iOS 18 allows you to remotely manage family members’ screens while on FaceTime calls

May 25, 2025

Connecting with Family Remotely Using iOS 18

Keeping in touch with family members who live far away can often feel tough. Yet, with the recent iOS 18 update, Apple has rolled out a significant feature that lets you control a family member’s screen during a FaceTime call. This could be really helpful for providing tech support or guiding them through those tricky tasks on their iPhone or iPad.

Let me walk you through how this feature works and how you can utilize it effectively.

Benefits of Remote Control

This remote control feature shines when it comes to technical support. It can help family members learn to troubleshoot issues or navigate new apps. It also allows for step-by-step assistance, making it easier to set up new devices and adjust settings. Plus, it improves communication, simplifying complex topics to prevent misunderstandings.

How to Update to iOS 18

First things first, make sure you update your software to iOS 18. Here’s how you can do that on your iPhone:

Unlock your device and tap on the Settings app.
Scroll down to select General.
Tap on Software Update. The device will check for available updates.
If iOS 18 is available, you will see the option to Download and Install. Tap this option.
If prompted, enter your Device passcode.
Read through Apple’s Terms of Use and tap Agree to continue.
Your device will then Download the update and proceed to Install it. This process may take some time, so make sure your device has a strong Wi-Fi connection and enough battery or is plugged in.

Once the installation finishes, your iPhone will restart and be ready to go with iOS 18’s new features.

How to Use Remote Control in FaceTime

With iOS 18, Apple has expanded FaceTime to include remote screen control. This feature is part of SharePlay and was originally introduced in iOS 15.1 for sharing content. Now, users can share their screens and pass control during a FaceTime call.

To start, both you and the person you’re helping need to have iOS 18 installed on your devices. The person who wants to help must also be saved in your contacts. Picture this: your mom calls you, feeling flustered about setting up her new smart home device. Here’s how you can assist:

Open the FaceTime app and start a call.
Then tap “New FaceTime.”
Under “To:”, enter your mom’s name.
Next, click the FaceTime icon at the bottom.

Steps to Use Remote Control in FaceTime

After connecting, tap the Share icon at the top of the screen and select “I want to share my screen.”
This sends a request to your mom to Share her screen with you.
Once she accepts, her iPhone screen will display on your device.
Tap on her screen to enlarge it for better visibility.
Here’s a handy tip: you can use the Markup Tool to draw or highlight directly on her screen, guiding her more interactively.
For instance, you might circle the button she needs to press or draw an arrow pointing to a specific feature.

What If They Get Stuck?

If your mom encounters a hiccup, worry not. You can actually control her screen. Just tap the icon in the lower right corner of the sharing screen and tap the “Request Control” button. She will get a prompt to approve or reject your request.

If she approves, you can tap, swipe, and type on her iPhone as if you were using it yourself.
This way, you can move things around, open apps, and provide direct help.

Exiting Remote Control

When you’ve wrapped up your tech support, exiting remote control is straightforward.

Click the horizontal ellipse at the top of the screen.
Then tap the red circle with an x, which signifies “end.”

Privacy and Security

Apple has established some safeguards to ensure privacy and security when using this feature. Only trusted contacts are allowed to request control, and users have the option to deny these requests. Also, certain sensitive actions like changing Apple ID settings or making payments are restricted during these sessions.

Final Thoughts

FaceTime’s remote control feature in iOS 18 is a game-changer for staying connected and assisting family members from a distance. Whether it’s your parents getting acquainted with their new iPhone or guiding friends through app setups, this tool makes it simpler than ever to offer help, no matter where you are. Next time someone in your family needs tech support, remember that you can effectively control their screen, making the process a whole lot smoother.