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Make a video call with FaceTime

A video call lets you see and hear someone at the same time. It's a lovely way to catch up with family. On iPhone, the built-in app for this is called FaceTime.

Before you start

  • Use Wi-Fi if you can. Video calls use a lot of data, and your phone plan may charge for it.
  • FaceTime works when the person you're calling has an iPhone or iPad too.
  • Only call people you know.

First, make sure FaceTime is on

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Scroll down and tap Apps, then tap FaceTime.
  3. Make sure the FaceTime switch is on (green).

Make the call

  1. Open the FaceTime app. It's the green icon with a white video camera.
  2. Tap New Call.
  3. Start typing the person's name. Tap their name when it appears.
  4. Tap the FaceTime button to start a video call.
  5. When you're done, tap the red button to hang up.

Already texting with someone? You can start a FaceTime call from Messages. Tap the video camera button at the top of the conversation, then tap FaceTime Video.

Turn on captions during a call

Hard to hear? During a FaceTime video call, tap the screen to show the buttons, tap the More button, then tap Live Captions. The words appear near the top of the screen. Live Captions isn't available in every language.

Try a practice call

Call someone patient for five minutes. Wave, say hello, and hang up. Then try again. A little practice makes it feel easy.

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Where these steps come from

Checked in November 2026 against the official pages below, using the newest iPhone software. Your screen may look a little different, especially on an older iPhone. The official page always has the latest steps.