The transition to the big screen for FaceTime has been made. Learn how to use Apple TV to communicate with loved ones.
With the help of Apple’s FaceTime software, you can quickly and easily video chat with friends and family on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. With the FaceTime app on your Apple TV, you may now include other family members in your calls.
FaceTime calls may be placed and transferred on the large screen with only a few clicks of the Siri Remote and an iOS smartphone. We’ll demonstrate how.
FaceTime on Apple TV: What You’ll Need
As you would anticipate, there are a few prerequisites you must fulfill in order to use your Apple TV to make FaceTime calls. To begin with, updating your Apple TV 4K second-generation box to tvOS 17 or later is required in order to use the FaceTime app; regrettably, previous Apple TVs are incompatible.
You’ll also need an iPhone XR or iPad 8th generation or later running iOS 17 with FaceTime enabled in Settings, as the Apple TV lacks built-in cameras and microphones. You must also have everything connected to the same Wi-Fi network since FaceTime for Apple TV makes use of Apple’s Continuity Camera function, which transmits your device’s camera feed wirelessly to the big screen.
You’ll also need an iPad or iPhone stand for the greatest image quality, while it’s not strictly necessary. With a stand, you can place your device under or in front of your TV in landscape mode with the back cameras pointed at you for the best image.
Finally, to access more choices while on call, you’ll need your Apple TV’s Siri Remote. You may use tvOS 17 on your iPhone to locate a misplaced Apple TV remote if you need assistance.
How to Make a FaceTime Call on Your Apple TV
It’s easy to use the app on your Apple TV, just like making a FaceTime call on your iPhone. Grab your iPhone or iPad and the Siri Remote when you’re ready to start.
- If you do not appear, select Other or your User Profile, then click Scan QR Code to Connect.
- Launch the FaceTime app on your Apple TV.
- On your iPhone or iPad, touch the Continuity Camera notice, then hit Accept.
- Place your iPad or iPhone in landscape mode next to or underneath your TV, with the back cameras pointed in your direction.
- Wait for the countdown to appear on your TV once you are within view.
On your TV, in the upper left corner, use your Siri Remote to click the Add button. You may also activate FaceTime features before to initiating your call by choosing Center Stage, Portrait Mode, or Reactions.
If they have several contacts, choose the individual you wish to call before selecting the appropriate number or address.
You may bypass the image preview phase during upcoming conversations by selecting bypass on your iPhone/iPad or by pressing the Play/Pause button on the Siri Remote. You can save time by tapping your Recent Contacts as soon as the program launches rather than using the Add option because they will also show up after you make a FaceTime call to them.
On your iPhone or iPad, press the stop button or touch Disconnect to stop the connection.
How to Transfer a FaceTime Call to Your Apple TV
You may instantly transfer a FaceTime call that is currently active on your iPhone or iPad to your Apple TV. You can transfer your call in one of three ways.
- Open FaceTime on your iPad or iPhone and begin a call.
- By pressing the Speaker button.
- On your Apple TV, tap.
- Utilize Apple TV’s FaceTime Control Center settings:
- Open FaceTime on your iPad or iPhone and begin a call.
- Your Apple TV Siri Remote’s Home button must be pressed and held down.
- Click the FaceTime button in Control Center
- Click on your iPad or iPhone.
You may stop a FaceTime call by tapping stop Call and Disconnect on your iPhone or pressing the End button on your Siri Remote.
How to Access PiP and Additional FaceTime Options on Apple TV
You may still use other applications and manage settings while on a FaceTime session. In these situations, you should make your FaceTime call in Picture-in-Picture mode.
- Call someone on FaceTime.
- Click the Back button on your Siri Remote to enter PiP.
- To enter PiP, use the Back button on your Siri Remote.
- Click the Layout button.
- Select Full Screen, Split View, or Picture in Picture as appropriate.
- As an alternative, you may click Move to move the PiP window about your screen or click Hide to completely conceal it.
During your conversation, you may access more FaceTime settings using Control Center. These comprise your camera source, your zoom and centering choices, and Video Effects.
To get to the zoom and centering menus:
- Call someone on FaceTime.
- The Continuity Camera button should be clicked.
- To reset your camera’s view to its original starting position
Changing the video effects:
- Call someone on FaceTime.
- Hold down the Home button while clicking.
- The Continuity Camera button should be clicked.
- In the menu’s bottom section, click the selected camera.
How to Send Animated Reactions During a FaceTime Call
Additionally new to iOS and tvOS 17 is the ability to send animated Reactions while on a conversation with FaceTime. You’ll need to transmit them with hand gestures in front of your camera’s field of vision rather than using your Siri Remote.
- Currently, eight motions are available for sending effects.
- Solitary-handed gestures:
- Thumbs-up to like and share.
- Thumbs-down for disapproval.
- Send balloons by making the peace sign.
- Two hand motions
- Give two thumbs up to light fireworks.
- To make it rain, give a thumbs-down with both hands.
- Create a heart with two hands to invoke the feeling of love.
- Send a congratulations by making two peace signs.
- Make two peace signs to express congratulations.
Get Everyone Involved With FaceTime on Apple TV
Your Apple TV is now the ideal method to include everyone in your next family video conference as FaceTime is now available on the big screen. Your family may check up with loved ones from the comfort of your couch and even send amusing animated comments with gesture detection, as opposed to huddling over your iPhone.