7 Ways to Fix iOS 17 FaceTime Reactions Not Working
Introduction
Apple’s new iOS 17 introduces exciting features, including the ability to use FaceTime reactions to enhance your conversations. These reactions fill up the camera frame with unique animations and effects, making your FaceTime calls more fun and expressive. However, some users have reported issues with FaceTime reactions not working on iOS 17. In this article, we will discuss seven effective ways to troubleshoot and fix this problem.
1. Ensure Compatibility
Before diving into troubleshooting, it is crucial to ensure that your iPhone is compatible with FaceTime reaction gestures. These gestures are only available in iOS 17, so if you are using an older iOS version, you won’t be able to use them. Make sure to download and install the latest iOS 17 update on your iPhone. Please note that FaceTime reaction gestures are only supported on iPhone 12 and newer models, not on earlier models like iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, or iPhone 11.
2. Check Front Camera Settings
Another prerequisite for using iOS 17 FaceTime gestures is to enable the front camera. The reactions will only work if the front camera is enabled and you are clearly visible while making the gestures. Here are some quick tips to fix the issue:
- Make sure you are using the front camera during the FaceTime video call.
- Ensure that the camera is correctly positioned and your face is clearly visible.
- Keep your hands away from your face while making gestures.
- Pause for a moment or two to activate the gesture.
3. Learn the Right Gestures
It is essential to understand that iOS 17 FaceTime reactions will only work if you use the correct gestures. Currently, FaceTime supports eight gestures, each with a unique animation and 3D effect. Any other gestures will not trigger reactions during your FaceTime video calls. Here’s a list of supported gestures in iOS 17:
- Single Thumbs Up
- Single Thumbs Down
- Double Thumbs Up
- Double Thumbs Down
- Heart sign
- Peace sign with one hand
- Peace sign with two hands
- Rock sign with two hands
4. Enable Reactions for Video Calls
The reactions video effects are automatically enabled during FaceTime video calls. However, there might be instances when you accidentally switch to another effect or disable reactions in the Control Center. To ensure that reactions are enabled, follow these steps:
- While on a FaceTime call, swipe down from the top-right corner to access the Control Center.
- Tap on “Video Effects” and select “Reactions.”
5. Force Quit the FaceTime App
If FaceTime effects are still not showing in iOS 17, try force closing the app and reopening it. This can resolve any technical errors within the app that may be preventing gestures from functioning correctly. Follow these steps to force quit the FaceTime app:
- Gently swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle to access the recently opened apps on your iPhone.
- Locate the FaceTime app card, tap and hold it, then slide it upwards to close it.
- Return to the home screen and tap on the FaceTime icon to reopen the app.
- Make a FaceTime video call to check if the gestures are now working properly.
6. Toggle FaceTime
In some cases, minor iOS bugs or glitches can interfere with FaceTime reactions, causing them not to work as intended. By temporarily disabling and re-enabling FaceTime on your iPhone, you can quickly resolve this issue. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on “FaceTime.”
- Toggle off the switch for FaceTime and wait for a few seconds.
- Toggle it back on.
- Make a video call and check if FaceTime gestures are working properly.
7. Restart Your iPhone
If the above steps do not resolve the FaceTime gesture reactions not working issue, try restarting your iPhone. Restarting the device clears any minor bugs and provides a fresh start to the system, often resolving various iOS-related issues. Here’s how to restart any iPhone model:
- Press and hold the power button until the “Slide to Power Off” option appears.
- Swipe the power icon from left to right to turn off your iPhone.
- After your iPhone is completely turned off, press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears.
We hope that one of the troubleshooting methods mentioned above helped you fix the FaceTime gestures not working issue on iOS 17. If you have any other tips or methods that worked for you, please share them with us in the comments section below.