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Network and Privacy

Screen Share sends screen video between nearby devices on the same local network. Both devices must be able to communicate directly with each other.

Internet access is not required for the local video connection, but internet access may be needed to sign in, verify workspace access, or complete a purchase.

Use a trusted network​

Only start screen sharing on a network that you trust. Depending on the network and workspace configuration, other authorized users on the network may be able to discover an active session.

Remember that viewers can see everything displayed on the sharing device, including notifications and content from other apps. Stop sharing when the session is complete.

Use a mobile hotspot​

A mobile hotspot is a practical option when a Wi-Fi router is unavailable:

  1. Turn on the hotspot on one device.
  2. Connect both the sharing device and viewing device to that hotspot.
  3. Start Screen Share and select the appropriate mode.
  4. Select Refresh on the viewing device if the sharing device does not appear.

Hotspot behavior depends on the phone and mobile carrier. Some hotspots prevent connected devices from communicating with each other. In that case, Screen Share cannot discover or connect to the other device. Hotspots can also use significant battery and mobile data.

Wi-Fi router settings​

Some Wi-Fi networks intentionally block device-to-device communication. Ask the network administrator to check the following settings:

  • Do not use a guest network with client isolation enabled.
  • Disable AP isolation, client isolation, or wireless isolation for the devices' network.
  • Keep both devices on the same subnet or local network.
  • Make sure multicast/mDNS and local device discovery are not blocked.
  • Check whether a VPN, firewall, VLAN, or enterprise network policy is restricting local traffic.

Using different SSIDs, VLANs, or isolated repeater networks can prevent discovery even when both devices appear to be connected to the same router.

Diagnose a network problem​

  • Confirm that both devices have a Wi-Fi or hotspot connection.
  • Temporarily disable VPNs on both devices.
  • Select Refresh after changing networks.
  • Try a mobile hotspot. If the hotspot works but the router does not, the router configuration is likely blocking local traffic.
  • Try HD (720p) after connecting if the network is slow or unstable.
  • Stop and restart the sharing session after switching networks.