Start FaceTime call on iPhone, iPad and Mac

Start a FaceTime call: this is how it works

With FaceTime you can make free video calls and audio calls. Nowadays it is indispensable among young and old. In another tip we explained how setting up FaceTime works. Have you done that yet? Below we will discuss all the ways to start a conversation.

• #1 FaceTime app
• #2 Address book
• #3 iMessage
• #4 Siri
• Disable or block FaceTime
• Switch conversation
• FaceTime on Mac

Start a FaceTime call: via FaceTime app

On all devices you will find a FaceTime app with which you can start conversations. It is useful if the person you want to call is already in your contact list. Then you do the following:

1. Open the FaceTime app.
2. Tap the person you want to call.
3. Or tap the plus sign and search for a person.

Can’t find the FaceTime app on your device? Then you may have thrown away the app in the distant past. It is possible to remove standard apps from your device. Don’t worry, you can reinstall them at any time. Just search for FaceTime in the App Store and you’ll find it again.

You can make video calls in FaceTime, but you can also opt for a sound-only conversation. This is called FaceTime Audio and is similar to a normal telephone call, except that it does not cost you any calling minutes because it is done via the internet.

On your Mac, you can also launch the FaceTime app and then start a call by tapping the person or typing their contact information. This could be a name, email address or telephone number.

Start a FaceTime call: via Contacts app

You can also start a FaceTime call from the Contacts app. That is how it works:

1. Open the Contacts app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
2. Scroll to the person you want to call.
3. Press FaceTime or Video > FaceTime (this may vary from person to person).
4. It may take a while until the connection is established. In the meantime, make sure your hair looks good.

Is the option missing to call with FaceTime? Then this person cannot be reached via FaceTime. This is usually the case if someone doesn’t have any Apple devices. You can sometimes make video calls via WhatsApp.

Start a FaceTime call: via Messages app

There is also another way to start a FaceTime call, via the Messages app. Watch:

1. Open the Messages app on iPhone or other iOS device.
2. Open the conversation with the person you want to call.
3. Tap the name/photo at the top.
4. You will now see a button to call the person via FaceTime.

Start FaceTime with Siri

A fourth way to start FaceTime is to enable Siri. You can ask Siri to make a phone call or send a message to specific people. Starting a FaceTime call is also easy. The person must be in your Contacts app.

No matter which app you have open, you can always summon Siri and make your request. As soon as the animation appears, say “FaceTime Maja”, naturally replacing the name with the person you want to call.

If there is only one person with that name in your address book, the iPhone will immediately start calling via FaceTime. If there are several, you must first indicate which person you mean. You can make it easier by naming important people in your life, such as “mom” or “brother.” You do this by telling Siri about your family relationships.

Switch between FaceTime and normal phone call

While calling with the regular phone app, you can switch to a FaceTime call at any time. You do this by pressing the FaceTime button. This button is visible in the phone interface and you can recognize it by the video camera.

Start a FaceTime call on Mac

Most people will use FaceTime on the iPhone or iPad, but it can also be done on the Mac. Above we have already explained how to do this on the Mac in some methods. Usually you will use the special FaceTime app for the Mac for this.

Still, it is often better to use FaceTime on the iPhone or iPad, because the quality of the camera is better. You can make FaceTime calls in HD quality up to 1080p, while MacBooks in many cases still have a 720p camera. Also check out our tip about using your iPhone as a Mac webcam.

Disable or block FaceTime

If you no longer want to use FaceTime temporarily, you can disable the function via the Settings app and enable it again at a later time.

1. Go to the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap FaceTime.
3. Turn off the FaceTime switch.

You can also restrict access to FaceTime. If you want to prevent others from using the FaceTime function, for example if you often lend your iPhone or iPad to your children, set the restrictions as follows:

1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Screen Time > Restrictions > Allowed Apps.
3. Turn off the switch on FaceTime.

More tips about FaceTime

Read more useful tips about FaceTime:

• FaceTime Audio: Make audio calls via FaceTime
• FaceTime Audio on Mac: this way you can make free calls
• Everything about FaceTime groups: video calling with 32 people at the same time
• Answer FaceTime calls on your Apple Watch