Top 15 FaceTime Tips and Tricks for iPhone and iPad

FaceTime is more than just a video-calling tool for your iPhone – turns out there’s so much more that you can do. In this article, we want to show you some of the best FaceTime tips and tricks to have fun with your friends and family over a video call!

With every iOS update, Apple adds a slew of features to FaceTime every year, and they’re often left overshadowed. For example, most of us aren’t aware that our friends who use Android and Windows devices can take part in a FaceTime call. Did you also know that you can enable subtitles whenever people speak on the call? We’ll show you more hidden features of FaceTime, and some of the best tips and tricks in the following list!

However, if you’re unable to use FaceTime, you can look at the best ways to fix FaceTime not connecting on your iPhone and then use these tips and tricks.

1. Use Gestures for Fun Effects and Reactions

With iOS 17, you can enable colorful background effects, and reactions on your FaceTime calls. Not by pressing any buttons, but by simply making gestures with your hand. For example, sending heart emojis triggers flying hearts, a thumbs-up displays a thumbs-up icon, a peace sign with one hand brings up floating balloons, a peace sign with two hands results in confetti, and so on.

Here are all the reactions, along with the effects they bring to your FaceTime call.

Image Source: Apple

As soon as you make the gesture with your hand the reaction should appear.

If not, open the Control Centre, tap on the Effects icon, and make sure you’ve enabled reactions.

If you’re facing any problems, read: 9 Fixes for FaceTime Reactions (Gestures) Not Working on iOS 17

2. Use Handoff: Seamlessly Switch FaceTime to Mac

One of the biggest advantages of owning an ecosystem of Apple devices is the cohesive user experience that allows you to seamlessly switch to another device. With the latest iOS and macOS update, you can switch the FaceTime call from your iPhone and continue on your Mac and vice versa.

All you need to do is simply tap on the notification that lets you switch the FaceTime call over to another device.

However, if you do not see this option, make sure Handoff is enabled in Settings. Open the Settings app, go to General, and select ‘AirPlay & Handoff’. Make sure you turn on the toggle for Handoff.

3. Leave a Video Message if Your Call Isn’t Picked Up

If your friend does not pick up your FaceTime call, you can always leave a text message for what you want to convey. However, if you need to fully express yourself, you can leave a video message on FaceTime. Think of it like voicemail for FaceTime but with a video. Here’s how you can do it.

Once your FaceTime call stops ringing, and your friend does not pick it up – you will see an option called Record Video. This lets you record a video message, and once you finish recording it tap on the send button. This message will now reach your friend.

4. Enable Live Captions: Subtitles on FaceTime

We had a friend who traveled to the UK for a week and now pretends to have gained a thick accent. We struggle to understand what he speaks, but turns out you can enable Live Captions on FaceTime. This essentially enables subtitles for your video call. Here’s how you can enable it.

All you need to do is tap on the ‘i’ (info) button on the top right corner of your FaceTime call, and turn on the toggle for Live Captions.

Image Source: Apple

You will now see captions for your FaceTime call.

Image Source: Apple

However, this feature is region-dependent and is only available in US and Canada. If you do not see this, you can enable Live Captions on your iPhone, which essentially transcribes all the output audio from your device. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open the Settings app, and go to General -> Accessibility.

Step 2: Turn on the toggle for Live Captions under the Hearing menu.

You will now be able to see Live Captions on your FaceTime calls.

Also Read: iOS 16: How to Use Live Captions on iPhone

5. Use Apps Together With SharePlay

Bored of the same old conversations with your friend? You can now use apps together on FaceTime – play games, listen to music, watch videos and movies, and have loads of fun! Here’s how you can do it :

All you need to do is tap on the Share icon, select an app from the list, and start watching content, or using the app together. You can also collaborate and work together using several built-in apps on your iPhone.

6. Enable Eye Contact for FaceTime

Not all of us are comfortable maintaining eye contact with another person. It often seems quite intimidating, but there’s something you can do about it – at least on FaceTime. Apple added a feature with iOS 14, which alters the position of your eye to make it appear that you’re maintaining contact with the other person. This has to be one of the coolest FaceTime hacks on your iPhone!

You need to go to Settings -> FaceTime and turn on the toggle for Eye Contact.

7. Enable Studio Light and Enhance Your Video

This one’s our favorite in this list of FaceTime tips and tricks. Stuck with poor lighting, or a dull environment on your FaceTime call? You can use this feature called Studio Light that illuminates your face, and enhances the video quality on your FaceTime calls!

Open the Control Center while you’re on your FaceTime call, tap on Effects, and turn on Studio Light.

8. Portrait Mode for Background Blur

The iPhone has an in-built portrait mode in the camera app to take pictures mainly of human subjects with the background being blurred. With iOS 15, Apple introduced this feature even for FaceTime calls. You can blur your background to avoid distractions from what’s happening behind you while on a FaceTime video call. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: While on a call, tap on your video preview to enlarge it.

