How to Watch Disney+ With Friends on GroupWatch

Disney+ has a watch party feature called GroupWatch that lets you watch any available title on the streaming service with your friends and family. If you want to watch the latest episode of The Mandalorian or just enjoy a Disney classic with distant loved ones, then check out our guide on how to set up GroupWatch, how many people can use GroupWatch at the same time, how to troubleshoot common GroupWatch issues, and more.

What Is GroupWatch on Disney Plus?

GroupWatch is a feature on the Disney+ app that lets you stream the same title with a group of friends. [caption id="attachment_2432766" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image credit: Disney[/caption]

How to Use GroupWatch on Disney Plus

To use GroupWatch on Disney+, one person must host the group stream. The host is the one who sends invites to everyone else in the group.

How to Host a GroupWatch on Disney Plus

A host can invite people to a GroupWatch from their mobile device or computer on the web.

Invite People to a Disney+ GroupWatch on Mobile

1. Open the Details page on the title you want to start a GroupWatch session.
2. Select the GroupWatch icon (which looks like three people in a circle).
3. Select the “invite” button to generate an invite link, and then select how you would like to share the invite link with your friends.

Invite People to a Disney+ GroupWatch on a Web Browser

1. Open the Details page on the title you want to start a GroupWatch session
2. Select the GroupWatch icon (which looks like three people in a circle).
3. Select the “Invite” button to generate an invite link, and then share the link directly with your friends.

How to Join a GroupWatch on Disney Plus

If your friend is hosting a GroupWatch on Disney+, then all you have to do is join their stream.

1. After the host sends you the GroupWatch invite through either the Disney+ mobile or web apps, then you need to search for the title that your group will be watching.
2. Select the GroupWatch icon (which looks like three people in a circle).
3. Select “JOIN STREAM.”

Things You Can Do In a GroupWatch on Disney Plus

There are a few things you can do while in a GroupWatch on Disney+. [caption id="attachment_2432739" align="alignnone" width="681"] Image credit: Disney[/caption] You can send different reactions for your friends to see while in a GroupWatch on Disney+. The available emoji reactions include happy, sad, angry, and love, among others. To send reactions on the mobile app, just swipe left. To send reactions on a web browser, click on a reaction icon within the player. To send reactions on a TV, you’ll have to use your mobile device. Anyone in the GroupWatch can control the stream by pressing pause, play, fast forward, or rewind. You’ll always be shown who is in control of the viewing. Unfortunately, there is no group chat feature on GroupWatch. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-best-movies-on-disney&captions=true"]

How Many People Can Use GroupWatch on Disney Plus

Up to seven (7) people, including the host, can join the same GroupWatch session on Disney+.

How to Watch Multiple Disney Plus Episodes on GroupWatch

You can watch multiple episodes of a series in a row on GroupWatch. The host must select the “Play Next Episode” button to start the next episode.

Why Can’t I Join a GroupWatch on Disney+?

If you can’t join a GroupWatch on Disney+, check to see if this information fixes your issue.

• If there are already seven (7) people in a GroupWatch (including the host), then you won’t be able to join. If you have more people who want to participate, then consider making multiple GroupWatch sessions.
• If the GroupWatch stream has ended, then you won’t be able to join. So if you’ve done a GroupWatch session in the past, then check to make sure you’re using the most recent GroupWatch invite link generated by the host.
• Up to four (4) people may participate in a GroupWatch using the same Disney+ account. If you try to exceed that number, then you will not be able to join.
• Kids profiles cannot participate in a GroupWatch on Disney+.
• Certain regions do not have Disney+ and GroupWatch. If a certain title isn’t available to watch in your region, then consider choosing a different title to use with GroupWatch.
• GroupWatch was designed to watch titles together in the same country, so it may not work across different countries. A notification will tell you if this is the reason you can’t join a GroupWatch session.

Can I Start a GroupWatch for a Premier Access Title on Disney Plus?

In order to participate in a GroupWatch to view a Disney+ Premier Access title, everyone in the GroupWatch session must have it available on their account. Premier Access titles (like Disney’s live-action Mulan movie) are titles that cost a one-time fee to watch. If everyone is unable to gain access to a Premier Access title, consider waiting for that title to become free for all Disney+ subscribers to watch. For example, Mulan is currently a Premier Access title but will be available to watch on Disney+ starting December 4, 2020, at no additional cost. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/12/the-history-of-star-wars-on-tv-from-the-holiday-special-to-disney-plus"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joshua is a Senior Editor and Producer of Features at IGN. If Pokemon, Green Lantern, or Star Wars are frequently used words in your vocabulary, you’ll want to follow him on Twitter @JoshuaYehl and IGN.