Turn off SharePlay in Settings on your Apple TV

SharePlay is the feature that lets people watch shows or movies together while on a FaceTime call. To turn it off, go to Settings on your Apple TV, select AirPlay and HomeKit, then toggle SharePlay to off. The setting applies to your whole device — anyone using that Apple TV will no longer be able to start a SharePlay session until you turn it back on.

If you want to keep SharePlay available but prevent specific people from using it, you can set up restrictions instead. That approach keeps the feature active for people you trust while blocking it for others — useful if children use the same Apple TV.

Key Takeaways

  • SharePlay is disabled through Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > SharePlay toggle, and the change affects all users on that Apple TV.
  • Turning off SharePlay stops anyone from starting a watch party on FaceTime, but does not affect regular viewing or other AirPlay features.
  • If you want to keep SharePlay but restrict who can use it, set up Screen Time restrictions instead of disabling the feature entirely.
  • SharePlay requires an active FaceTime call to work — it does not allow watching alone or with people not on the call.

Where to find the SharePlay toggle

Open Settings on your Apple TV and scroll down to AirPlay and HomeKit. You will see SharePlay listed as an option with a toggle switch next to it. Press the toggle to turn it off. The change takes effect when ready — no restart or confirmation is needed.

If you do not see AirPlay and HomeKit in your Settings menu, your Apple TV model may be older and does not support SharePlay. SharePlay requires tvOS 15.1 or later, so check your software version first by going to Settings > System > About. If your version is older, you can update through Settings > System > Software Updates.

What happens when you turn SharePlay off

When SharePlay is off, no one can start a watch party on FaceTime using that Apple TV. If someone tries to initiate SharePlay during a call, they will see a message saying the feature is not available on this device. They will not receive a separate notification that you disabled it — they will only see the message when they attempt to use it.

Turning off SharePlay does not affect regular streaming, AirPlay mirroring from other devices, or any other Apple TV functions. People can still watch shows and movies normally, use other apps, or mirror content from their phones and tablets. The only thing that stops working is the ability to watch together over FaceTime.

Using Screen Time to restrict SharePlay instead of disabling it

If you want to keep SharePlay available for some people but block it for others, Screen Time restrictions are more flexible than turning the feature off entirely. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > SharePlay Restrictions and set a PIN code. This method lets you control access without removing the feature completely.

Once you set a PIN, anyone trying to enable SharePlay will need to enter the code. This way, adults can use SharePlay while children cannot start it without permission. You control who knows the PIN, and you can change it anytime through the same menu. This approach is useful in households where multiple age groups share the same Apple TV.

Turning SharePlay back on

To re-enable SharePlay, return to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit and toggle SharePlay back on. No restart is needed — the feature becomes available when ready to anyone on that Apple TV. The process takes less than a minute.

If you set a PIN code through Screen Time restrictions, you will need to remove that restriction to allow SharePlay without a code. Go back to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > SharePlay Restrictions and turn off the restriction. You will be prompted to enter the PIN you created before you can disable it.

Why you might want to turn off SharePlay

Some households turn off SharePlay to reduce distractions during family viewing time or to prevent unexpected FaceTime interruptions during shows. Others disable it on shared Apple TVs in offices or common areas where watch parties are not appropriate. It is a straightforward way to control what happens on your device without affecting other features.

If your Apple TV is in a child's room or a guest bedroom, turning off SharePlay prevents accidental or unwanted FaceTime watch sessions. Parents often use this setting to keep viewing time focused and uninterrupted. It is also useful if you share your Apple TV with roommates or family members and want to avoid surprise watch parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does turning off SharePlay affect AirPlay from my iPhone or iPad?

No. Turning off SharePlay only disables watch parties over FaceTime. You can still mirror your screen, stream music, send photos, or use AirPlay to control playback from other devices.

Can I turn off SharePlay just for one person?

Not directly. The SharePlay toggle applies to the entire Apple TV. If you need to restrict it for one person, use Screen Time restrictions with a PIN code instead — that way, only people who know the PIN can start SharePlay.

What if SharePlay is grayed out in Settings?

SharePlay requires tvOS 15.1 or later. If it is grayed out, check Settings > System > About to see your current software version. If you are on an older version, update your Apple TV through Settings > System > Software Updates.

Will people on FaceTime know if I turn off SharePlay?

They will see a message saying SharePlay is not available on your device when they try to start a watch party. They will not receive a separate notification that you disabled it.

Can I turn off SharePlay temporarily and turn it back on later?

Yes. You can toggle SharePlay on and off as many times as you want through Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit. There is no limit to how often you change it, and no data is lost when you disable and re-enable it.