FaceTime is Apple’s default video calling app and a good alternative to Skype and Zoom. But how do you use it? In this beginner’s guide we list a number of practical tips.
FaceTime Beginner’s Guide
FaceTime has been a household name for Apple devices since the iPhone 4. The video calling app is integrated with the Phone app of iOS, so you can also switch to video calling during your phone call.
You can only use FaceTime if all conversation partners have an Apple device. In this beginner’s guide we explain how FaceTime works and what you can do with it. The app is standard on every iPhone, iPad and MacBook.
1. Enable, disable, or limit FaceTime
You probably already turned on FaceTime automatically when setting up your iPhone or iPad. If not, you can manually activate FaceTime by going to ‘FaceTime’ in the Settings app. Move the slider to green to enable FaceTime. Here you also switch off the app.
It is also possible to limit access to FaceTime. This will keep the function enabled, but prevent your children from accessing it, for example. To do this, go to the Settings app, choose ‘General’, go to ‘Restrictions’ and press ‘Enable restrictions’. You can then enter a restriction code and turn off the switch behind FaceTime.
2. Switch off microphone (temporarily) and switch camera
During a conversation it is of course useful that the other person can hear you, but sometimes it is not necessary. For example, if you want to say something to someone in the same room that your conversation partner does not need to hear, it is possible to switch off your camera.
To do this, tap the microphone with a line through it. Tap it again to turn it back on. Do you want to show something that is happening behind your iPhone? Then you switch between your front camera and the rear camera by tapping the photo camera icon with arrows.
3. A group conversation via FaceTime
It is also possible to FaceTime with several people at the same time. It is important that all participants of a FaceTime call are running iOS 12.1 or higher. To start a video call, first open the FaceTime app.
- Click on the plus in the top right corner of the screen;
- Enter the names of the people you want to have the conversation with;
- When all participants are selected, you can choose to have a group conversation via audio or video.
You can also add other people to a video call during an active call. You do this by tapping the three dots on your iPhone screen while calling. You can then manually add people to the conversation.
4. Several calls at the same time: a call waiting
When you are already on a call, it may happen that someone else calls you. When this happens, you have three options. You can choose to end the current call and accept the new call. To do this, tap ‘Stop and record’.
You can also hold a conversation. To do this, tap ‘Hold and answer’ to put the current call on hold and answer the new incoming call. Don’t want to accept the new caller? Then you can of course also choose to reject the incoming call.
5. FaceTime Live Photos
If you would like to capture the FaceTime call, you don’t need to take a screenshot. It is possible to take a Live Photo during your conversation. To do this, first tap once on the screen during your conversation, so that the various buttons become visible.
Then simply tap the shutter button on the left side of the screen, above the other buttons. The Live Photos are automatically saved in your Photos app. Again, it is important that all participants of the conversation are running at least iOS 12.1.4.
6. Animoji, Memoji and Effects in FaceTime
Since iOS 12, it has been possible to spice up your video call with effects. For example, you can paste your Memoji or Animoji over your own head. It goes like this.
- Open the FaceTime app;
- Call someone for a video call;
- Tap the star icon next to the red button;
- Select an app from the bar with app icons that appears on the screen.
As soon as you tap this star, a row of FaceTime apps will appear that you can scroll through from left to right. With the apps you can, for example, stick a sticker on the screen, which then also appears on the screen of the person you are calling with.
7. Block contacts on FaceTime
Don’t want everyone in your contact list to be able to reach you via FaceTime? Then it is possible to block telephone numbers, contacts and e-mail addresses. To do this, tap in FaceTime on the information icon (i) to the contact you want to block.
Scroll down and tap Block This Caller. Do you want to change your list of blocked contacts? Then go to FaceTime in your settings. Then, under ‘Conversations’, tap ‘Blocked contacts’.
8. Alternatives to FaceTime
If not all participants in a group call have an Apple device, it is not possible to use FaceTime. In that case it is smart to use a different group call program.
For example, in our beginner’s guide to Google Hangouts you can read how to easily start a group conversation with several people. We also provide practical tips about Microsoft Teams for the novice user.