Turning off SharePlay only takes a few seconds, but the steps differ by device.
On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > FaceTime > SharePlay and toggle it off;
on Mac, use FaceTime > Settings > SharePlay; on Apple TV, go to Settings >
Users and Accounts > Share with you.
Disable it for privacy, focus, and battery life.
Leaving SharePlay on invites accidental oversharing, mid-meeting pop-ups,
and background battery drain you don't need.
Screen Time can block it for good.
If you want to stop SharePlay from turning itself back on,
Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy >
App & Feature Restrictions lets you lock it off.
Ending a session doesn't require ending the call.
Tap the SharePlay icon during a FaceTime call and choose End SharePlay
to stop sharing while staying connected.
SharePlay works similarly to screen-sharing features in apps like Microsoft Teams or Zoom, but it goes further. It lets you share actual app experiences, like watching a movie or listening to music together in real time.
Introduced in 2021, SharePlay lets you share experiences within an app while on a FaceTime call. You can watch shows on Apple TV+, listen to songs on Apple Music, or browse photos together. It's an immersive way to connect with friends and family remotely.
It's worth getting into the habit of disabling SharePlay after each session, not simply closing the app.
Here's why you might want to stop automatic SharePlay:
Maintaining privacy. My biggest concern is accidentally sharing sensitive information like private conversations or financial details. Turning SharePlay off prevents these accidents.
Preventing distractions. SharePlay notifications can pop up during important meetings or focus sessions.
Preserving battery life. Background features can noticeably shorten battery life between charges, especially during longer FaceTime sessions.
Avoiding data drain. SharePlay can use your cellular data when you're not on Wi-Fi.
Disabling SharePlay when you're not using it is a simple habit that pays off — less battery drain, fewer distractions, and better peace of mind.
How to turn off SharePlay on iPhone
To turn SharePlay off in seconds, open FaceTime in Settings on your iPhone and toggle SharePlay off. Before you start, make sure your iOS is up to date. Some updates might switch SharePlay back on.
Here's the detailed process:
Open Settings > Apps > FaceTime.
Tap SharePlay.
Turn off SharePlay.
The toggle will turn gray when SharePlay is disabled.
Beyond SharePlay: Organizing your iPhone files
With SharePlay turned off to keep data use in check, I started relying on AnyTrans for iOS to manage and transfer my media more efficiently. Like a lot of people, I tend to accumulate photos, screenshots, and other files over time without clearing them out. AnyTrans for iOS helps me transfer that content from my phone to my computer to free up space.
The app lets me browse all my main apps — Photos, Messages, Safari, and more — and manage everything within them. I can back up my device in one click and manage my iCloud files all in the same place. Hovering over each icon explains what it does, so you're never confused.
How to turn off SharePlay on Mac
After you’re done using SharePlay on Mac, it's better to turn off the feature to keep your Mac running smoothly.
The quickest route is through FaceTime itself:
Open the FaceTime app on your Mac.
In the menu bar, choose FaceTime > Settings (or press Command + ,).
Select SharePlay and clear the SharePlay checkbox to disable it.
That's all there is to it — SharePlay is now disabled on your Mac.
Keep your Mac running smoothly with CleanMyMac
Disabling SharePlay when you're not using it is a small habit that pays off. To keep my Mac running smoothly long-term, I use CleanMyMac. It clears junk files, removes apps completely, and handles maintenance I'd otherwise forget about.
Every time I want to clean my Mac, I open the app and hit Scan. It gives me a full overview of what needs fixing — cleanup, protection, and more. Then I click Run, and it handles everything automatically. If I need specific tasks done, there's an extensive menu bar of options to explore.
Or get CleanMyMac as a standalone app from $9.95 USD/month — no membership needed.
Block SharePlay with Screen Time
You can also block SharePlay through Screen Time — Apple's built-in tool for monitoring app usage and setting content restrictions.
Here’s how you do it on Mac:
1. Go to System Settings > Screen Time.
2. Click Content & Privacy.
3. Turn on Content & Privacy.
4. Click App & Feature Restrictions.
5. Turn off Allow SharePlay.
How to disable SharePlay on Apple TV
The only catch with this one is you can't turn off SharePlay through the app — you need to use the Apple TV settings.
To disable SharePlay on Apple TV:
Open Settings > Users and Accounts.
Choose your account name.
Turn off Share with you.
That's all there is to it — SharePlay is now disabled on your Apple TV, so your movie nights stay private.
Stream from your Mac with JustStream
Although I have a smart TV with built-in apps, there are times when I need to cast a stream or video from my Mac. I've had trouble with casting until I downloaded JustStream for hassle-free, compatible streaming.
With the app, I seamlessly cast both 4K and HD resolution content to my smart TV and Apple TV. I don't have to dig through Settings to start casting either — the JustStream icon sits right in my menu bar for quick access.
Cast any video from your Mac to your TV without wires or extra hardware. JustStream mirrors your Mac screen and streams 4K or HD content straight to Apple TV, Chromecast, or any Smart TV. Try JustStream Free. Or get JustStream as a standalone app from $4.99 USD/month.
And if you need to screen mirror your iPhone to a TV or a computer, check out this guide, which covers AirPlay, JustStream, and AnyTrans for iOS side by side.
Wrapping up: turn off SharePlay for better privacy and control
Whether you want to end SharePlay on Apple Music or disable it to avoid security issues, turning off SharePlay is a smart move. It preserves your data and battery while preventing privacy concerns.
To further improve device management, apps like AnyTrans for iOS, JustStream, and CleanMyMac handle other aspects of maintenance and functionality. All these apps — and 270+ more — are available through a single Setapp subscription. There's a free 7-day trial, so you can explore everything without any upfront commitment. Start your trial today.
FAQ
How do I know if SharePlay is on, and where can I find the setting?
On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > FaceTime > SharePlay. A green toggle means it's on; gray means it's off. On Mac, open FaceTime > Settings > SharePlay. A checked box means it's enabled. On Apple TV, check Settings > Users and Accounts > Apple Account > Share with you. The toggle shows the current status.
Why does my iPhone keep showing SharePlay pop-ups?
SharePlay pop-ups appear when apps detect FaceTime calls and try to auto-start sharing. This happens with outdated iOS or when media apps are open during calls. To fix this, close media apps before FaceTime calls, update to the latest iOS, or turn off SharePlay entirely in Settings > FaceTime > SharePlay.
How do I turn off SharePlay permanently?
As long as you turn off SharePlay through FaceTime settings on iPhone/Mac or user settings on Apple TV, it stays off until you manually re-enable it. The setting won't turn back on automatically unless you toggle it yourself or a major iOS update resets it.
How do I turn SharePlay back on after I disable it?
On iPhone/iPad, go to Settings > FaceTime > SharePlay and toggle it on. On Mac, open FaceTime > Settings > SharePlay and check the box. On Apple TV, navigate to Settings > Users and Accounts > Apple Account and turn on Share with you. The process takes under a minute on any device.
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