Why can my Mac not share or record the screen in a meeting app?

Start by identifying how you joined: with an app installed on your Mac, or in a browser tab. Then check macOS permission for that specific app or browser. For Zoom on macOS 10.14 or later, Zoom directs desktop-app users to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording and to enable Zoom. If Zoom is already open when you change the permission, Zoom says the app needs to restart for the setting to take effect. [S1]

Try sharing again after the restart. If permission is already enabled, note the exact app, macOS version, and any message shown. Those details can help you describe the problem if you need further support.

For Zoom Web App on macOS Mojave 10.14 or later, the permission to check is for the browser you are using—not just the Zoom desktop app. In System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording, look for and enable the browser used for the meeting. Zoom also notes that browser prompts may be relevant, so check whether the page or browser showed a permission request and whether it was allowed. [S2]

These are Zoom-specific instructions; don’t assume the same menu steps or permission behavior apply to every meeting website. Follow the meeting provider’s instructions if its app or browser flow differs.

If you changed permission while the Zoom desktop app was running, restart Zoom when prompted, then try sharing again. [S1] For the Zoom Web App, make sure the browser itself is the selected, permitted program and respond to any relevant browser prompt. [S2]

The cited Zoom instructions cover screen and system-audio recording permission for the desktop app, and browser authorization for starting screen sharing in the web app. They don’t establish how every meeting product handles recording, where recordings are saved, or whether your account or meeting allows recording. Check the product’s own recording instructions and the meeting’s controls rather than treating this macOS permission as proof that recording is available.

Use this checklist:

1. Confirm whether you joined through the desktop app or a browser, and note the product name.
2. For Zoom desktop on macOS 10.14 or later, check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording and enable Zoom if needed. [S1]
3. For Zoom Web App on macOS Mojave 10.14 or later, check that the browser in use—not only the desktop app—is enabled in that setting. Also check for a browser permission prompt. [S2]
4. Restart the Zoom desktop app if prompted after changing its permission, then test sharing again. [S1]
5. If it still fails, note the product, macOS version, and exact error message. Avoid including meeting links or other sensitive details unless your organization’s process requires them.

Copyable note: “Screen sharing is still failing in [meeting product]. I joined using [desktop app/browser] on [macOS version]. I checked [permission setting] for [app/browser], and [restarted / have not restarted] the app. The message shown is: [exact message]. Could you advise on the next product-specific check?”