Apple TV has evolved beyond being a simple media player, opening up new forms of communication that previously seemed unthinkable. One of the most exciting new features is the ability to make FaceTime video calls directly from your living room TV. taking advantage of your iPhone or iPad's cameraThis feature, introduced with tvOS 17, has been one of the most celebrated by users looking to take their conversations to a much larger screen and in the comfort of their own home.
Apple's decision to integrate FaceTime into Apple TV has truly changed the way we share moments remotely. Now, group calls, family gatherings, and even get-togethers with friends can be enjoyed from the biggest screen in the home, without having to stop using the camera and microphone of our favorite devices. In this article, we break down in detail how this integration works, the requirements, the key steps, and the possibilities it offers so you don't miss a single trick. Let's get started with cHow to use FaceTime on your Apple TV.
Requirements and compatible devices for FaceTime on Apple TV
One of the most important things to do before you jump into using FaceTime on your Apple TV is to make sure that both your TV and your devices meet the necessary requirementsThis feature is not available on all models or software versions, so the following points should be noted:
- Apple TV 4K XNUMXnd generation or later: Only models from the second generation onwards, running tvOS 17 or later, support FaceTime integration.
- Compatible iOS or iPadOS device: You'll need an iPhone XR, SE 8nd generation or later, as well as iPad 5th generation or later, iPad mini (3th generation or later), iPad Air (11rd generation or later), and all 12,9″ and 3″ iPad Pro XNUMXrd generation and later.
- OS version: Your iPhone or iPad must be running iOS 17 or iPadOS 17.2 or later to take advantage of Continuity Camera.
- Same Apple ID and Wi-Fi network: It is essential that both your Apple TV and the device you use for the camera are connected to the same Apple account and the same Wi-Fi network.
These conditions ensure that both the integration and the experience are smooth, fast, and stable. If you have any questions, you can check your Apple ID version and details in the settings on your Apple TV and mobile device, and update them if necessary.
Before we continue, did you know you can play video games on Apple TV? We explain how in this article. How to play Arcade on your Apple TV: Complete guide and tips.
Initial Setup: Preparing Your Apple TV, iPhone, or iPad
Before making your first video call, you need to make sure everything is properly set up. The preliminary steps are simple but essential to avoid any complications during the call:
- update devicesMake sure your Apple TV and iPhone or iPad have the latest software updates installed. This will ensure compatibility and access to the latest features.
- Check your account and Wi-Fi network: Sign in with the same Apple account on all devices and verify that they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Set up FaceTime on your iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings, access the FaceTime section, and activate the service with your Apple ID.
If you have an iPhone, consider placing it in horizontal orientation and with the rear camera pointing towards you to optimize image quality. If it's an iPad, you can use the front camera. A stand or tripod can help a lot in finding the perfect angle.
Getting Started: How to Start FaceTime on Your Apple TV
Setting up and using FaceTime on Apple TV is very intuitive, but you may have some questions the first time. We'll walk you through each step so you don't miss a thing:
- Open the FaceTime app on Apple TV: Use the Siri Remote to find and select FaceTime from the app menu.
- Connect your iPhone or iPad with Continuity CameraYou can choose your profile directly or scan a QR code displayed on the TV screen with your iPhone or iPad camera. This pairs both devices to share the camera and microphone.
- Place the device correctly: Place your iPhone or iPad near the TV, securely supported, with the camera focusing on you or the group of people present.
- Access your contacts: From the app, you can view a list of your recent conversations or FaceTime favorites to select the contact you want to call.
- Accept the connection on your mobile: You’ll receive a notification and simply tap “OK” to start using your camera and microphone with Apple TV.
Once you've completed these steps, you can now make a video call directly from your TV, seeing everyone on the big screen and taking advantage of the new options Apple offers.
Controls and functions available during video calls
One of the great strengths of FaceTime on Apple TV is the ability to use different options to customize your experience. During a call, you have access to several interactive controls from the screen:
- Centered framing (Center Stage): Keeps all participants well framed, even if they move around the room, facilitating spontaneity and naturalness in the conversation.
