Is it possible to share an iPad screen remotely?

rob-nikon · 27 Mar 2020

I have a problem where my parents have an iPad that needs a few apps adding to it to enable us to do some virtual socialising between family and friends. Whilst they can use FaceTime to video message myself and my sister we would like to do some larger family events over Skype (chosen because not everyone has an Apple device). The problem is my parents can do the basics on the iPad but don’t know how to add apps via the App Store. I’ve tried to talk them through it over the phone but that’s difficult and sadly isn't working as I can see what they are seeing. Normally if they need anything doing on it I go over to them and do it for them. Sadly with the current lockdown that’s not possible. Even if it was it isn’t even advisable (ie me handling their iPad whilst standing outside of their home).

Is there a way they can easily share their screen with me so I can guide them through it?

If it’s not possible I think we will end up running both FaceTime and Skype sessions with different family members on each. It’s possible it would work but it wouldn’t be as good as everyone on the same screens.

garryknight · 27 Mar 2020

I don't know of a way you can do it without them installing an app at their end. Once you can get over that hurdle, I'd recommend TeamViewer which runs on iOS, iPadOS, Windows, MacOS and, I think, Linux.

So what I recommend is that you make a video showing them how to install apps from the App Store, upload that to YouTube, then send them the URL. If they can't handle that, then how about giving up on FaceTime and Skype and trying Zoom for iOS? Do you think they could handle that?

It's a problem when you have to try to explain tech stuff to non-tech people, and you have my sympathies.

zlinuk · 27 Mar 2020

Take a look at the Teamviewer ios app. It may allow screen sharing and remote control.

Edit: Garry beat me to it.

Mozthecat · 27 Mar 2020

As I understand it you can download an older copy of itunes (12.6 or before) to your pc sign in with their Apple ID and push apps through. Not done it myself though.

gramps · 27 Mar 2020

If they can't get to the App store there isn't anything you can do remotely.
Can you collect/return using a joint method of plastic bags, disposable gloves, damp bleach cloth (while switched off of course).
Would need to carefully think through the swap.

Bobsyeruncle · 27 Mar 2020

Do they have phones and a tablet?
Could you facetime the phone, then use that to see what they're doing on the iPad?

rob-nikon · 27 Mar 2020

Thanks for all the replies. Ive just spent an hour and a half on the phone guiding them through and it was a success, all apps now installed

my parents aren’t the best with tech, they can do the simple stuff to get by but have always worried about downloading stuff from the internet so have never wanted me to teach them how to do it themselves. They did well tonight, we got there and hopefully it opens up more means of communications for them. My dad now has access to football highlights of all games from past few seasons. He’s been missing the football since it stopped a few weeks back. Normally we go to every home game together and he listens on the radio to every away game so it’s big part missing from his life. 46 games a season at 10 mins a video should keep him busy for around 8hrs a season. He seems happy with that, though I’m not sure if my mum is as happy!

I think this lockdown has made us all revaluate how we do things. I don’t think we ever thought there would be a time where we wouldn’t be able to see them and do these things for them. Perhaps Apple and others need to think about building something into their standard apps that would allow help remotely. I imagine there are plenty of non tech savy people struggling with getting remote communication working and relatives feeling helpless as they can’t go round to do it for them.

gramps · 27 Mar 2020

rob-nikon said:
Thanks for all the replies. Ive just spent an hour and a half on the phone guiding them through and it was a success, all apps now installed

my parents aren’t the best with tech, they can do the simple stuff to get by but have always worried about downloading stuff from the internet so have never wanted me to teach them how to do it themselves. They did well tonight, we got there and hopefully it opens up more means of communications for them. My dad now has access to football highlights of all games from past few seasons. He’s been missing the football since it stopped a few weeks back. Normally we go to every home game together and he listens on the radio to every away game so it’s big part missing from his life. 46 games a season at 10 mins a video should keep him busy for around 8hrs a season. He seems happy with that, though I’m not sure if my mum is as happy!

I think this lockdown has made us all revaluate how we do things. I don’t think we ever thought there would be a time where we wouldn’t be able to see them and do these things for them. Perhaps Apple and others need to think about building something into their standard apps that would allow help remotely. I imagine there are plenty of non tech savy people struggling with getting remote communication working and relatives feeling helpless as they can’t go round to do it for them.

Glad you got it sorted, we've got a group of around 100 using Zoom and some are older than me yet, with help, have been engaging in large-scale 'conference' meetings.