turn sharing on and off.
6
Step 6 of 7
Spot a dangerous request
A caller claiming to be from your bank, the police or technical support may pressure you to share your screen, reveal security codes or install remote-control software. A genuine need for help does not require you to share passwords, codes or bank information with an unexpected caller. End the call and contact the organisation using a number you find yourself.
Why this matters
Social engineering often relies on urgency and authority rather than clever technology.
Your turn
Decide what you would do if an unexpected “bank agent” asked you to share your screen.
7
Step 7 of 7
Use the simulator before a real call
The activity below shows a fictional phone display. Select Start sharing to reveal what a viewer might see. Select Stop sharing to finish. It does not connect to a microphone, camera or any real call.
Why this matters
Practising the decision without exposing real data helps build confidence.
Your turn
Start and stop the simulation and notice the safety reminder.
Part 2 · Practise it
Screen-share safety simulator
These buttons only change the practice display below. They do not use your real screen or start a call.
Example phone screen
Settings · Display and brightness
Notification: A private message just arrived
Sharing is OFF. Nobody can see this simulation.
This is not an actual call. Always stop screen sharing before opening sensitive information.
Part 3 · Check your learning
Can you make the right call?
Try these three short questions. You can check each answer and try again; there's no score to worry about.
Part 4 · Your takeaway
Three things to remember
I know that the viewer may see notifications and private content.
I can locate the screen-share option on a supported app.
I know how to stop and when to refuse a suspicious request.
Where these instructions came from
App menus can change; compare these guides with current official instructions on your device.
The free lessons are real lessons. The paid courses build on these skills with longer device-specific walkthroughs, more everyday scenarios, printable guides and access to extra practice tools.