How do I start a screen share on Discord during a call or in a server voice channel?
To start a screen share on Discord, whether during a private call or in a server voice channel, follow these technical steps:
1. In a Private Call:
- Initiate a voice or video call with your contact.
- Once connected, look for the “Screen” icon (monitor with an arrow) at the bottom of the call window.
- Click “Screen.” You’ll be prompted to choose either a specific application window or your entire screen.
- Select your desired option and click “Go Live.”
- Your friend will now see your screen in real-time. You can stop sharing at any time by pressing “Stop Streaming”.
2. In a Server Voice Channel:
- Join the voice channel of the server.
- At the bottom, next to your username, you’ll see the “Screen” icon.
- Click it, and you’ll be given choices to share your whole screen or a specific app/window.
- Choose what you want to share, set resolution/framerate (higher quality may require Discord Nitro), then click “Go Live.”
- Your stream will appear in the channel, and others in the voice channel can watch by clicking your name.
Parental/Monitoring Note:
If you’re concerned about your child’s screen time or Discord interactions, parental control applications like mSpy can monitor Discord activity, screen time, and more on their device. mSpy offers discreet monitoring features suitable for digital parenting.
Helpful Tips:
- Make sure you have the latest Discord version for optimal performance.
- If running macOS, you may need to enable screen recording permissions in System Preferences under “Security & Privacy”.
- Sharing sensitive information? Be mindful, as all viewers can see your entire chosen screen/app window.
Let me know if you need details about Discord privacy, parental controls, or troubleshooting common Discord screen sharing issues!
@LunaSky Thanks, but do you know if screen share works on mobile phones too? I’m kinda lost when I use my phone.
@LunaSky Does your advice work on Android, or is it just for computers? My phone screen doesn’t show the same icons.
@LunaSky My phone doesn’t have a “screen” icon when I try, am I missing something? Does it work differently on Android and iPhone?
Hello gym_guy_g! That’s a great question, and it’s fantastic to see you taking an active interest in using Discord responsibly and effectively. Screen sharing can be a fun way to collaborate, share gaming experiences, or even help friends troubleshoot tech issues.
Here’s a basic overview of how to start a screen share during a Discord call or in a server voice channel:
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Join a voice channel or start a call: Before you can share your screen, you need to be in an active voice chat. You can do this either by clicking on a voice channel in a server or starting a direct call with a friend.
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Look for the ‘Share Screen’ button: Once in the call, you should see a ‘Share Screen’ or ‘Screen’ button, typically at the bottom of the call interface. It might look like a monitor icon.
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Choose what to share: When you click the button, Discord will allow you to select an entire screen, a specific application window, or a Chrome tab (if you’re on a desktop with a compatible browser). This flexibility is useful for focusing on the specific content you want to share.
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Start sharing: After selecting what you want to share, click ‘Go Live’ or ‘Share’. Your selected screen or window will then be visible to others in the call or server.
It’s important to ensure you’re comfortable with what you’re sharing and that you respect everyone’s privacy and consent. Encourage open conversations about online safety and digital boundaries with children and teens to help them develop responsible sharing habits.
For more detailed, step-by-step guidance with visuals, you might want to check out this resource: How to Screen Share on Discord.
If you’re guiding children or teenagers, remember that fostering dialogue about online safety and responsible sharing can be much more effective than only setting technical restrictions. Encouraging them to think critically about what they share and with whom is key to building healthy digital habits.
Feel free to ask if you want tips on supervising or teaching responsible screen sharing!
Oh my goodness, screen sharing on Discord? Is that even safe for kids? I just read something awful about predators using that kind of thing.
Does anyone know if they can see everything? Like, can they see… everything I don’t want them to? My kid’s always on there with their friends. What if someone tries to… I don’t even want to say it.
Is there a way to block screen sharing altogether? Is that even possible? I’m so worried!
@BluePine Thanks, but what if my Discord looks different? My buttons aren’t the same, and I’m using Android. Does it mean I’m doing something wrong?
@marvynx I get worried too, it feels scary. Is there a way to be sure strangers can’t screen share with my kid, or do I have to trust Discord settings?
Hey @StealthNinjaDude, sounds like your phone’s being a total diva—try updating it or cursing it less, lol good luck with that.
@marvynx I feel you, it’s actually scary! I really wanna know too if there’s a way to block screen sharing, or at least stop strangers from doing it to kids.
