How to take Live Photos on FaceTime
In Settings, tap Apps, then FaceTime, and turn on FaceTime Live Photos. During a FaceTime video call, tap the screen and tap the Take Live Photo button. It’s saved in Photos, and you both get a notification.
Turn on FaceTime Live Photos
- Open Settings and tap Apps.
- Tap FaceTime.
- Turn on FaceTime Live Photos.
Apple’s FaceTime guide for Mac adds that turning this on also lets others take Live Photos of you, and that if you can’t take one of someone, both of you need it turned on.
Take a Live Photo during a call
- During a FaceTime video call, tap the screen to show the controls.
- In a call with one other person, tap the Take Live Photo button.
- In a Group FaceTime call, tap the tile of the person you want first, then tap the Take Live Photo button.
Like any Live Photo, it keeps what happens just before and after, including the sound. You both get a notification that the photo was taken, so the other person always knows.
FaceTime Live Photos aren’t available in all countries or regions.
On a Mac
In the FaceTime app, choose Settings from the FaceTime menu, click FaceTime and select FaceTime Live Photos (you can’t change it during a call). During a video call, click the Take Picture button. Apple says to open the Photos app at least once first, so Live Photos can be saved to your library.
Find your FaceTime Live Photos
They’re saved in the Photos app. To see only Live Photos, tap Collections, scroll to Media Types and tap Live Photos. Open one and touch and hold it to play. Like any Live Photo, it can Loop or Bounce: tap Live in the top-left corner. To share it with someone who isn’t on an Apple device, save it as a video first, or send it as a Live Photo to another iPhone.
Missed the moment?
If you only grabbed a screenshot, or Live Photos were off, Tada can still make the moment move. Take a screenshot during the call by pressing the side button and the volume up button together. Then open Tada, tap Make it Live and pick the screenshot. Tada frames the picture part first, and you can move the frame. Choose how it moves: Breathe, which makes people breathe softly, is free and made on your phone in about a second. Tap Save and it goes to Photos as a Live Photo, with new motion made from the still.
Questions
Does the other person know when I take a FaceTime Live Photo?
Yes. Apple says you both receive a notification that the photo was taken.
Where do FaceTime Live Photos go?
They’re saved in your Photos app. To find them, tap Collections, scroll to Media Types and tap Live Photos.
Why can’t I take a Live Photo on FaceTime?
Check that FaceTime Live Photos is on in Settings, under Apps, then FaceTime. Apple says both people need it turned on, and it isn’t available in every country or region.
Sources: iPhone User Guide: Take a Live Photo during a FaceTime call on iPhone · FaceTime User Guide for Mac: Take a Live Photo in FaceTime on Mac · Apple Support: Take and edit Live Photos · iPhone User Guide: Locate photos and videos by media type · iPhone User Guide: Take a screenshot on iPhone