How to Set Up FaceTime on iPhone

How to Set Up FaceTime on iPhone

FaceTime is a video call app that allows you to call anyone with an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Mac. Users with an iOS 15 (or above) device can also FaceTime Android users by sending them a “FaceTime Link.”

To use FaceTime, you must be connected to WiFi or data. Let’s take a look at how you can set it up.

Setting Up FaceTime

  1. On the Home Screen, tap Settings.

    Settings App on the iPhone
    Tap Settings.

  2. Scroll down until you find FaceTime.

    FaceTime in the List of Apps in Settings
    Tap FaceTime.

  3. Enable FaceTime by tapping the toggle to the right (On).

    Option to Enable FaceTime on the iPhone
    Turn on FaceTime.

  4. Tap Use your Apple ID for FaceTime.

    Using Apple ID to Enable FaceTime
    Tap Use your Apple ID for FaceTime.

  5. Tap Sign In (you might have to enter your Apple ID credentials).

    Signing into FaceTime with Apple ID
    Tap Sign In.

  6. After signing in, you’ll see a list of settings for FaceTime.

    List of Options in the FaceTime Settings
    Now, you’ll see a list of FaceTime features.

  7. Choose whether you want to be reached by FaceTime at your email ID, phone number, or both.

    Option to be Reached at FaceTime by Email or Phone Number
    Choose your email, phone number, or both.

  8. When you choose to be reached on FaceTime by your number, a confirmation box will notify you that your carrier might charge you for any messages you receive to activate FaceTime. Tap OK.

    Choosing Phone Number as Contact Method for FaceTime on the iPhone
    Tap OK.

  9. Next, edit your “Caller ID” settings. Your Caller ID is what people will see when they receive a call from you. This can either be your phone number or email address.

    Setting a Caller ID for FaceTime
    Set a Caller ID.

  10. Tap SharePlay. SharePlay is a feature that lets you watch movies and listen to music together on FaceTime calls.

    SharePlay Feature for FaceTime
    Tap SharePlay.

  11. You can Turn on the toggle next to “SharePlay” if you want to enable it.

    Option to Enable SharePlay on the iPhone
    Turn on SharePlay.

  12. Turning on “Speaking” will increase the tile of the person speaking during Group FaceTime calls.

    Enabling Speaking Feature for FaceTime
    Enable Speaking.

  13. Enabling “FaceTime Live Photos” allows callers to take live photos during FaceTime calls.

    Enabling FaceTime Live Photos on the iPhone
    Tap FaceTime Live Photos to turn it on.

  14. The “Eye Contact” feature is only available for iOS 14 or above users. Turning it on will make it look like you’re looking directly at the person, even if you’re looking in a different direction.

    Option to Enable Eye Contact for FaceTime
    Enable Eye Contact.

  15. Tap Blocked Contacts. This feature allows you to prevent a specific number from calling, texting, emailing, or FaceTiming you.
    Note: Blocking someone on FaceTime also blocks the person’s Apple ID and phone number, meaning they won’t be able to place standard phone calls either.

    Blocked Contacts Settings for FaceTime
    Tap Blocked Contacts.

  16. Tap Add New.

    Adding a New Blocked Contact
    Tap Add New.

  17. Type in the name of the contact you want to block. Then, tap that contact’s name.
    Searching for a Contact to Block
    Tap the contact you want to block.
  18. The contact will appear in the list of Blocked Contacts.

    FaceTime Blocked Contacts List
    List of blocked contacts.

And you’re done setting up FaceTime on your iPhone!

Making a FaceTime Call

To make a FaceTime call, open a contact you want to call and tap the video icon next to “FaceTime.”

Video Icon in Contacts to Start a FaceTime Call
Tap the video icon.

You can also make a call from the FaceTime app.

  1. Launch the FaceTime app.
  2. Tap New FaceTime.

    Option to Start a New FaceTime Call
    Tap New FaceTime.

  3. Tap the contact you want to FaceTime. If the contact has an Apple device, their name will appear blue. You can start FaceTiming them by tapping FaceTime.

    FaceTiming with an Apple User
    Tap FaceTime.

  4. If they don’t have an Apple device, their name will appear in green, and you’ll have to text them a FaceTime link which they can use to join your video call.

    FaceTiming with a Non-Apple User
    Tap Invite with Messages.

  5. You can also tap Create Link to create a FaceTime link and share it with anyone you want to invite to your FaceTime call.
    Creating a FaceTime Link
    Tap Create Link.

    The link you created will show up under “Upcoming” calls.

    List of FaceTime Links in the FaceTime App
    The FaceTime link will appear in the Upcoming calls.

Phoebe is an HR assistant in her day job, but is also a web blogger that loves writing guides and sharing her experiences. When she is not out with her friends, she enjoys traveling or binge-watching Netflix. She graduated with a BA in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Utah, and is a chief editor at TechObservatory.

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