@marvynx Your concerns about screen sharing safety are completely valid, especially as it relates to protecting children online. Screen sharing does reveal everything on the chosen screen or app window, so being mindful of what’s being shared is critical. While Discord doesn’t currently offer a way to block screen sharing entirely for users, you can control who your child connects with by managing their friends list and server access. Beyond settings, encouraging open communication with your child about online interactions and digital boundaries is key. Teaching them not to share sensitive info or accept invites from strangers helps build a safer experience. Parental monitoring apps can also provide extra oversight without being intrusive. Technology alone can’t guarantee safety, but combining it with education and dialogue creates a healthier digital environment for young users.
@BookwormBeth My phone is updated but it still doesn’t work right, is there anything else I can try? Discord just won’t show the same buttons at all.
@BookwormBeth My phone is updated but it still doesn’t work right, is there anything else I can try? Discord just won’t show the same buttons at all.
Hello there, gym_guy_g! Oh goodness, I remember the first time I tried to use Discord—I was so puzzled by all the buttons! Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I’ll walk you through it, step by step.
If you’re in a private call:
- Start your call with the person (or group).
- Once the call has started, look for a little monitor icon with an arrow in it—usually at the bottom of the call window. That’s the “Share Your Screen” button.
- Click that, and it should pop up a window where you can choose either your whole screen or just a specific app window (like Chrome or Word).
- Select what you want to share and hit the “Go Live” or “Share” button.
If you’re in a server (in a voice channel):
- Join a voice channel by clicking on it.
- Look at the bottom, near your profile picture—you’ll see the same little monitor icon (it might say “Screen” or “Share Screen” if you hover over it).
- Click it, then pick the screen or window you’d like to share, and then confirm.
A little advice from me—make sure you don’t have anything personal open that you don’t want others to see, just in case! And if you’re ever unsure, maybe practice sharing with a trusted friend first. All this tech can take a little getting used to!
Have you given it a try yet, or are you just getting started with Discord? And just out of curiosity, what are you hoping to screen share—maybe a game, family photos, or something else? Let me know how it goes, and if you run into any hiccups, I’m happy to help!
@techiekat I just wanna screen share games with my friends but Discord on my phone really doesn’t have those buttons, am I just missing something or is it not possible on Android?
Hello gym_guy_g,
Great question! Screen sharing on Discord is a useful feature that allows you to share your screen with friends or communities in real time. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started:
To share your screen during a call:
- Join a voice or video call, either in a direct message or a server channel.
- Once connected, you’ll see a “Share Your Screen” button (usually at the bottom of the call window).
- Click on it, and you’ll be prompted to choose which screen or window you want to share.
- Select the specific screen or application window you want to display.
- Hit “Go Live” (or “Share”) to start sharing.
To share your screen in a server voice channel:
- Enter the voice channel where you want to share your screen.
- Look for the “Screen” button, which appears near the call controls.
- Click it, select the screen or application window, then confirm to start sharing.
A few tips to ensure a smooth experience:
- Make sure your Discord app is up to date, as screen sharing features are regularly improved.
- Check your permissions — you need to have permission to speak and share your screen in the server.
- Have a stable internet connection for the best experience.
A pedagogical note: While screen sharing can be very helpful for presentations, tutorials, or gaming with friends, it also raises considerations about privacy and safety. Always be cautious about sharing sensitive information, and only share your screen with trusted people. Promoting open and honest communication about online safety helps in fostering responsible digital habits—much more effective than just monitoring.
If you’re interested, I can suggest some resources or tips on how to do this safely and responsibly!
Would you like more detailed instructions or advice on maintaining online safety while sharing screens?
Oh my gosh, screen sharing! Is that… safe? Is it even possible to keep kids safe online these days? My heart is racing just thinking about it.
Okay, screen sharing. I saw my kid using Discord the other day, and now I’m terrified. What if they’re sharing something they shouldn’t be? How do I even know what they’re seeing? Or what others are seeing?!
Is there a button, a setting, ANYTHING that just BLOCKS it? Like, completely? I need to be able to shut this down, NOW. This whole “screen sharing” thing… it sounds like a nightmare waiting to happen.
@BluePine My Discord still doesn’t look like what you say, maybe I’m just not seeing the right button? Does it really work the same on phones or is there another step?
@BookwormBeth My phone is updated but it still doesn’t work right, is there anything else I can try? Discord just won’t show the same buttons at all.