Get started with FaceTime on iPad

Learn how to use the FaceTime app to visit face-to-face with friends and family—over Wi-Fi or cellular. While on a FaceTime call, you can also watch TV shows and movies, listen to music, and even work out together.

The FaceTime Settings screen, showing the switch to turn FaceTime on or off and the field where you enter your Apple ID for FaceTime.

Set up FaceTime

To get started with FaceTime, go to Settings > FaceTime, then turn on FaceTime. Sign in to FaceTime with your Apple ID, if you haven’t already.

The screen for initiating a FaceTime call, showing the New FaceTime button for starting a FaceTime call.

Make a FaceTime call

Open the FaceTime app, tap New FaceTime, then enter the name or phone number of the person (or people) you want to call. Tap to make a video call or to make an audio call (not available in all countries or regions). You can talk with up to 32 people on a call.

To call someone who doesn’t have an Apple device, create and send a link to the call in Messages or Mail. To get started, open FaceTime, then tap Create Link.

The FaceTime screen showing a call in progress. The caller’s image appears in a small rectangle in the lower right, and the image of the recipient fills the rest of the screen. Across the bottom of the screen are the FaceTime controls are at the top of the screen, including the Speaker, Camera, Mute, Share Content, and End buttons. At the top of the controls are the name or Apple ID of the person you’re talking to.

Use the FaceTime controls

While on a FaceTime call, use the FaceTime controls to turn your speaker, mic, or camera on or off, share your screen, and more. If you don’t see the controls, tap your screen.

A FaceTime call with a SharePlay session, showing Apple TV+ video content being shared in the call. The FaceTime controls are shown at the top of the screen, the video is playing just below the controls, and the playback controls are at the bottom of the screen.

Share your screen in a FaceTime call

During a FaceTime call, you can share your screen with the other person (or people) on the call.

Tap in the FaceTime controls (if you don’t see , tap the screen). Tap Share My Screen, go to your Home Screen, then open an app or document—a small image of your screen appears in the call. The others on the call can tap it to enlarge it and view your content.

Want to learn more?

Note: Not all features and content are available in all countries or regions.

Helpful?

iPad User Guide

Get started with FaceTime on iPad

Set up FaceTime

Make a FaceTime call

Use the FaceTime controls

Share your screen in a FaceTime call