Screen sharing is one of the most powerful features in Google Meet. Whether you’re teaching an online class, presenting a business proposal, showing a website to a client, or demonstrating software, screen sharing allows others to see exactly what’s on your screen in real time.
If you’re new to Google Meet or unsure how screen sharing works, don’t worry. In this complete beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn:
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How to share your screen on a desktop
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How to share screen on mobile
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The difference between screen, window, and tab sharing
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How to stop screen sharing
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Common problems and solutions
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Professional tips for better presentations
By the end of this guide, you’ll confidently share your screen in any Google Meet session.
What Does Screen Sharing Mean in Google Meet?
Screen sharing (called “Presenting” in Google Meet) allows you to show:
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Your entire screen
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A specific application window
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A single browser tab
Instead of just seeing your face on camera, participants can see your content — such as PowerPoint slides, documents, spreadsheets, websites, videos, or software.
When Should You Share Your Screen?
Screen sharing is useful for:
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Online teaching
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Business presentations
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Team meetings
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Project demonstrations
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Showing reports or data
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Technical support
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Live tutorials
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Webinar hosting
If you need people to see something specific on your device, screen sharing is the best option.
How to Share Screen in Google Meet (Desktop Method)
Let’s start with the most common method — using a computer or laptop.
Step 1: Join or Start a Google Meet
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Go to meet.google.com
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Sign in with your Google account
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Start a new meeting or join an existing one
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Click Join now
Once you are inside the meeting room, you’re ready to present.
Step 2: Click “Present Now”
At the bottom of your meeting screen, you’ll see a button labeled:
Present now
Click on it.
A small menu will appear with three options:
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Your entire screen
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A window
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A tab
Let’s understand each one.
Option 1: Share Your Entire Screen
This shares everything visible on your monitor.
Use this option if you want to:
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Switch between multiple apps
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Show different files
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Move freely across your desktop
After selecting your entire screen:
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Choose the screen (if you have multiple monitors)
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Click Share
Participants can now see everything you do.
Important: Be careful — notifications and private content may also appear.
Option 2: Share a Specific Window
This allows you to present only one open application.
For example:
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PowerPoint
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Excel
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Google Docs
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PDF file
Steps:
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Click Present now
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Choose A window
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Select the application window
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Click Share
Participants will only see that window — not your entire screen.
This is safer and more professional.
Option 3: Share a Browser Tab (Best for Videos)
This is perfect if you want to:
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Show a YouTube video
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Present Google Slides
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Share a website
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Play online content
Steps:
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Click Present now
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Choose A tab
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Select the browser tab
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Enable Share tab audio (if playing video)
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Click Share
This option provides better video and audio quality compared to full-screen sharing.
How to Stop Screen Sharing
When you’re finished presenting:
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Click Stop presenting at the bottom
OR -
Click Stop sharing in the notification bar
Your camera view will return as the main display.
How to Share Screen in Google Meet (Mobile Method)
You can also share your screen using a smartphone.
Step 1: Open the Google Meet App
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Install Google Meet from the Play Store or App Store
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Join or start a meeting
Step 2: Tap the Three Dots
Inside the meeting:
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Tap the three dots (⋮)
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Select Share screen
Step 3: Confirm Screen Sharing
Your phone will display a warning message.
Tap:
Start now
Your entire phone screen will now be visible to participants.
You can:
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Open apps
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Show presentations
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Demonstrate mobile apps
To Stop Sharing on Mobile
Tap:
Stop sharing
Or return to the Meet app and stop presenting.
Important Tips Before Sharing Screen
Here are some professional tips to avoid mistakes:
1. Close Unnecessary Tabs
Before presenting:
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Close personal tabs
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Turn off notifications
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Hide private files
This prevents accidental exposure.
2. Use “Tab” for Videos
If you’re showing a YouTube video or online content, use:
Present → A tab → Share tab audio
This ensures smooth sound and video.
3. Keep Desktop Clean
A clean desktop looks more professional.
4. Test Before Important Meetings
If it’s a business presentation or webinar:
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Test screen sharing in advance
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Check audio clarity
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Confirm visibility
Common Screen Sharing Problems & Solutions
Problem 1: Screen Share Button Not Visible
Possible reasons:
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Using an outdated browser
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Restricted by organization settings
Solution:
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Update browser
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Use Google Chrome
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Contact admin (if work account)
Problem 2: No Audio When Sharing Video
Solution:
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Use the “Share a tab” option
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Enable “Share tab audio.”
Problem 3: Screen Looks Blurry
Solution:
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Improve internet connection
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Close background apps
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Reduce screen resolution if needed
Problem 4: Participants Can’t See Shared Screen
Solution:
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Make sure you clicked “Shar.e”
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Checthe k internet connection
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Stop and restart sharing
Can Participants Share Their Screen?
Yes — if the host allows it.
Participants can click:
Present now
But in some organizations, only the host can present.
Best Practices for Professional Screen Sharing
If you’re hosting meetings regularly, follow these tips:
1. Use Presentation Mode
If using Google Slides:
Click Present inside Slides for a clean view.
2. Speak Clearly While Presenting
Screen sharing works best with a clear explanation.
3. Avoid Fast Switching
Switching tabs too quickly can confuse viewers.
4. Highlight Important Sections
Use your cursor to guide viewers.
5. Keep Backup Materials Ready
Have files open before starting.
Why Screen Sharing Is Important
Screen sharing improves:
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Communication clarity
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Team collaboration
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Learning effectiveness
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Presentation impact
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Remote support efficiency
Instead of just explaining something verbally, you show it visually.
That makes meetings more productive.
Final Thoughts
Sharing your screen in Google Meet is simple and powerful. Just click Present now, choose what you want to share, and start presenting.
You can share your entire screen, a specific window, or a single browser tab — depending on your needs. For videos, always use the tab-sharing option with audio enabled.
Whether you are a teacher explaining lessons, a professional delivering presentations, or someone helping a friend troubleshoot a problem, screen sharing makes communication easier and clearer.
Now that you understand the full process step by step, try it in your next Google Meet session. Once you use it a few times, it becomes second nature.