How to Answer a Facetime Call with Audio Only on iPhone & iPad

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Have you ever received a FaceTime video call, but you didn't quite feel "camera ready?" FaceTime is great because it allows you to make video calls to your friends and family. You can see their faces, even if they are miles away. However, sometimes you're just not presentable when you receive a FaceTime call. Luckily, the latest version of FaceTime allows you to turn off your camera before you answer a call. This wikiHow article teaches you how to answer a FaceTime call without video.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Answering FaceTime with Audio Only

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Older versions of FaceTime didn't allow you to answer video calls without video. If you're using iOS 15 or later, you can turn off your camera before you answer a FaceTime call. Update your iPhone or iPad to make sure you have the latest version of FaceTime on your device.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you receive a FaceTime call, you will receive a notification at the top of the screen that displays who is calling as well as the option to take the call or reject the call. Instead of accepting or rejecting the call, simply tap the person's name to open FaceTime. Alternatively, you can tap the FaceTime icon on your Home screen to open FaceTime. If your camera is on, you will see your face on the screen.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you are using an iPhone, it will be in the button panel that appears at the top of the screen. If you are using an iPad, it will appear in the lower-left corner. It's the fourth button in the panel. This turns off your camera.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the green button above the button panel. This answers the FaceTime call with your camera turned off. You will be able to see the caller's face, but they won't be able to see you.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Disabling the Camera During a Video Call

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you receive a FaceTime call, a notification will appear on your iPhone or iPad screen.
    • If you are using the latest version of FaceTime, tap the green icon that resembles a video camera. Then tap Join to accept the call.
    • If you are using an older version of FaceTime, tap Accept to accept the call.
    • If you are not yet ready to be seen on camera, you can cover the front-facing camera on your iPhone or iPad with your thumb or a piece of tape.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you are using the latest version of FaceTime, it will be the fourth button in the panel at the top of the screen on iPhone, or the lower-left corner on iPad. [1]
    • If you are using an older version of FaceTime, it will be the icon that resembles a camera with a line through it at the bottom of the screen.
    • If you do not see the panel with the camera icon in it, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to display the menu.
    3. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Returning a Call with Audio Only (Older Versions)

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you are using an older version of FaceTime, you may not be able to answer a FaceTime call with audio only. Instead, you can reject the video call and then immediately call the person back with audio only. Press the red button with an "X" in the notification to reject the person's call.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It has a green icon that resembles a video camera. Tap the FaceTime icon on your Home screen to open FaceTime.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the first tab at the top of the screen. This displays a log of all the video calls you have received.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you open FaceTime, you should see a call log of people who have called. The person who just called should be listed at the top. Tap and hold their name to display a menu.
    • Alternatively, you can enter their name or email address in the search bar at the top. Then tap the icon that resembles a phone receiver next to their name.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Answer-FaceTime-Calls-with-Audio-Only-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It should be the first option at the top of the menu. This places a FaceTime audio-only call to the person who just called you.
    • You can also place a FaceTime video or audio call to anyone using the Contacts app or from within the Messages app.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Reset an iPad Without the Password
      2 Ways to Screen Mirror Your iPhone to iPad
      How to
      Tell if Your iPad Is Too Old to Update
      iPad Battery Draining Fast? 8 Quick Solutions
      How to
      See if Someone Read Your Text on iPhone & iPad
      A Quick Guide to Transfer Photos from an iPad to Your Computer
      How to
      Fix an iPad Stuck in Headphone Mode: 7 Easy Ways
      A Complete Guide to Jailbreak an iPad, iPad Pro, or Mini
      How to
      Use Smart View on iPhone or iPad
      7 Ways to Transfer Files to iPad from PC or Mac
      How to
      Turn Off AirPlay: The Complete Guide
      How to
      Make a Heart Symbol on iPhone or iPad
      2 Simple Ways to Reboot an iPad + Common Fixes
      Use Your iPad to Stream Video or Mirror Your Screen to a TV
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/change-the-video-settings-iphfb3d2a12b/ios

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 52,070 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement