SharePlay is a useful feature, especially during the ongoing pandemic, allowing iPhone users to connect with friends with family without being in close quarters. If you want to know how to get started with SharePlay, we’ve got easy, step-by-step instructions on how to launch Apple’s new shared experience perk.

How to update to iOS 15.1How to add your COVID-19 vaccine card to Apple WalletSmartphones with the longest battery life in 2021

Which apps support SharePlay?

Before diving into SharePlay, it’s important to know which apps currently support the feature. According to Apple (opens in new tab), SharePlay currently supports Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Fitness+, Paramount+, Showtime and MUBI. Other supported services include the following:

Disney+ESPN+HBO MaxHuluMasterclassPlutoTVSoundCloudTikTok

If you’re wondering if SharePlay supports Netflix, the answer is no. However, this may change in the future, so you may be able to coerce your friend into watching the new season of “You” at a later date.

How to use SharePlay on iOS 15

First things first, in order to use SharePlay, your iPhone must be updated to iOS 15.1. Click here for instructions on how to install the new software update. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be ready to launch SharePlay.

  1. On your iPhone, tap on the FaceTime icon.
  2. Tap on New FaceTime and enter the contact you’d like to call. Of course, make sure that you’ve already arranged a rendezvous with your contact before initiating the call.
  3. Tap on the green FaceTime button.
  4. During the FaceTime call, swipe up and open one of the apps that support SharePlay.
  5. Choose a TV show or movie and press play.  Keep in mind that controls are shared by everyone on the call — not just the host. So you or your contact can play, pause, rewind and fast forward at any time. However, settings such as volume and closed captioning will only be activated on your device.

How to use SharePlay   the new iOS 15 feature that makes FaceTime more fun - 4How to use SharePlay   the new iOS 15 feature that makes FaceTime more fun - 28How to use SharePlay   the new iOS 15 feature that makes FaceTime more fun - 66How to use SharePlay   the new iOS 15 feature that makes FaceTime more fun - 92How to use SharePlay   the new iOS 15 feature that makes FaceTime more fun - 69How to use SharePlay   the new iOS 15 feature that makes FaceTime more fun - 7