Apple’s FaceTime app makes video chatting with friends and family through your iPhone, iPad, and Mac quick and easy. And now, you can get others in your home involved in your calls with the FaceTime app on your Apple TV.
It only takes a few clicks of the Siri Remote and an iOS device to make and transfer FaceTime calls on the big screen. We’ll show you how.
FaceTime on Apple TV: What You’ll Need
As you might expect, you’ll need to meet a few requirements before making FaceTime calls through your Apple TV. To start, you’ll need toupdate your Apple TV4K second-generation box to tvOS 17 or later to see the FaceTime app—unfortunately, older Apple TVs are not compatible.
Since the Apple TV lacks a built-in camera and microphones, you’ll also need an iPhone XR or iPad 8th-generation or later running iOS 17 with FaceTime enabled in Settings. FaceTime on Apple TV utilizes Apple’sContinuity Camerafeature, which beams your device’s camera feed wirelessly to the big screen, so you’ll need to have everything on the same Wi-Fi network, too.
While not technically required, you’ll also need an iPad oriPhone standfor the best image quality. With a stand, you may position your device in landscape orientation under or in front of your TV, with the rear cameras facing you for the optimal image.
Finally, you’ll need your Apple TV’s Siri Remote to access additional options while on call. If you need help tracking it down, you’re able to use tvOS 17 tofind a lost Apple TV remote with your iPhone.
How to Make a FaceTime Call on Your Apple TV
Screenshot/Photo by Christopher Close – No attribution required
Like placing a FaceTime call on your iPhone, using the app on your Apple TV is simple. When ready, grab your Siri Remote and your iPhone or iPad to begin.
To speed up the process for future calls, you can skip the image preview portion by tappingSkipon your iPhone/iPad or clicking thePlay/Pause buttonon the Siri Remote. Your Recent Contacts will also appear once you call them via FaceTime, so you can skip a few steps by clicking them once the app starts instead of using the Add button.
To end your call, click theEnd buttonor tapDisconnecton your iPhone/iPad.
How to Transfer a FaceTime Call to Your Apple TV
If you are already on a FaceTime call on your iPhone or iPad, you can quickly transfer it to your Apple TV. There are three ways you can transfer your call.
Use the Move button on your iPhone or iPad:
Use the Speaker button on your iPhone or iPad:
Use FaceTime Control Center Settings on Apple TV:
To end your FaceTime call, click theEnd buttonwith your Siri Remote or tapEnd Call and Disconnecton your iPhone.
How to Access PiP and Additional FaceTime Options on Apple TV
While on a FaceTime call, you can still launch other apps and access settings like usual. You’ll want to use Picture-in-Picture mode for your FaceTime call in these instances.
Alternatively, you can clickMoveto re-position the PiP window on your screen or hide it entirely by clicking theHide button.
Additional FaceTime options are also available during your call through Control Center. These include zoom and centering options, Video Effects, and your camera source.
To access zoom and centering options:
To adjust Video Effects:
To switch your camera to another device:
How to Send Animated Reactions During a FaceTime Call
Also, new to FaceTime in iOS and tvOS 17 is the ability to send animated Reactions during a call. Instead of using your Siri Remote, you’ll need to use hand gestures in front of your camera’s view to send them.
There are currently eight gestures that you can use to send effects.
Single hand gestures:
Two hand gestures:
Get Everyone Involved With FaceTime on Apple TV
With FaceTime on the big screen, your Apple TV is now the best way to get everyone involved in your next family video call. Instead of huddling around your iPhone, your household can catch up with loved ones from the comforts of your couch and even send fun animated reactions with gesture recognition.
