iOS 18: Become Your Family’s «Tech Support» with One Tap!

There are often times when you need to help someone remotely, such as a loved one, to solve a problem with their smartphone. Explaining the steps over the phone can be difficult, but iOS 18 introduces a new feature that simplifies the process.

If you both use an iPhone with iOS 18 or later, or an iPad with iPad OS 18 or later, you can take remote control of their screen to guide them precisely. This feature is activated through a FaceTime call, either video or audio, and requires you to be listed in their Contacts.

How it works

1. Start a FaceTime call: Call your family member via FaceTime.
2. Request screen sharing: Once they answer, tap the "Share" button and select "Ask to Share". They will need to accept the request by tapping "Share" on their screen.
3. View their screen: You will see a blurred preview of their screen through FaceTime. Ask them to go to their Home Screen so you can start guiding them.
4. Guide them with drawings: You can draw on their screen to indicate actions, such as an arrow pointing to the "Settings" icon or a circle around a button.
5. Remote control: If you need full control of their device, tap the "Control" button (bottom right on iPhone, top right on iPad). Once they allow access, you will be able to interact with their iPhone as normal, without preventing them from using their device.

Ending remote control

Once they understand the solution, you can end remote control by tapping the "Control" button. If they want to end remote access, they can tap "Stop". Even after remote control ends, you can still draw on their screen. To stop sharing completely, they will need to tap "Share" on their iPhone or iPad.

This feature is not limited to family members – you can help anyone with an iPhone or iPad running the same software, making remote technical support simple and effective.