FaceTime is one of the most popular videos calling apps for iPhone users. It allows you to connect with your friends and family in a fun and expressive way. With iOS 17, Apple has introduced a new feature called FaceTime reaction effects, which lets you trigger on-screen effects like hearts, balloons, confetti, fireworks, and more.
However, some users have reported that FaceTime reaction effects not working on their iOS 17 devices. If you are one of them, don’t worry. In this article, we will show you how to fix FaceTime reaction effects not working on iOS 17 with some easy methods.
Table of Contents
What are FaceTime Reaction Effects and How to Use them?
FaceTime reaction effects are similar to the iMessage reactions that you can use to express your emotions in text messages. But instead of using words, you can use physical gestures to activate the effects during a FaceTime video call. For example, if you make a heart shape with your hands, the screen will fill up with red hearts.
To use FaceTime reaction effects, you need to have an iPhone 12 or later model running iOS 17 or later. You also need to enable the front camera and make sure your face and hands are clearly visible in the frame. Then, you can perform any of the following gestures to trigger the corresponding effects:
| Gesture | Description |
|---|---|
| Red Hearts | Make a shape of a heart with both hands. |
| Fireworks effect | Thumbs up with both hands. |
| Raining | Draw two thumbs down. |
| Like | One thumb up. |
| Dislike | Draw two thumbs down. |
| Balloons effect | Make a gesture of a peace sign. |
| Confetti | Draw two gestures of peace sign. |
Why are iOS 17 FaceTime Gestures Not Working?
- Your device is not compatible with the feature. As mentioned earlier, only iPhone 12 and later models support FaceTime reaction effects.
- You have not enabled the front camera, or your face or hands are not in the frame. The feature relies on the front camera and facial recognition to detect your gestures and apply the effects.
- You are using wrong gestures or not holding them long enough. The feature is sensitive to the type and duration of your gestures and may not work if you do them incorrectly or too quickly.
- You have disabled reactions for video calls in the Control Center. The feature can be turned on and off from the Control Center during a video call.
- There is a bug or glitch in the FaceTime app or iOS 17 that prevents the feature from working properly.
How to Fix FaceTime Reaction Effects Not Working on iOS 17?
Method 1: Check Device Compatibility
Facetime reaction effects not working the first thing you should do is check if your device is compatible with FaceTime reaction effects. As we have mentioned before, only iPhone 12 and later models support this feature. If you have an older iPhone model you will not be able to use this feature. In that case, you will have to upgrade your device.
Method 2: Check if you have Enabled front Camera
Facetime reaction effects not working, Check if you have enabled the front camera during your FaceTime video call. The feature does not work with the rear camera and requires your face and hands to be visible in the frame. To switch to the front camera, tap on the camera icon at the bottom left corner of the screen during a video call.
Method 3: Ensure you are using Right Gestures
If facetime reaction effects not working another thing you should do is, ensure you are using the right gestures to trigger the FaceTime reaction effects. As we have listed above, there are eight gestures that you can use to activate the effects. You have to perform them correctly and hold them for a second or two to make them work.
For example, if you want to use the heart effect, you have to make a heart shape with both hands and keep it steady for a while. If you move your hands too fast or too much, the effect may not work. You can also refer to the menu of reaction options by long pressing on your picture in FaceTime and see how each gesture looks like.
Method 4: Enable Reactions for Video Calls
Another possible reason why FaceTime reaction effects not working on your iOS 17 device is that you have disabled them for video calls in the Control Center. The feature can be turned on and off from the Control Center during a video call. To access the Control Center, swipe down from the top right corner of the screen during a video call.
Then, look for the reaction’s icon, which looks like a smiley face with stars around it. If it is grayed out, tap on it to enable it. If it is already enabled, tap on it again to disable it and then enable it again. This may help to refresh the feature and make it work.
Method 5: Force Quit the FaceTime App
If FaceTime gestures not working, it might be due to a FaceTime app glitch. Try force quitting the app by swiping up from the bottom and holding until the app switcher appears. Then, swipe up on the FaceTime app card to close it. Reopen the app and test the feature again. This can resolve temporary issues.
Method 6: Toggle FaceTime on and off
If facetime reaction effects not working, try toggling FaceTime off and on in Settings. This may help to reset the app settings and fix any errors. To do this, go to Settings > FaceTime and turn off the toggle next to FaceTime. wait a moment, then switch it back on. Return to FaceTime to test the feature.
Method 7: Restart your iPhone
Facetime reaction effects not working, try restarting your iPhone. To restart your iPhone, press and hold either volume button or the side button until you see the power off slider. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone. After a moment, hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. unlock your iPhone and test the FaceTime reaction effects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use Video Effects Reactions iOS 17 on iPad?
iPad models with iPadOS 17 or later, starting with the iPad Pro (2020) or newer, can use FaceTime reaction effects. The process is the same as on iPhone.
How do I use FaceTime Reaction Effects with Third-party Apps?
Third-party video calling apps like Zoom and Webex support FaceTime reaction effects. To use them, follow the app’s instructions for enabling reactions during video calls.
How do I Disable iOS 17 FaceTime Effects?
To disable iOS 17 FaceTime Effect, swipe down and tap the reactions icon in the Control Center during a video call.
How do I Change or Customize FaceTime Reaction Effects?
Unfortunately, there is no way to change or customize the FaceTime reaction effects in iOS 17. The reaction effects are preset and triggered by specific gestures.
How do I use FaceTime Effects iOS 17?
To use FaceTime Effects on iOS 17, simply make the desired gesture while you’re on a FaceTime video call. The effect will appear on your screen and on the screen of the person you’re talking to.
Conclusion
FaceTime reaction effects are a fun and expressive way to spice up your video calls on iOS 17 devices. However, they may not work sometimes due to various reasons such as device compatibility, camera settings, gesture accuracy, feature settings, app bugs, or system glitches.
