Disney Plus SharePlay lets you watch with friends on FaceTime, but only on Apple devices

SharePlay is Apple's feature that syncs video playback across FaceTime calls. Disney Plus works with SharePlay on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers running recent versions of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS. Both people need a Disney Plus account, an Apple device, and to be on the same FaceTime call. Android users cannot use SharePlay — they would need to watch separately or use screen-sharing through a different app.

When you start SharePlay during a FaceTime call, Disney Plus pauses on your device, then both of you see the same show or movie at the same time. The person who started the share controls playback — pause, rewind, fast-forward — and the other person's screen follows. You can still hear each other talk while watching.

Key Takeaways

  • SharePlay works only on Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) and requires both people to have Disney Plus accounts and be on an active FaceTime call.
  • To start SharePlay, open Disney Plus during a FaceTime call, select a title, and tap the SharePlay button that appears on the playback screen.
  • Only the person who started the share can control playback — pause, rewind, and fast-forward — while the other person watches in sync.
  • If SharePlay does not appear as an option, check that both devices are running current software and that Disney Plus has permission to use FaceTime.

How to start SharePlay on Disney Plus

Start a FaceTime call first. Open the FaceTime app, select a contact, and wait for them to answer. Do not hang up — you need the call active the whole time you watch together.

Once the call is live, open Disney Plus in a separate app or window. Search for the show or movie you both want to watch. Tap or click the title to open its detail page, then select the play button to start the preview or first episode.

When playback begins, look for the SharePlay icon — it looks like a rectangle with lines radiating outward, usually in the top right or bottom right of the video player. Tap or click it. A menu appears asking you to confirm you want to share playback with the person on the FaceTime call. Select the option to start SharePlay. The video pauses, then resumes in sync on both devices.

What to do if SharePlay does not appear

SharePlay requires both devices to run recent software. On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update, and install any available update. On Mac, open System Settings, click General, then Software Update. Restart your device after updating.

Check that Disney Plus has permission to access FaceTime. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, scroll down to Disney Plus, tap it, and make sure FaceTime is toggled on. On Mac, open System Preferences, click Security & Privacy, select the Privacy tab, find Camera and Microphone in the left menu, and confirm Disney Plus is listed and checked.

If SharePlay still does not appear, try closing both the FaceTime app and Disney Plus completely, then reopen them in the same order: FaceTime first, then Disney Plus. Some devices need this reset to recognize the SharePlay feature.

Who controls playback during SharePlay

The person who started the SharePlay session controls all playback. They can pause, rewind, fast-forward, and skip to the next episode. The other person sees their screen update in real time but cannot control playback from their own device.

If the other person wants to take control, the first person must stop SharePlay by tapping the SharePlay icon again and selecting End SharePlay. Then the second person can start a new SharePlay session from their device, and they become the controller.

Bandwidth and connection requirements

SharePlay streams video to both devices separately — it does not reduce quality or data use compared to watching alone. Each person needs a stable internet connection strong enough to stream Disney Plus at their chosen quality (Standard, HD, or 4K). If either connection drops, the FaceTime call may disconnect, and you will need to call again and restart SharePlay.

FaceTime audio continues over the same connection as the video stream. If your internet is slow, you may notice the video pauses to buffer or the audio cuts out. Moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or closing other apps that use bandwidth can help.

Watching on different devices in the same household

If you are in the same room or house, you do not need FaceTime or SharePlay. Disney Plus allows multiple people to watch on different devices at the same time if your account plan supports it. Standard plans allow two streams at once; Premium plans allow four. Each person opens Disney Plus on their own device, logs in with the same account, and selects what they want to watch.

This method works on any device — phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming boxes — and does not require an Apple device or FaceTime. You can talk to each other in person while watching different things, or gather around one screen if you want to watch together.

Alternatives if you do not have Apple devices

Android phones and tablets do not support SharePlay with Disney Plus. If one person has an Android device, you have two options: watch separately on your own accounts, or use a screen-sharing app like Google Meet or Zoom to show one person's screen to the other while you talk. Screen-sharing is lower quality than SharePlay and uses more data, but it works across different device types.

Some Android devices can cast Disney Plus to a TV using Chromecast or similar technology. If both of you are in the same location, you could cast to a shared TV and talk while watching together without needing FaceTime or SharePlay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both people need their own Disney Plus account?

Yes. SharePlay syncs playback, but each person still needs to be logged into their own Disney Plus account on their own device. You cannot share one login across devices during a SharePlay session.

Can I use SharePlay on my Mac and someone else's iPhone at the same time?

Yes. SharePlay works between any combination of Apple devices — iPhone to iPhone, iPad to Mac, iPhone to iPad — as long as both are on the same FaceTime call and running current software.

What happens if the FaceTime call drops during SharePlay?

The video stops and SharePlay ends. You will need to call back and start SharePlay again from the beginning of where you stopped. The video does not resume automatically.

Can I use SharePlay to watch Disney Plus with more than one person?

FaceTime group calls support SharePlay, so you can watch with multiple people on one call. All participants see the same video in sync, but only the person who started the share controls playback.

Does SharePlay work with Disney Plus on a smart TV?

No. SharePlay only works when Disney Plus is open on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If you have Disney Plus on a smart TV, you cannot use SharePlay to sync it with a FaceTime call.