FaceTime can be set up to easily make video calls with other iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac users. In this article, we’ll explain how to enable, disable, and limit FaceTime.
What is FaceTime?
FaceTime connects Apple users via video calling. This means that you can communicate with other people with an iPhone, iPad, Mac or iPod touch. All you need – besides an Apple device – is an internet connection.
You can use FaceTime via mobile data (3G or 4G) and with a WiFi connection. Video calling costs no money, apart from the usual telephone costs. When you call via a 4G connection, this is simply done from your bundle.
Set up FaceTime on iPhone and iPad
When setting up your iPhone and iPad, you usually turn on FaceTime automatically. However, you can also activate the function manually by going to ‘FaceTime’ in the Settings app. Here, slide the switch so that the box turns green.
You can then open the FaceTime app to make a video or audio call. You can search for contacts by entering their name, email address or phone number. FaceTime only works if you are signed in with an Apple ID.
Do you have an iPhone X or newer model? Then you can use your own memoji in FaceTime. When the conversation starts, simply tap the effects button, which can be recognized by the asterisk. Then choose the memoji you want to use. This will now be projected over your face.
Using FaceTime on the Mac
Setting up FaceTime on the Mac (Book) is done in no time. All you need is an internet connection and a functioning microphone and camera. Then open the FaceTime app (via the Finder) and log in with your Apple ID if necessary.
Then use the search field to find the email address or phone number of the person you want to reach. If the person is already in your contacts, you can make direct contact. Do you want to have a group conversation? Then tick all the contacts you want to reach. You can then have an audio or video call.
Turn off FaceTime
Tired of FaceTime? Then you can easily turn off the function. On your iPhone or iPad, go to the Settings app and tap FaceTime. Slide the switch so that the box turns gray. From now on you can no longer be reached via FaceTime.
On a Mac, start the FaceTime app and press ‘FaceTime’ at the top right. Choose ‘Preferences’ and uncheck ‘Enable this account’. You can also set things related to your reachability (email addresses or telephone number), location and ringtone.
Limit FaceTime
Finally, it is also possible to limit access to FaceTime. This is useful if you want to keep the function switched on, but want to 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. Likewise, you can restrict other apps so that they are no longer visible on the home screen, via Spotlight and (in the case of FaceTime on iPhone) in the Phone app.
More about FaceTime
- The 5 best video calling apps for group calls on your iPhone or Mac (6-1)
- Apple improves FaceTime quality on older iPhones (12-3-2020)
- Calling with your Mac (Book): this is how you do it (7/13/2020)
- This way you can have a FaceTime group call with a maximum of 32 people (5/6/2020)
- FaceTime Beginner’s Guide: 8 Tips for Novice Users (4/1/2020)