How to Use FaceTime’s Live Photos feature

Turn on FaceTime

Check that FaceTime is enabled on your device. On iOS, go to Settings > FaceTime and make sure the switch at the top of the page is on. On a Mac, open the FaceTime app, and sign in with your Apple ID.

Live Photos on iOS

If you want to enable someone to take a Live Photo of you during a FaceTime video call, go to Settings > FaceTime on your iPhone or iPad, then switch on the FaceTime Live Photos option near the bottom of the page.

Live Photos on Mac

To do the same on a Mac, open the FaceTime app, then choose FaceTime > Preferences, click the Settings tab, and put a check mark in the box next to “Allow Live Photos to be captured during Video calls.”

Make a FaceTime call

To start a FaceTime video call with someone on Mac or iOS, open the FaceTime app, go to its Video tab, and either tap/click a contact in the recent calls list, or choose another contact by using the + button.

The Camera button

Once the call connects and you can see the other person, tap the screen and look for the shutter button, to the left of the red one. If you don’t see that button, the other person needs to enable Live Photos (see step 1).

Take a Live Photo

When you’re ready to take a Live Photo, tap the shutter button. The image will be automatically saved in your Photos library, on whichever device you're using. Open the Photos app and look for recently taken photos.

Live Photo notifications

Every time you take a Live Photo during a FaceTime video call, the other person sees a message on their screen that says “A FaceTime Live Photo of you was taken.” This ensures Live Photos can’t be taken in secret.

Disable Live Photos

Disabling Live Photos in FaceTime is as simple as enabling them. On iOS, open Settings > FaceTime, and toggle the FaceTime Live Photos switch off. Find the equivalent setting on Mac in the FaceTime app’s preferences.