FaceTime Photos Must Be Enabled on Both Devices?

Yes, FaceTime photos must be enabled on both devices for a photo taken during a call to appear in the shared album. If either person has the setting off, the photo is not saved to the shared album, though it may still appear briefly on the other person’s screen during the call.

How FaceTime Photos Work

FaceTime Live Photos captures a still image with a short video clip (about 3 seconds) at the moment you tap the shutter button during a call. This feature is available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac (with a compatible camera). When you take a Live Photo during a call, it is saved to your own Photos library automatically. The other person also gets a copy in their Photos library, but only if they have the FaceTime Live Photos setting enabled on their device.

If the other person has the setting turned off, the photo is not saved to their library, and it will not appear in the shared album that FaceTime creates for the call. The shared album is a temporary album that appears in the Photos app after a call, containing all Live Photos taken during that call by either participant.

Why the Setting Exists

Apple requires both participants to enable FaceTime Live Photos as a privacy measure. This ensures that neither person can capture a photo of the other without their consent. If one person has the setting disabled, the other person cannot take a Live Photo that will be saved to the disabled person’s device. This prevents a situation where someone could save a photo of you without your knowledge.

The setting is off by default on all devices. To enable it, go to Settings > FaceTime and toggle on FaceTime Live Photos. On a Mac, open the FaceTime app and go to Preferences > Settings and check the box for Live Photos.

What Happens When Only One Person Has It Enabled

If only one person has FaceTime Live Photos enabled, the following occurs:

The person with the setting enabled can take a Live Photo during the call.
The photo is saved to their own Photos library immediately.
The other person does not receive a copy, and the photo does not appear in the shared album.
The person without the setting cannot take a Live Photo at all; the shutter button is either hidden or does nothing.

So, for both participants to have a copy, both must have the setting enabled. If you want to share a photo you took during a call with someone who has the setting off, you can simply send it to them via Messages, AirDrop, or email after the call.

How to Take a FaceTime Live Photo

Once the setting is enabled on both devices, taking a Live Photo is simple:

Start a FaceTime video call.
Tap the shutter button (a white circle with a camera icon) at the bottom of the screen. On a Mac, click the camera icon in the menu bar.
The photo is taken instantly, along with a 3-second video clip.
You will see a brief flash animation on both screens.

The photo is saved to your Photos app under the Live Photos album. It will also appear in the shared album for the call, which is named after the contact and appears in the Photos app under Albums > Shared.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

If you cannot take a Live Photo during a FaceTime call, check the following:

Both devices must support FaceTime Live Photos (iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 or later, iPad mini 4 or later, and Macs with a built-in FaceTime HD camera).
Both users must have the setting enabled in FaceTime settings.
The call must be a video call, not an audio-only call.
Your device must have enough storage space to save the photo.
If you are in a region where FaceTime Live Photos is restricted (e.g., some countries due to privacy laws), the feature may be unavailable.

If you have enabled the setting but the shutter button is still missing, restart the FaceTime app or your device. Also, ensure that your device’s camera is not being used by another app.

FaceTime Live Photos vs. Regular Screenshots

Some users wonder if they can simply take a screenshot instead of using FaceTime Live Photos. A screenshot captures the entire screen, including any UI elements, and does not include the 3-second video clip. Also, the other person is not notified when you take a screenshot, whereas with Live Photos, they see a flash and may be aware. However, screenshots do not require the other person to have any setting enabled, so they are a workaround if the other person has Live Photos disabled.

Keep in mind that taking a screenshot during a FaceTime call is not the same as a Live Photo, and the quality may be lower. Also, the other person may not appreciate being photographed without their consent, so it is always best to ask.

Privacy and Consent

The FaceTime Live Photos setting is a clear example of Apple’s focus on privacy. By requiring both parties to opt in, Apple ensures that no one can secretly capture a photo of the other person. This is especially important because FaceTime calls are often used for personal and sensitive conversations.

If you are concerned about your privacy, you can disable FaceTime Live Photos entirely. This will prevent anyone from taking a Live Photo of you during a call, even if they have the setting enabled. However, you will also be unable to take Live Photos of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a FaceTime Live Photo if the other person has it disabled?

No. The shutter button will not be available, or tapping it will do nothing, if the other person has FaceTime Live Photos disabled. This is a deliberate privacy feature.

Where do FaceTime Live Photos get saved?

They are saved to your Photos library in the Live Photos album. They also appear in the shared album for that specific call, which is accessible under Albums > Shared in the Photos app.

Does the other person get notified when I take a Live Photo?

Yes, they see a brief flash animation on their screen, indicating that a photo was taken. They do not receive a notification, but they are visually aware.

Can I turn on FaceTime Live Photos after the call has started?

Yes, you can go to Settings > FaceTime and toggle it on during a call, but the change may not take effect until the next call. It is best to enable it before starting the call.

Why is FaceTime Live Photos not available on my device?

Your device may not support the feature (older models), or you may be in a region where it is restricted. Check Apple’s support page for a list of compatible devices and regions.

Can I save a FaceTime Live Photo as a regular photo?

Yes, you can. Open the Live Photo in the Photos app, tap the Edit button, then tap the Live Photo icon at the top and set it to Off. This will convert it to a still photo.

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