Step 2: Tap on the toggle in the top-left corner of the preview.

This will enable portrait mode and blur your background, as you can see from the preview.

To disable portrait mode, tap on the same toggle once again.

9. Block Background Noise With Mic Modes

Another new feature that Apple introduced with iOS 15 is the ability to toggle between different Mic Modes when on a FaceTime call. These mic modes let you eliminate background noise to a certain extent or amplify it depending on the use case. Here’s how you can use them.

Step 1: With a FaceTime call running, access the control center by swiping down from the top-left corner on iPhones with Face ID and swiping up on iPhones with a physical home button.

Step 2: Tap and hold on to the Mic Mode toggle in the control center.

Step 3: Choose the relevant mode.

Standard is the default mode, which doesn’t change how the other party hears you.

Switching to Voice Isolation will try to cut down on the background noise while emphasizing your voice.

Wide Spectrum will let through the sounds in the background, so if you’re in a conference or a concert, it’ll pick up the sound from far away.

Also Read: 8 Best Fixes for Voice Isolation Not Working in FaceTime

10. Capture Photos During a FaceTime Call

FaceTime gives you the ability to take photos during a call. You can capture whatever you see on the viewfinder for future reference. Note that every time you capture a photo during a call, the other party is notified of it. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: During a call, tap on the video feed of the opposite party.

Step 2: You will see a small capture button in the bottom-right corner. Tap on it.

Your iPhone or iPad will capture the picture and save it in the Photos app.

11. Create a FaceTime Call With Android and Windows Users

Up until iOS 15, FaceTime was exclusive to Apple devices. While the app remains exclusively on Apple’s platforms, you can now share a link with Android and Windows users and ask them to join a FaceTime call. You will still need an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to generate the link.

Step 1: Open the FaceTime app on your iPhone and tap on the Create Link option.

Step 2: You can copy the link to paste it elsewhere or share it with a contact directly from the Share Sheet.

Step 3: When the person you share it with clicks on the link, it will lead to a browser window where FaceTime can be used on any device.

Step 4: Enter the name and then click on Continue.

Step 5: Once ready, click on Join to enter the call.

12. Replace Your Face With Memojis

Apple introduced Animojis and Memojis that react based on your facial movements. You can use memojis and animojis even during a FaceTime call as a mask on your face. This adds an element of fun to your video calls. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: While on a call, tap on your video preview to enlarge it.

Step 2: Tap on the toggle in the bottom-left corner of the preview. This will enable effects.

Step 3: Select the first option at the bottom to enable memojis and animojis.

Step 4: Scroll through the available options, tap on one to use it, and replace your face in the preview.

13. Use Filters for a Distinct Look

You’ve probably used filters in social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat to add a bit of flair to your photos or play around with colors and hues. You can do the same while on a FaceTime call. Here’s how.

Step 1: While on a call, tap on your video preview to enlarge it.

Step 2: Tap on the toggle in the bottom-left corner of the preview. This will enable effects.

Step 3: Select the second option at the bottom to enable filters.

Step 4: Scroll through the list of available options and tap on one to use it. You can see the change taking place in the preview window.

14. Add Floating Text to Your Video

If you want to convey a message or constantly display your name on a Group FaceTime call, you can use a floating text bubble or banner that will stay persistent in your video. Here’s how to add it.

Step 1: While on a call, tap on your video preview to enlarge it.

Step 2: Tap on the toggle in the bottom-left corner of the preview. This will enable effects.

Step 3: Select the third option at the bottom to add text.

Step 4: Choose from the wide array of available styles for your text. You can add a chat bubble, a banner, or even an emoji.

Step 5: Enter the text you want to add.

Step 6: As long as your face is visible in the video, the text will float next to it. You can drag and drop the text anywhere in the video to change its position.

There are a few other effects that you can also look at, like sharing activity rings on the screen, adding stickers, etc. Just select one of them, and you can preview the effect in the video.

15. Share Your Screen on FaceTime

The iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 update added a FaceTime feature to share your screen with the participants in the call. You can use this feature to show presentations or enjoy a movie or TV show with friends and family. Here’s how you can share the contents of your screen.

Step 1: In the banner at the top of the call screen, tap on the last option.

Step 2: Select the Share My Screen option that appears.

Step 3: The contents of your screen will now be shared. The purple pill can identify this at the top of the screen around the time.

Return to the FaceTime app to stop sharing your screen. You can take a look at the best ways to fix FaceTime Screen Sharing not working if you’re having issues with it on your Mac.

Use FaceTime to Its Full Potential With These Tips and Tricks

You can make video calls like a power user on your iPhone using these cool FaceTime tricks and tips. Whether you’re using FaceTime in a professional setup or for leisure, you’ve got multiple options and features to play around with.

What was your favorite among these fifteen tips and tricks for FaceTime? Do let us know in the comments section below!