A combination TIL/PSA: since iOS 18 shipped last year FaceTime has both screen sharing and remote control functionality available if both sides are sufficiently up to date.

I’ve found this to be a huge help when providing remote tech-support to family and friends. At the very least it spare folks of the challenge of having to explain all the relevant detail on their screen but it might also save you on some travel time.

NB: Apple’s documentation mentions some things to note about the feature, namely

• You can only request to enable remote control in FaceTime if you are saved in the other side’s contacts.
• You cannot make payments or perform certain administrative actions like wipe the device while remote control is enabled. Face ID and Touch ID are also disabled during the call.