Screen Share Issues

troubleshootingscreen sharepermissionsmacOS

Quick Checklist

  1. Does your capability level allow screen sharing?
  2. Has your browser been granted screen recording permission?
  3. Has your operating system granted screen recording permission?
  4. Are you in a media zone that supports screen sharing?

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Check Your Permission Level

Screen sharing requires the screen_share capability. By default, this is available to Authenticated users and above (Moderator, Editor).

If you're a Guest, screen sharing is not available unless the Wave owner has explicitly added it to the Guest capability level.

If you're not sure what level you have, ask the Ripple host or Wave owner.

2. Check Browser Permissions

When you click the screen share button, your browser should show a dialog asking you to choose what to share (entire screen, window, or tab).

If nothing happens:

  • Check that you haven't previously blocked screen sharing for Rippily in your browser settings
  • Try the same steps as for camera/microphone permissions — look in your browser's site permission settings

3. Check System Permissions (macOS)

macOS requires explicit permission for screen recording at the operating system level.

  1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording
  2. Find your browser in the list
  3. Toggle it on
  4. You may need to restart your browser after granting permission

If your browser isn't in the list, try starting a screen share first — macOS should prompt you to add it.

Windows and Linux generally don't require separate system-level permissions for screen sharing.

4. Check Media Zone Requirements

In some Ripple designs, screen sharing may only be available within specific media zones. If you're positioned outside a media zone that supports screen sharing, the button may be disabled.

Try moving to a different position in the Ripple, or ask the host where screen sharing is available.

5. Browser-Specific Issues

Safari:

  • Safari may show a less detailed sharing dialog
  • System-level screen recording permission is required on macOS
  • Try Chrome if Safari's screen share isn't working

Firefox:

  • The sharing dialog looks different from Chrome but works the same way
  • Make sure you select the correct screen/window/tab

Brave / Privacy Browsers:

  • Privacy shields may interfere with screen capture APIs
  • Try disabling shields for Rippily

Still Not Working?

  1. Try sharing a specific tab instead of your entire screen — tab sharing has fewer permission requirements
  2. Try a different browser (Chrome is recommended)
  3. Restart your browser completely
  4. Check if another application is already capturing your screen — some screen recording tools can conflict