Multi-user sessions with GNU screen

GNU Screen’s multiuser session feature is handy when remote support is needed. Multiuser sessions allow others to join a running Screen session. They see the same terminal output and can also enter commands.

Procedure

  1. If ALICE is already running a screen session, she can enable multi-user mode by typing Ctrl-a :multiuser on ⏎.
  2. Alice now allows BOB to participate with Ctrl-a :acladd BOB ⏎.
  3. Now BOB can join the screen session with screen screen -r ALICE.
  4. To leave the joint session, BOB enters Ctrl-a d.

Limit

  • Both ALICE and BOB should use the same terminal.
  • screen cannot be run inside sudo sessions. So start screen first and then sudo within the screen session.