2 Ways to Trigger Reaction Effects in FaceTime in iOS 18 on iPhone and iPad

If you love to use iMessage, chances are you may have a huge penchant for screen and bubble effects. And why not, they are uber cool and spice up the whole blue bubble experience. But have you ever wished to use those effects in the FaceTime app as well? If you are nodding in the affirmative, Apple has listened to your wish. On this very note, let’s learn how to trigger reaction effects in FaceTime on iPhone and iPad. 

2 Ways to Trigger Reaction Effects in FaceTime in iOS 17 on iPhone and iPad

Invoke Reaction Effects in FaceTime on iPhone and iPad

Not just while enjoying a video call with your dear ones, you can also bring the 3D augmented reality on-screen effects in FaceTime while having a conversation with your colleague or even your client just to just make the whole communication a bit more lively. 

What Sort of FaceTime Reaction Effects Can You Use in FaceTime on Your iPhone or iPad? 

As of now, you can invoke the following FaceTime reaction effects on your iPhone and iPad: 

  • Stormy rain 
  • Fireworks
  • Confetti 
  • Love 
  • Like 
  • Dislike 
  • Balloons 
  • Laser beams

Make Sure FaceTime Reactions Is Enabled

To get going, ensure that FaceTime Reactions is enabled on your device.

1. First off, open the FaceTime app on your iPhone or iPad.

2. Now, start a video call as usual. Then, make sure that the front camera is selected.

  • On your iPhone/iPad without the Home Button: Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to bring up the Control Center.
  • On your iPhone/iPad with the Home Button: Double-press the Home button to reveal the Control Center.

3. Next, tap on the Video Effects tile.

4. Finally, tap on the Reactions button to activate it.

Enable or Disable FaceTime Reactions on iPhone and iPad

Trigger the FaceTime Reaction Effects with Gestures

Undoubtedly, the best part about this new add-on is the ability to invoke the FaceTime 3D augmented reality effects through gestures. For times when you are deeply engrossed in a video call, this is exactly what you need to express all the colors of your feelings with utmost ease.

FaceTime 3D reaction effects
Image credit: Apple

What are the gestures to activate reaction effects in FaceTime on iPhone or iPad?

  • Thumbs-up gesture: Shows the thumbs-up emoji 
  • Two thumbs-up gesture: Fills the entire screen with fireworks 
  • Single thumbs down gesture: Let’s you display the thumbs down emoji
  • Two thumbs down gesture: Triggers the cloud 
  • The cool “Rock on” sign with two hands gesture: Use this cool gesture to trigger the laser reaction effects in FaceTime. 
  • Heart gesture: Shows the heart emoji 
  • Peace sign with one hand gesture: Lets you bring up colorful balloons 
  • Peace sign with two hands gesture: Use this gesture to shower the eye-catching confetti 

Use Long-Press to Trigger Reaction Effects in FaceTime on iPhone or iPad

Alternatively, you can also trigger the FaceTime reaction effects using the long-press gestures. To do so, long-press on your photo in FaceTime to access a menu of reaction options and then choose the preferred effect.

Use FaceTime reaction effects
Image credit: Apple

Can You Use the FaceTime Reaction Effects in Other Video Calling?

Yes, you can. However, bear in mind that it will take some time before third-party video-calling apps like Skype and Zoom will start supporting this feature.

Posted by
Rajesh Mishra

Editor-in-Chief: Rajesh Mishra is a Shakespearean poet at heart who turned a tech nerd while having a secret rendezvous with iPhone 4. When that rendezvous turned obsession, he let go of his hard-core political journalism in favour of the lifelong love-affair with technology. In a career spanning one and a half decades, Mr. Mishra has crafted over 8K articles. When he is not at his desk, you may find him either engrossed in a Deathmatch or chasing Wordsworth!

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