BoxView

For the person being helped

What happens on your Mac, step by step, and how you stay in charge.

Someone you know sent you a link so they can help with your Mac. This page explains what happens on your Mac. There's a shorter version at boxview.app/support.

Set it up (once)

  1. Open the link on your Mac. It starts with boxview.app/join and shows who sent it.
  2. Download BoxView Helper and open it. If your Mac asks whether to open an app from the internet, click Open. It may offer to move itself to your Applications folder.
  3. BoxView Helper shows a window: NAME wants to be able to help with your Mac. Click Accept.
  4. It says Waiting for NAME, and then All set once they open BoxView. You can close the window: BoxView Helper keeps running in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
  5. If Screen Sharing isn't on, BoxView Helper shows Turn on Screen Sharing with the steps. Follow them; it shows ✓ Screen Sharing is on. when it's done.

If you were given a code instead of a link, click BoxView Helper's icon in the menu bar, choose Enter an Invite Code…, and type it.

Turn on Screen Sharing

On macOS 13 or later:

  1. Click Open Sharing Settings in BoxView Helper's window.
  2. Turn on Screen Sharing.
  3. Click ⓘ next to it, turn on Anyone may request permission to control screen, then click Done.

On macOS 12 or earlier:

  1. Click Open Sharing Settings.
  2. Tick Screen Sharing.
  3. Click Computer Settings…, tick Anyone may request permission to control screen, then click OK.

Your Mac may ask for your password.

When they call

  1. BoxView Helper rings and shows NAME is calling, at the top right of the screen.
  2. Click Answer to talk, or Decline. If you don't answer, it stops ringing after 45 seconds.
  3. The first time, your Mac asks whether BoxView Helper may use the microphone. Allow it, so you can talk.
  4. When they ask to see your screen, your Mac shows its own request. Click Share Screen to let them, or decline.

While you talk, BoxView Helper's window says Talking with NAME, with Mute and End Call. It also says when your screen is being shared.

You stay in charge

  • Every call rings first, and you can decline it.
  • Your Mac asks before anyone sees your screen.
  • End Call ends the call at any time, for both of you.

Stop someone helping

  1. Click BoxView Helper's icon in the menu bar.
  2. Under People Who Can Help, choose the person, then Remove NAME….
  3. Click Remove. They can't call your Mac any more; they'd need to send a new invite.

To remove BoxView Helper altogether, see Remove BoxView Helper.