Facetime Reactions: The Best and Worst of Video Calls

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Michael Collins

Have you ever been in a FaceTime call and wanted to react to something your friend said without interrupting them? Well, that’s what FaceTime reactions are for! In the next few paragraphs, I’m going to walk you through the simple steps to use reactions on FaceTime, so you can respond in real-time without saying a word.

How to Use FaceTime Reactions

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s briefly talk about what you’ll achieve by following these steps. Using FaceTime reactions allows you to send animated emojis that appear on the screen for both you and the person you’re chatting with. It’s a fun way to communicate and lets your personality shine through in the call.

Step 1: Start a FaceTime call

Initiate a FaceTime call with one of your contacts.
To start using reactions, you first need to be in a FaceTime call. You can do this by opening up the FaceTime app on your Apple device and selecting a contact to call.

Step 2: Tap on the screen

Once the call has started, tap on your screen to bring up additional options.
When you tap the screen, several icons will appear, including the mute button and the option to flip your camera. Look for the "Effects" button – it’s the one with a star on it.

Step 3: Select the "Effects" button

Tap on the "Effects" button to view the different reaction options.
After tapping the "Effects" button, a tray will appear with different emoji reactions. You can swipe through them to find the perfect reaction for the moment.

Step 4: Choose your reaction

Tap on your desired emoji to send it as a reaction during the FaceTime call.
Once you tap an emoji, it will pop up on the screen on top of your face or anywhere else in the frame. It’s a playful way to express yourself without interrupting the ongoing conversation.

After completing these steps, the person you are calling will see the reaction you’ve selected. It’ll appear briefly on their screen, allowing for a fun, non-verbal interaction during your call. It’s a great way to keep the conversation light and enjoyable!

Tips for Using FaceTime Reactions

  • Tip 1: Use reactions sparingly to avoid cluttering the screen.
  • Tip 2: Try to match the reaction to the mood of the conversation.
  • Tip 3: Have fun with it! Reactions can be a playful addition to your call.
  • Tip 4: Remember that some reactions have sound effects, so be mindful of your environment.
  • Tip 5: Experiment with different reactions to find your favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use FaceTime reactions on group calls?

Yes, you can use reactions in group FaceTime calls. Just follow the same steps, and everyone in the call will see your chosen emoji.

Do reactions work on older iOS versions?

Reactions are available on iOS 12 and later versions. If you or the person you are calling has an older version, you won’t be able to see or send reactions.

Can I remove a reaction once it’s sent?

No, once you send a reaction, it will appear briefly and then disappear on its own. You can’t remove it manually.

Are there any hidden reactions?

All available reactions can be found by swiping through the effects tray. There are no hidden reactions.

Why can’t my friend see the reaction I sent?

If your friend can’t see the reaction, they might have an older iOS version, or there might be a connection issue. Make sure both participants have updated their devices.

Summary

  1. Start a FaceTime call
  2. Tap on the screen
  3. Select the "Effects" button
  4. Choose your reaction

Conclusion

FaceTime reactions are a delightful way to add a bit of fun and personality to your video calls. Whether you’re congratulating a friend with confetti, sending hearts to a loved one, or sharing laughter with a funny emoji, reactions can enhance your conversation and bring a smile to someone’s face. It’s an effortless feature that can have a significant impact on how we communicate digitally. So why not give it a try during your next FaceTime call? Who knows, it might just become your new favorite way to express yourself. After all, sometimes a well-timed reaction is worth a thousand words.