- Portrait Mode: Allows the image of the person in the foreground to be focused and the background to appear blurred, achieving a more professional and pleasing result.
- Reactions with gestures: FaceTime recognizes certain hand gestures and adds on-screen visual effects, such as hearts or fireworks, to give communication a fun and personal touch.
- SharePlay and Split View: You can watch series, movies, listen to music, or workout with other people on the call, enjoying it together on the big screen without losing eye contact.
Additionally, if you receive another phone or FaceTime call during an active session, a notification is displayed on your TV discreetly and respecting your privacy, without revealing the caller's identity.
Advanced FaceTime customization and management on Apple TV
Among the improvements of tvOS 17 stands out the new Control Center Apple TV, which is much more accessible and allows you to quickly switch between profiles, adjust the volume, or manage connected devices like AirPods. This results in a much more personalized and convenient experience whenever you use FaceTime or other apps.
Integration with the iPhone also allows for other interesting benefits, such as finding the Siri Remote from your phone, activating your personal profile when you log in, and restoring your personalized preferences. Additionally, if you use your iPhone as a dedicated camera for Apple TV, you can make FaceTime calls only to contacts you've marked as favorites on your phone.
Another useful option is the ability to transfer an ongoing call between devices. For example, if you start a video call from your iPhone or iPad, you can continue it on your TV by simply accepting the on-screen suggestion: "Use to move to TV."
Specific camera settings and favorites management
For those looking for deeper integration, the option to designate the iPhone as a specific continuity chamber from Apple TV. This gives you direct access to the camera, microphone, and even FaceTime favorites from the TV menu. The process is as follows:
- On Apple TV, go to Settings > Remotes & Devices > Select Camera.
- Select your user profile and follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your action from your iPhone.
- Make sure your iPhone is plugged in and hold it horizontally with the rear camera facing you, checking the preview on your TV.
- You can only make calls to contacts you have set as favorites on your iPhone. If you haven't set them up, go to the Phone app > Favorites on your phone and add the ones you want to use with FaceTime on TV.
- To pause or disconnect the camera, just go to Apple TV Settings > Specific Camera > Disconnect, or on your iPhone, tap “Disconnect” on the Lock screen.
Editing your favorites list is as easy as opening the Phone app and selecting "Edit Favorites" or "Edit" in the corresponding tab. This will allow you to always have the contacts you use most during calls on your TV at hand.
Advantages and additional possibilities of FaceTime on Apple TV
Combined use of FaceTime and Apple TV gives access to a whole series of new experiences far beyond a simple video call:
- Family reunions and virtual eventsWith the convenience of a big screen, it's much more natural to share moments with family and friends around the world.
- Professional and educational collaboration: Apps like Zoom and Webex will soon be available on tvOS, further expanding the range of options for those who need to meet for work or school.
- Integration with entertainmentThanks to SharePlay, you can watch TV shows, movies, or listen to music while interacting with your contacts. Even Apple Music Karaoke will integrate with Continuity Camera so you can see yourself on screen while singing and apply filters in real time.
- Privacy and personalizationSmart notifications and individual profiles enhance the privacy and personalization of each call, adapting to each user's tastes and needs.
Tips and tricks to get the most out of FaceTime on Apple TV
Make the most of this new way of communicating at home with a few tips that will make your experience much more satisfying:
- Use a stable support for your mobile phone or tablet and always place it near the TV to obtain a clear image with a good angle.
- Test the effects and reactions to surprise your friends and family during video calls. The hand gestures are very intuitive and easy to use.
- Adjust volume and profiles from the Control Center to tailor the experience to your preferences without having to leave the video call.
- Make use of call transfers between devices if you have to change rooms or prefer to continue the conversation on your mobile or iPad without losing the connection.
Integration with home automation and other Apple services makes the Apple TV into a communications and entertainment center for the whole family, making FaceTime in the living room a versatile tool for both leisure and staying connected in the best possible way.
