Is GuidedView safe? What to know before you share your screen

Why did I get a GuidedView invitation?

A GuidedView invitation is a text message or email from a business or person who is helping you, usually while you're on the phone with them. GuidedView is a screen-sharing app for phone support: when you accept, the person who sent the invitation can see your phone or computer screen live, so they can tell you exactly where to tap instead of asking you to describe what you see. They can't control your device, take files, or see anything before you approve. You can pause before entering a password or payment detail, and only you can resume. If you weren't expecting an invitation, or you aren't on a call with the sender right now, don't open it. Decline is always a safe choice, and a legitimate helper will understand. GuidedView is operated by SyncedUp Solutions LLC, which you can reach at support@syncedupsolutions.com.

How to check the request is real

1. Are you on a call with the sender right now?

   GuidedView invitations are meant to be used during a live call. If no one is helping you on the phone, don't share.

2. Did you start the contact?

   The safest calls are ones you made, to a number you found yourself, such as the number on your card, bill, or the company's official website. Be wary of unexpected calls or pop-ups claiming something is wrong with your account or computer.

3. Does the invitation name match?

   The invitation shows who sent it. If it doesn't match who you're talking to, decline.

4. Is anyone pressuring you?

   Urgency, threats, or requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or one-time codes are signs of a scam. Hang up and call the business back on a number you trust.

What you control during a session

• You approve first. Nothing is shared until you confirm and approve your device's screen-sharing prompt.
• View-only. The other person can see your screen but can't tap, click, type, or open anything.
• Pause. Pause hides your screen before private steps. Only you can resume.
• Stop. Stop ends the session. On iPhone you can also stop from Apple's red indicator or Control Center.
• No recording. GuidedView doesn't record your screen.
• One-time link. Your invitation works once and expires. Don't forward it to anyone.

What can the other person see?

While sharing is on and not paused, they see what's on your screen, including notifications that pop up. Before you share, close apps you don't need and consider turning on Do Not Disturb or a Focus mode so messages don't appear. On a computer, your browser lets you choose a single window or tab instead of the entire screen.

If something feels wrong

Tap Stop or close the app, then hang up. If you think you shared something with a scammer, contact your bank or the company involved using a number you trust, change any passwords you may have exposed, and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also email GuidedView at support@syncedupsolutions.com. Step-by-step help for sharing is on the support page.