Since the Covid hit the world, a lot of work has become online. Of many remote workspace platforms, Google Meet has become an indispensable tool for online meetings, webinars, and remote collaboration. It’s known for its reliability, but like any software, it can run into issues.
But, Google Meet is also not free from its issues. One common problem users encounter is the dreaded error message, “Sorry an error occurred when screen sharing.”
Screen sharing is an essential feature for remote meetings and presentations, and when it doesn’t work as expected, it can be a real hindrance. If you’ve been puzzled by this error, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
In this blog, we will explain this error and provide you with detailed, easy-to-follow fixes to resolve it.
What Causes “Sorry An Error Occurred When Screen Sharing” On Google Meet?
Before diving into the solutions, let’s briefly understand what causes the “Sorry, an error occurred when screen sharing” message on Google Meet.
The full error reads as:
[ “Can’t share your screen.
Sorry, an error has occurred when screen sharing.” ]
This error typically occurs when you’re trying to share your screen during a Google Meet video call. It can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you need to present information or collaborate with your team.
The error can happen due to a variety of reasons, but it’s often related to issues with your device’s settings, network connection, or issues with the Google Meet application itself. It can be caused by various factors also.
To solve this error, look out for the potential workarounds in the next section below.
How To Fix “Sorry An Error Occurred When Screen Sharing” On Google Meet?
To fix “Sorry An Error Occurred When Screen Sharing” on Google Meet check your browser compatibility, update Google Meet App, check your internet connection and clear cache and cookies. Additionally, disable browser extensions and hardware acceleration, adjust screen share quality, try incognito mode and, try screen sharing on another device.
1. Check Browser Compatibility
The first step is to ensure whether your browser is compatible with Google Meet.
Google Meet is best optimized for Google Chrome, but it also works with other major browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. If you encounter a screen-sharing error, make sure you’re using the latest version of your chosen browser.
Outdated operating systems can oftentimes lead to compatibility issues. Make sure your OS is up to date with the latest updates and patches.
2. Update The Google Meet App
Just as your browser needs to be updated, if you have the Google Meet application on your device then you should ensure its compatibility as well. Outdated versions of Google Meet can sometimes cause compatibility issues. To ensure you’re using the latest version:
For Android:
- Open Google Play Store.
- Access the Menu and tap on “My apps & games.” This will open a list of all your installed apps with available updates.
- Find Google Meet and tap “Update.”
For iOS:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile picture.
- In your profile settings, tap “Purchased.” This will show a list of all the apps you’ve downloaded.
- Now, find Google Meet and tap “Update.“
3. Check Network Connection
A stable internet connection is crucial for smooth screen sharing. Ensure that your network is working well. Follow these troubleshooting steps to check connectivity issues:-
Run Speed Tests – Carry out speed tests on your device to check network strength and speed.
Here are the simple steps to run a speed test:
- Open your web browser.
- Go to a speed test website like “speedtest.net.”
- Allow your GPS location and click the “Go” or “Start Test” option.
- Wait for the test to complete and view your results.
That’s it! You’ll quickly know your internet speed.
Restart Your Router – If your internet connection is unstable, consider restarting your router. Unplugging it for a minute and then plugging it back in can help refresh your connection.
Switch The Network – Try connecting your device to a different Wi-Fi network. If you are using a Wi-Fi data network, switch to a wired one or vice versa. If your device connects successfully to the new network, the problem may be with your previous network.
4. Clear Browser Cache And Cookies
Sometimes, accumulated cache and cookies can interfere with the screen-sharing function. To resolve this, follow these steps:
For Google Chrome:
- Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner.
- Go to “Settings” > “Privacy and security.“
- Click on “Clear browsing data.”
- Select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files” options.
- Now, Click on “Clear data.”
For Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Firefox.
- Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner (menu icon).
- Select “Options.“
- In the options menu, go to “Privacy & Security.“
- Under “Cookies and Site Data,” click “Clear Data.”
- Check both “Cookies” and “Cached Web Content.”
- Click “Clear.”
For Safari:
- Open Safari.
- Click “Safari” in the top-left corner.
- Select “Preferences.”
- Go to the “Privacy” tab.
- Now, Click on “Manage Website Data.”
- Select “Remove All.”
- Confirm by clicking “Remove Now.”
For Microsoft Edge:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner (menu icon).
- Select “Settings.“
- Scroll down and click “Privacy, search, and services.”
- Under “Clear browsing data,” click “Choose what to clear.“
- Check both “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.“
- Click “Clear.“
5. Clear Google Meet’s Cache And Data On Mobile
Similarly, clear cache and data if you are using the Google Meet application on your mobile.
Follow the steps mentioned below:-
For Android:
- Open “Settings.“
- Go to “Apps” or “Application Manager.”
- Find and tap “Google Meet.”
- Tap “Storage.”
- Select “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data.”
For iOS (iPhone or iPad):
- Open “Settings.”
- Scroll down and find “Google Meet.” Tap on it.
- Now, Tap “Offload App” to clear the cache or “Delete App” to clear the cache and data.
6. Disable Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration can sometimes lead to errors in screen sharing. To disable it:
For Google Chrome:
- Open your browser.
- Now go to “Settings” > “Advanced” > “System“
- There you will see the “Use hardware acceleration when available” option. Check it and save the changes.
For Safari:
- Open Safari.
- Click “Safari” in the top-left.
- Select “Preferences.”
- Go to the “Advanced” tab.
- Uncheck “Use hardware acceleration when available.”
7. Disable Browser Extensions
Browser extensions, while helpful, can sometimes conflict with Google Meet’s functionality. Try disabling browser extensions one by one to identify if any of them are causing the error.
Follow the steps to disable extensions:-
For Google Chrome:
- Open the Google Chrome browser. Click on the three vertical dots on the top right. A drop-down menu will appear.
- Select “More Tools” > “Extensions“.
- You will now see a page that lists all your installed extensions.
- Find the extension you want to disable in the list. Click on “Remove”.
- A pop-up window may appear, asking you to confirm that you want to disable the extension. Click “Disable” to confirm.
For Safari
- Launch the Safari browser on your Mac computer.
- Click on “Safari” in the top-left corner of your screen to open a drop-down menu. From the menu, select “Preferences.”
- In the Preferences window, click on the “Extensions” tab.
- On the left-hand side, you’ll see a list of your installed extensions. Find the extension you want to disable and uncheck the box next to its name. This will disable the extension.
- Safari may prompt you to confirm the action. If so, click “Turn Off” to confirm.
8. Adjust Screen Sharing Quality
Sometimes, lower screen sharing quality can help resolve the error. To lower the screen quality follow these steps while sharing the screen.
During a meeting while sharing the screen, click on the “Present now” button and select “A window” instead of “Your entire screen.” This can reduce the load on your device. This fix can work if you are able to open the meet and share screen option is available.
9. Use The Incognito Mode
If you’re facing the error consistently, try opening Google Meet in incognito mode (private browsing). This can help eliminate potential conflicts with browser extensions or cached data.
10. Test Screen Sharing On Another Device
Sometimes, the issue may be device-specific. So, try using a different device to see if the error persists. This will help determine if the issue is specific to your device or a broader problem.
11. Contact Support
If none of the above solutions work, it’s a good idea to contact Google Meet’s support and consult their official help center for more specific troubleshooting steps.
Screen-sharing issues on Google Meet can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve them quickly and get back to your seamless meeting experience.