A new feature of tvOS 17 and iOS 17 brings FaceTime video to Apple TV 4K. Here’s how to get it set up, and how it works.
FaceTime has been limited to devices with cameras since its inception. However, with advances in features like Continuity Camera, that no longer has to be the case.
During WWDC 2023, Apple revealed that users will be able to connect their iPhones to their Apple TVs to participate in FaceTime calls on the largest screens in their homes. Like other features of its kind, Apple makes the process incredibly simple.
After updating an Apple TV 4K to tvOS 17, the FaceTime app will appear in the newly added sixth column in the top row. Clicking this icon will open the app and begin the Continuity Camera pairing process.
FaceTime will appear as an app in the new sixth column
Nearby users on the same WiFi network will appear in a list. The user’s iPhone or iPad will need to be on iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 to be used as a FaceTime Camera.
Select the desired user from the list
After selecting the user, a prompt will show up on the user’s device. Tapping this prompt will access the device’s camera and show a tutorial for mounting the iPhone or iPad.
A prompt will appear on the user’s iPhone
We recommend getting a dedicated MagSafe mount for your iPhone to keep below the TV if this is a feature that will be in regular use. The Karmus Magnetic Mount attaches to our glass TV stand with some adhesive and folds down when not in use.
Any stand that can hold the iPhone upright and can be adjusted for proper viewing angles should work fine.
Now that the iPhone is connected and set up for a call, it’s time to make a FaceTime call. The recipient doesn’t need to be on iOS 17 to accept the call.
A recents list is shown on the left side of the display. Selecting one of those will immediately start a FaceTime Call, or selecting the plus will open the user’s contact list.
Select a person to call via FaceTime
It is possible to select multiple people before making the call.
During a FaceTime Call on Apple TV, there are simple controls available. A toggle for Center Stage, a toggle for Portrait mode, and a toggle for gesture reactions.
That’s everything you need to know about making a FaceTime call on Apple TV. Continuity Camera makes this a simple feature and works with most modern Apple devices.
Compatibility
Apple hasn’t provided a specific compatibility list for Continuity Camera or FaceTime on Apple TV. It appears to be limited to Apple TV 4K 2nd generation and later.
Any iPhone XR or later can work with Continuity Camera, but Center Stage requires at least an iPhone 11 or later. The iPhone Apple ID and Apple TV Apple ID doesn’t need to match.
This story originally appeared on Appleinsider
