How to Make FaceTime Calls More Fun

Since iOS 15, FaceTime has become much more fun. iOS 16 has added some very nice features. Here’s how to make your video calls more fun.

Make FaceTime Calls More Fun

Apple iOS 16 introduced new features for the video call app FaceTime such as simplified call transfers between iPhone, iPad and Mac, but one of the funniest features arrived with iOS 15 in 2021: the ability for users to blur backgrounds, add filters and much more.

While similar options are found in other video chat apps, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, these are usually used in professional setups. You’re not going to change your head to that of a cow when you’re in an important meeting with your manager, but you might when you’re with friends or family.

Here’s how to enable these FaceTime features to make your video calls more fun.

Enable portrait mode in your FaceTime calls

Portrait Mode in FaceTime is similar to blurring your background in a Zoom call. You stay perfectly sharp, but everything behind you is blurred. Here’s how to activate it.

1. Start a FaceTime call.
2. Tap the box where the video appears. It will expand and center itself.
3. Tap the portrait icon in the upper left corner of the screen and Portrait Mode will be enabled. You should see your background blur immediately.
4. Tap the space around the video box to minimize the video and join the call.

Follow these same steps to disable Portrait Mode.

Add filters, texts and more to your FaceTime calls

Besides Portrait Mode, you can apply other filters and features to your video in FaceTime calls. Here’s how.

1. Start a FaceTime call.
2. Tap the box where the video appears. It will expand and center itself.
3. Tap the star icon in the lower left corner of your screen, and a new menu will appear at the bottom of your screen.
4. In this new menu, you’ll see options to add Memoji, filters, texts, and more to your FaceTime call. Tap on each option to explore them and shape your video the way you want.
5. Tap around the video box to exit the menu. Your filters and effects will be applied.

To remove filters and effects, follow the first three steps. When you tap on the star icon, filters and effects will be disabled.