iOS

How To Use FaceTime On Your Apple TV?

Dheeraj Manghnani ,

Did you know you can use FaceTime on your Apple TV and carry out video calls with your friends and family anywhere in the world? I bet all iPhone and iPad users regularly use FaceTime. But using the Apple TV for FaceTime is something that most Apple users do not know about. In this article, we have covered all the aspects related to using FaceTime on your Apple TV.

Prerequisites Before Using FaceTime On Your Apple TV.

  • Ensure that your iPhone or iPad is configured to use FaceTime.
  • Open Settings on your device, select FaceTime and toggle it on.
  • If you haven’t signed in yet, log in to FaceTime with your Apple ID.
  • Set Your iPhone/iPad as a Continuity Camera.
  • Update Your Apple TV and iPad/iPhone.

How To Update Your Apple TV?

Ensure your Apple TV 4K is updated to tvOS 18 by going to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software. Also, check that your iPhone or iPad is running the latest software by following the same steps.

How To Set Your iPhone/iPad As A Continuity Camera?

After updating your Apple TV 4K, a FaceTime icon will appear on the home screen. Select FaceTime, and a screen labeled “Continuity Camera” will appear, allowing your TV to connect to your iPhone or iPad and use it as a webcam. If both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, your iPhone contact card should appear.

If not, tap Users > + Other, and a QR code will show up. Open your iPhone or iPad camera, scan the QR code, and your device will connect to your Apple TV.

Once you’ve selected your iPhone or iPad as the Continuity Camera, you’ll appear on the big screen—just ensure your device’s camera is facing you. While FaceTime is active on your Apple TV, you’ll also see a menu with your Contacts and Recent Calls on the left side of the screen.

Read Also: How To Watch Apple TV on Android Devices

How To Start A FaceTime Call On Apple TV?

Choose a contact to begin your call. If the person you’re calling hasn’t updated to iOS 18, don’t worry—you’ll still be able to use your TV for the call.

  • Open the FaceTime app on your Apple TV and connect your iPhone or iPad as a Continuity Camera.
  • Choose a recipient from your recent FaceTime calls list.
  • Tap the Add button, select a contact (or multiple contacts for a group call), then tap FaceTime to start the call.

What Are The Features And Controls Of Using FaceTime On Apple TV?

Before and during your call, you can adjust the following controls that appear on-screen:

Centre Stage: Tap the Centre Stage button to enable this feature, which keeps everyone in the frame, even as they move around.
Portrait: Tap the Portrait Mode button to activate Portrait mode, focusing on the subject while blurring the background.
Reactions: Tap the Reactions button to trigger onscreen effects, like hearts or fireworks, based on hand gestures.
Add more people to the call: Tap the Info button, select Add People, choose one or more contacts from your list, and then tap Add People.
Enable live captions (available in the US and Canada only): Tap the Info button, then select Live Captions.
Mute the microphone: Tap the Mute button.
Turn the camera on or off: Tap the Camera button.
End the call: Tap the End button.

Read Also: Check Out The Ways to Download Apps on Apple TV

How To Answer FaceTime Calls On Apple TV?

  • When an incoming FaceTime video or audio call notification appears in the Control Centre, press the TV button on the remote and choose Accept or Decline.
  • To block unwanted FaceTime calls linked to your mobile phone number, go to Settings > FaceTime on your iPhone and uncheck your phone number under the ‘You Can Be Reached By FaceTime At’ section.

Editor’s Tip – Can You Use Your Apple TV While FaceTime Call Is In Progress?

You can keep using Apple TV while on a FaceTime call. For instance, you can return to the Home Screen, start watching sports, a movie, or a TV show, and adjust the layout to view both the FaceTime call and your content.

  • Start or answer a FaceTime call on Apple TV.
  • During the call, press the Back or Menu button on your remote to return to the Home Screen.
  • The FaceTime call will appear in a smaller window as you navigate through the Home Screen or other apps on Apple TV.
  • To explore more viewing options, press the TV button on the remote, then choose one of the following:

Change the layout: Tap the Layout button, then select from Picture in Picture, Split View, Full Screen, or Move.
Hide the FaceTime call: Tap the Hide button. To bring the FaceTime call back, press the TV button on the remote.
End the call: Tap the End button.

Can You FaceTime To Your Family And Friends On Apple TV?

We hope you can now use the Apple TV to make FaceTime calls to your friends and family. If you have any doubts, do mention them in the comments section below and we will try to respond to them as soon as possible.

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