Facebook Live Screen Share: How to Do It

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Facebook Live screen share lets you broadcast your phone or computer screen in real time to your followers, which is useful for tutorials, gameplay, presentations, and Q&A sessions. You can start a screen share from the Facebook app on iOS and Android, or from the desktop site in a browser. This guide covers the exact steps for each platform, common issues, and tips for a smooth broadcast.

What Is Facebook Live Screen Share?

Facebook Live is a feature that lets you stream video to your timeline, groups, or pages in real time. Screen sharing is a mode within Facebook Live that broadcasts your device’s screen instead of (or in addition to) your camera feed. It was introduced gradually starting in 2018 and is now available to most users on mobile and desktop.

With screen share, you can show apps, websites, documents, or anything else visible on your screen. Viewers can comment and react in real time, and the broadcast is saved to your timeline or page afterward unless you delete it. It’s a popular tool for educators, gamers, and businesses demonstrating products.

How to Screen Share on Facebook Live (Mobile)

On the Facebook app (iOS and Android), the steps are nearly identical. Make sure you have the latest version of the app installed and a stable internet connection.

Open the Facebook app and tap the “What’s on your mind?” box at the top of your News Feed.
Tap “Live” (the video camera icon) from the options below the box.
You’ll see the Live setup screen. Tap the screen share icon (two overlapping rectangles) in the top-right corner of the camera preview. On some devices, it may be labeled “Screen Share.”
If prompted, allow Facebook to record your screen (Android) or start the system broadcast (iOS).
Choose your audience (Public, Friends, etc.), add a description, and tap “Start Live Video.”
Your screen will be broadcast. To stop, tap the “Finish” button at the top of the screen.

On iOS, you may need to start the broadcast from the Facebook app, then switch to the app you want to show. On Android, the screen share begins immediately after you grant permission. If you don’t see the screen share icon, your account may not have the feature yet, or you may be using a work or school account with restrictions.

How to Screen Share on Facebook Live (Desktop)

On a computer, screen sharing is done through the Facebook website (not the Messenger desktop app). You can share your entire screen, a specific window, or a browser tab. Here’s how:

Go to facebook.com and log in.
Click “What’s on your mind?” at the top of your News Feed.
Click “Live” from the options.
In the left panel, click “Screen Share” (if you don’t see it, click the three dots for more options).
Select what you want to share: Entire Screen, Window, or Chrome Tab (in Chrome).
Click “Share” and then “Go Live”.

If you’re using a page, go to your page, click “Live” in the composer, and then choose “Screen Share”. The desktop version gives you access to a control panel where you can add a title, see comments, and stop the stream.

Common Problems and Solutions

Screen share can be finicky. Here are the most frequent issues and how to fix them:

No screen share icon: Update your app or browser, or try a different browser (Chrome and Firefox work best). Some older accounts or regions may not have the feature.
Black screen when sharing: This often happens on Android when the app you’re sharing blocks screen recording (e.g., some banking apps). Close that app and try a different one.
Audio not working: If you’re sharing a video or game, make sure the audio is enabled in the live setup. On desktop, check that your browser tab isn’t muted.
Lag or low quality: Screen share requires a strong upload speed (at least 3–5 Mbps). Close other tabs and apps, and use a wired connection if possible.
Viewers can’t see the screen: On mobile, you may need to keep the Facebook app in the foreground. Some Android devices require you to pull down the notification shade and tap “Start now” to begin the screen recording.

Tips for a Professional Screen Share

To make your broadcast clear and engaging:

Clean up your screen: Close unrelated tabs, turn off notifications, and hide your desktop icons.
Test first: Do a private test live (set audience to “Only Me”) to check audio and video quality.
Use a clear title: Tell viewers what they’ll see, e.g., “How to Set Up a WordPress Site.”
Engage with comments: Read comments aloud and answer questions as you go.
Keep it short: Attention spans drop after 15–20 minutes. Plan a structure.

Alternatives to Facebook Live Screen Share

If you need more features, consider these alternatives:

Zoom or Google Meet: Better for interactive webinars with multiple presenters.
YouTube Live: Offers more control and better video quality, but your audience may differ.
Twitch: Built for gaming and has more engagement tools.
Pre-recorded videos: For polished tutorials, record your screen with OBS or Loom and upload later.

Each platform has its own audience and rules, so choose based on where your viewers are.

Privacy and Safety Considerations

Screen sharing exposes everything on your screen. Before going live:

Check for sensitive info: Close emails, chat windows, or browser tabs with personal data.
Use a separate profile: On Windows, create a guest account to avoid showing your desktop files.
Be mindful of copyrighted content: Playing music or video clips may get your stream muted or taken down.
Know your audience: If you’re live to “Public,” anyone can watch and comment. Use “Friends” or a private group for sensitive topics.

You can delete a live video after it ends if you change your mind, but viewers may have already recorded or screenshotted it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don’t I see the screen share option on Facebook Live?

The screen share feature rolls out gradually. Update your app, try a different browser, or wait a few days. If you’re using a Facebook page, ensure you have admin rights. Some business accounts have restrictions.

Can I screen share on Facebook Live from an iPhone?

Yes, but you must start the live broadcast first, then switch to the app you want to show. On iOS, the screen share uses the system broadcast feature, so you may need to tap “Start Broadcast” from the control center.

Does Facebook Live screen share include audio?

Yes, audio from the app you’re sharing is included, but you can also talk over it using your microphone. On desktop, make sure the correct microphone is selected in the live setup.

Can I screen share to a Facebook Group or Page?

Yes, you can choose your audience when setting up the live. For a group, select the group as the destination. For a page, go to the page’s composer and start a live video there.

Is there a time limit for Facebook Live screen share?

Facebook Live has no strict time limit, but very long streams may be cut off if the connection drops. Most broadcasts are under 4 hours, but you can go longer if your connection is stable.

Can I use Facebook Live screen share for gaming?

Yes, but for gaming, dedicated platforms like Twitch or YouTube often work better because they support higher frame rates and overlays. Facebook Live does work for casual mobile games.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.