How to Make a FaceTime Call from Your Apple TV 4K with tvOS 17

 

How to Make a FaceTime Call from Your Apple TV 4K with tvOS 17

With the release of tvOS 17, Apple has made it possible to use FaceTime on your Apple TV 4K, allowing you to enjoy video calls on a much larger screen. The best part is that even if the person you're calling hasn't updated their iPhone or iPad software, they can still accept your call. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make FaceTime calls from your second-generation Apple TV 4K.

1. Update Your Apple TV:

   Ensure your Apple TV 4K is running on the latest tvOS 17 by following these steps: Navigate to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software. It's essential to make sure that your iPhone or iPad is also running the latest software.

2. Set Up Your iPhone or iPad as a Webcam:

   Once your Apple TV 4K is up to date, a FaceTime icon will appear on the home screen. Tap the FaceTime icon, and you'll see a screen labeled "Continuity Camera." This allows your TV to connect to your iPhone or iPad to serve as your webcam. If both your Apple TV and your iPhone or iPad are on the same Wi-Fi network, your iPhone contact card will pop up automatically. If not, you can select "Users > + Other," and a QR code will appear. Open your iPhone or iPad camera to scan the QR code, and it will establish the connection. Once you've selected your iPad or iPhone as your Continuity Camera, you'll see yourself on the big screen as long as your device's camera is pointing toward your face. While the FaceTime app is open on Apple TV, a menu with your Contacts and Recent Calls will appear on the left of the screen.

3. Start a FaceTime Call:

   Select a contact from your list to start your FaceTime call. The beauty of this setup is that even if you're calling someone who hasn't updated to the latest iOS 17, you can still use your TV for the call. During your FaceTime call, you'll have access to various menu options that appear on the screen. For instance, "Center Stage" allows your camera to follow you around so that you stay in focus. You can also make use of "Portrait Mode" to provide the person you're calling with a clearer view of you, and "gesture reactions" that allow you to add fun features like confetti or a thumbs-up emoji. If you ever need to switch the call back to the device you're using as your webcam, you'll find the option in the upper right-hand corner. This is useful if you need to leave the room where your TV is and want to continue your call on your iPad or iPhone.

And that's all there is to it! Now you can enjoy FaceTime calls on your Apple TV 4K with the convenience of a larger screen and the latest tvOS 17 features.