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FaceTime is a powerful video chat tool that allows you to keep in touch with friends and family all over the world, completely free of charge. Because FaceTime uses your data connection or a local Wi-Fi network, it’s an excellent solution if you have a limited number of minutes on your iPhone contract. By using FaceTime instead of traditional calls, you can avoid expensive call fees, especially for international calls. The call quality is also superior to traditional phone signals, as FaceTime uses HD audio for richer voices.
If you have an iPod Touch or at least an iPad2, you can use FaceTime to make calls over Wi-Fi with the device, even if you don’t have an iPhone. Here’s what you need to know to use FaceTime on any iOS device:
Setting up FaceTime
- Launch the Settings app on your iOS device.
- Scroll down and tap on FaceTime.
- Make sure that the switch for FaceTime is in the “On” position. Activation may take a few seconds, and you’ll need to approve the fact that you want to pair the device with your FaceTime and iMessage.
- Select “Use your Apple ID for FaceTime.”
- Enter your Apple ID details and tap Sign In.
- Select which email address and phone number people can use to contact you when using FaceTime. You can be contacted on FaceTime through your mobile number or via email addresses. You can select which email address you want to use by deselecting or adding it. You can also choose the caller ID that will be displayed when you make a call. This could be one of your email addresses or your mobile number
- You can also select whether the other caller can take FaceTime Live photos by checking the box.
Making a Call with FaceTime
- Open the FaceTime app on your device.
- If this is your first time using FaceTime, you may need to sign in with your Apple ID – the email address and password you use when purchasing from the App Store.
- If you have called or made calls before, you should see a list of people in the app. If no one is on the list, just use the search bar to enter the name of the person you want to call, and they will appear as long as they are in your Contacts app.
- If the person you want to call is not in your Contacts app, enter their email address or phone number in the search bar. As long as the email address and phone number are configured for FaceTime, calls can be made.
- You can make a video call by tapping the video camera, or an audio-only call by tapping the phone icon.
- When the person you are calling accepts the video call, you will see the word “Connect” appear on your device.
Using FaceTime Audio
You can use FaceTime audio to make calls, which works just like video calls but without the need to be on camera, making it a great way to save calling minutes on your mobile tariff. All you need is a Wi-Fi or 3G/4G connection if your device has a data plan. You don’t even need to know the other person’s phone number to make a call, as FaceTime can use an email address. You can also use FaceTime Audio to turn your iPod Touch into a mini-iPhone. Keep in mind that since all conversations take place over the internet, you’ll need to have a stable connection like a traditional call, and you might want to be careful not to exceed your data plan’s limit if you use this feature often.
Making a FaceTime Audio Call
- Open the FaceTime app on your device.
- Click on Audio.
- Tap the plus sign to add a contact, or use the search bar to find the contact you want to call.
Now that you know how to use FaceTime, you can keep in touch with your friends and family anywhere in the world without incurring any calling charges!
FAQs
1. What devices can I use with FaceTime?
You can use FaceTime on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, as well as on a Mac. Both devices require an internet connection via Wi-Fi or mobile data.
2. Do FaceTime calls consume a lot of data?
FaceTime’s data usage depends on the length of the call and the video quality. Standard quality video calling can use around 3MB of data per minute, while high-quality video calling can use up to 15MB of data per minute. If using FaceTime over mobile data, it’s important to keep an eye on your data usage since it can quickly eat up your mobile plan if used regularly.