FaceTime is Apple’s video and audio calling application, now updated with new iOS 17 and tvOS 17 capabilities. This guide covers setting up and using FaceTime across iPhones, iPads, and Macs, including the latest features, important settings, and tips.
Table of Contents
What is FaceTime?
FaceTime is the video and voice calling app developed by Apple and built into every iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It enables users to make free high-quality video and audio calls over Wi-Fi or cellular data. Some key features include:
- One-on-one video/audio calls
- Group FaceTime with up to 32 participants
- Higher-quality calls utilizing the latest codecs
- End-to-end encryption for privacy
FaceTime utilizes your Apple ID alongside your phone number or email address to connect with your contacts. Overall, it offers a simple way to stay connected with friends and family face-to-face.
What’s New in FaceTime
FaceTime continues to evolve with helpful new capabilities:
- Gestures and Reactions: Trigger fun animations and effects using hand gestures that the camera can detect. Send kisses and heart reactions during calls.
- Leave a Message: Leaves behind video or audio messages when calls are missed or declined. Recipients see them later in the FaceTime app.
- FaceTime for Apple TV: Initiate FaceTime calls on Apple TV utilizing iPhone/iPad as the video camera. Requires tvOS 17.
- Studio Light: Enhanced lighting effect to improve visibility during video calls. Great for darker environments.
- Updated Share Menu: It makes discovering collaborative tools to interact on FaceTime calls easier.
- Auto Decline Strangers: Setting to decline FaceTime calls automatically from unknown contacts or numbers to reduce spam.
Setting Up FaceTime
To start using FaceTime, enable and configure it in Settings:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac
- Navigate to FaceTime
- Toggle on FaceTime and choose phone number or email to be reached at
- Sign in with your Apple ID credentials if prompted
Making and Receiving Calls
Once set up, you can start a FaceTime call in a few quick steps:
- Open the FaceTime app
- Tap the plus (+) icon to initiate a new call
- Enter the contact name, phone/email you wish to call
- Tap either Video or Audio, depending on the type of call preferred
- The call will now connect (provided the recipient answers)
Alternatively, you can launch a FaceTime call directly from the Phone, Contacts, or by asking Siri. This enables you to quickly video chat with someone without needing to switch apps.
Incoming calls display a notification – answer directly or respond with a text message. Missed calls can leave video messages. Read this guide to check the FaceTime Call Duration while on a call.
Using FaceTime Features
FaceTime offers a wide array of features to enhance your calls like Memoji, filters, and:
- Tap the display to bring up controls, including mute, flip camera, filters, end call, and more.
- Effects: Add Memoji, Animoji, text captions, shapes, and stickers.
- SharePlay: Simultaneously watch movies, listen to music, and share your screen with participants.
- Live Photos: Capture photos during a FaceTime call.
- Landscape orientation: Rotate iPad/iPhone to switch to landscape view.
- Gestures and Reactions: New hand gesture detection lets you send animated reactions and effects to participants.
Group FaceTime
Group FaceTime takes the call experience to the next level:
- Up to 32 participants can join
- Grid view to see everyone or focus on the active speaker
- Dynamic volume reduction when multiple people speak
- People can join even after the call starts
FaceTime Audio & FaceTime Links
Make audio-only calls with CD-quality sound using FaceTime Audio. FaceTime Links allow you to create a joinable call URL to share for easy access, even from Android/Windows devices.
FaceTime Settings and Privacy
Manage preferences from FaceTime settings:
| Setting | Description |
| Enable/Disable | Enable for mobile data cabling |
| Reachable By | Choose phone # or email to use for calls |
| Cellular Data | Prevent specific contacts from calling you |
| Share My Location | Share real-time location in calls |
| Blocked Contacts | Enable mobile data cabling |
Additionally, parental controls should be enabled if needed, and the Apple ID signed in to FaceTime should be confirmed for call privacy.
That covers the complete guide on using FaceTime and the newest features in iOS 17 and tvOS 17 updates. With its high-quality video connectivity, Group calling, and latest capabilities focused on expressiveness, FaceTime is better than ever for staying in touch. For more help getting started, consult Apple’s official FaceTime support page.
