Screen sharing isn't working

The 30-second fix

1. Are you on a computer? Screen sharing is easier and more reliable from a computer, in the Windows app or the browser.
2. Share one window (like your PowerPoint file) instead of the whole screen.
3. Stop sharing, and press Share screen again.

If the "Share screen" button isn't there

• Phone browser (Android or iPhone): screen sharing isn't available from a phone browser at all, so the button doesn't show. Teach from a computer.
• Android app: the button is inside More, not at the bottom with the other buttons. If you can't find it in More either, screen sharing isn't available from a phone in this lesson. Share from a computer, or use the Whiteboard instead.

From the Windows app

1. Press Share screen at the bottom.
2. You'll see "What do you want to share?". Choose Whole screen or the window of a specific program.
3. Students see what you chose straight away. To stop, press "Stop sharing".

If you see "We couldn't list the screens to share. Try again." or "We couldn't share the screen. Try again.": close the window and open it again, and if it keeps happening, leave the lesson and come back with "Back to lesson".

From the browser on a computer

1. Click Share screen.
2. Your browser asks what to share: a Tab, a Window, or the Entire screen. Choose one, and click "Share".
3. To stop, click "Stop sharing", or the stop-sharing button your browser shows.

hessety.com

If you see "Your computer doesn't let the browser share the screen"

This usually happens on a Mac: open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording, and turn on your browser. Then quit the browser completely and open it again, and go back to the lesson.

If sharing stopped by itself

If you see "Screen sharing stopped because the lesson moved to another service" or "Screen sharing stopped when the connection came back", it means the connection was renewed. Press Share screen again, and carry on.

From the Android app

1. Open More and tap "Share screen".
2. Android asks if you want to start recording or casting your screen. Say yes.
3. You'll see "Students can see your screen now". To stop, tap "Stop sharing" at the bottom.

Before you share your phone's screen, turn off notifications or turn on "Do not disturb", so your messages don't pop up in front of your students.

Students see a black screen

• Some protected videos and apps (like movie streaming services) show up black when you share them. That's the app itself, not Hessety.
• Try sharing a Window instead of a Tab, or the other way round.
• On a Mac: check the Screen Recording permission above.
• If your internet is weak, the screen might lag a little. See Weak or dropping internet.

A tip

Share one window instead of the whole screen: that way, your messages and notifications don't show up in front of your students, and you can relax.