FaceTime is Apple users’ go-to app for video and voice calling, boasting features such as SharePlay to view media together and Voice Isolation that blocks noise from other call participants.
Facetime runs over both Wi-Fi and your cellular network, and requires either a Mac computer, iPhone or iPad for use. Other devices may join calls via links sent out from those sharing them via their messaging apps.
Video Calling
FaceTime makes you feel close to friends and family members even if they’re miles away, with features like SharePlay, Spatial Audio and more opening up endless possibilities for interaction.
Facetime on iPhone and iPad is specifically designed to offer you the highest possible video quality, delivering crisp images via high-speed WiFi or cellular data connections. When using shared displays during a FaceTime call, media being watched along with apps or screens shared will sync up so everyone can share in the experience together.
When you want to meet up with multiple people at once, creating a Group FaceTime call from Camera Roll or Contact list is easy and the front-facing Ultra Wide camera of iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) or 11-inch (3rd generation) automatically adjusts so everyone is kept within frame – even when in large groups.
FaceTime allows you to join FaceTime calls with people who do not own Apple devices easily and efficiently. Simply create and share a FaceTime link through an app, messaging service or email; they can then click it to join. Depending on their method of entry into the call they may also see a screen sharing button for sharing their own view during a call.
Audio Calling
FaceTime by Apple allows you to feel like you are sitting directly next to someone even if they live far away or several time zones apart. Use its video call feature if you prefer seeing others; audio calling allows for discreet conversation if all that matters is hearing them speak.
FaceTime can help save on data plan minutes for those on a tight budget by being used over Wi-Fi instead. In addition, tapping the “i” button next to each contact’s name gives an indication of how much data each call uses.
FaceTime also offers several advanced features to enhance the quality of audio or video calls. For instance, use system-wide voice isolation in Control Center to force your device’s microphone to filter out ambient noise other than your voice; or Portrait mode to blur background elements so the focus remains firmly on you and your friend or colleague.
To start an audio or video FaceTime call on an iPhone, tap its app icon. A list of contacts will appear; simply choose who you want to reach out to from there and tap their name before tapping “Phone icon.” If a person doesn’t exist yet in your Contacts, simply add them by tapping Add Contact – sharing this link via Messages, email or AirDrop will allow them to join directly!
Sharing Screens
FaceTime allows participants to share their screens, enabling them to look at photos or the internet together, offer each other assistance when dealing with an issue, watch television and music together or simply share experiences together. Notifications remain hidden during sharing sessions for added privacy, though you will still receive alerts through the Notification Center if needed.
To share your screen, tap on the Screen Sharing option in the Control Bar and choose whether to share a window or your entire display. When sharing whole screens via FaceTime, a three-second countdown starts before they see it; during that time period they cannot control your device while you can’t see theirs until they tap either their Share Screen button or picture-in-picture window.
SharePlay makes it possible to cast content from Apple TV during FaceTime calls. Compatible apps include TV and Music as well as third-party services – making this feature perfect for watching movies and shows together without splitting up screens to view tiny thumbnails on an iPhone. In order to use SharePlay during a call, all members need an Apple ID with iOS 15.1 or later installed, or macOS Monterey on Mac computers running macOS Sierra 10.14 or later.
Messages
FaceTime is a simple, fun and free video chat service firmly tied to Apple’s ecosystem but which can still offer numerous advantages to iPhone and iPad owners. Not only is the app available on most Mac computers and Apple Watch models; you can even use it with group calls via iMessage for making multiple simultaneous phone calls at once!
Facetime offers numerous playful and innovative ways to add personality and fun to your calls. You can add stickers such as Animoji and Memoji stickers, texts, filters, animations and animations – making conversations more lively and playful! Plus you can personalize photos in FaceTime by changing backgrounds or adding frames – plus the camera supports different selfie modes including front-facing, rear-facing and panorama modes for optimal selfie captures!
SharePlay adds another level of fun and interactivity to FaceTime, introduced in iOS 15, iPadOS 15.1, tvOS 15.1 and macOS Monterey 12.1 and allows you to do more during video or audio calls – such as watching television shows together or listening to music simultaneously – as well as third-party apps which integrate its capabilities for an enhanced user experience.
FaceTime calls allow you to call someone using any device running iMessage; however, the other person must have an Apple-compatible device or account and an active Apple ID. In an iMessage conversation you can initiate one by tapping the FaceTime icon at the top right corner.