How to Enable Screenshots on FaceTime: Capture Live Photos
Want to save special moments from your FaceTime calls? You can capture them in high quality using FaceTime Live Photos, which are better than standard screenshots. This guide shows you how to enable and use this feature.
✅ Requirements at a Glance
For FaceTime Live Photos to work, both you and the person you’re calling need compatible devices and settings.
| Requirement | For iPhone/iPad | For Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum OS | iOS 12.1.1 or later | macOS High Sierra (10.13.6) or later |
| Feature Setting | Must be enabled in Settings > FaceTime | Must be enabled in FaceTime > Settings |
| Key Condition | Both call participants must have the setting enabled. | Both call participants must have the setting enabled. |
📱 How to Enable on iPhone & iPad
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Turn on the Feature:
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Go to Settings > FaceTime.
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Scroll down and toggle on “FaceTime Live Photos” (switch turns green).
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Check for Restrictions (if the option is grayed out):
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Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
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Tap Content Restrictions > Screen Recording and ensure it is set to Allow.
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Take a Live Photo During a Call:
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Once the feature is on, a white Shutter button (circle) appears on the call screen.
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Tap it to capture a Live Photo—a short, motion clip with sound.
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🖥️ How to Enable on Mac
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Open FaceTime Settings:
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Open the FaceTime app.
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From the menu bar, click FaceTime > Settings (or Preferences).
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Enable the Feature:
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In the General tab, check the box for “Allow Live Photos to be captured during video calls.”
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Take a Photo During a Call:
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A white Shutter button appears on the call window. Click it.
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On a Group FaceTime call, double-click a participant’s tile first to see their shutter button.
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📸 Live Photos vs. Standard Screenshots
It’s important to know the difference between these two capture methods.
| Aspect | FaceTime Live Photo | Standard Screenshot |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | High-quality, stable image from the camera. | Captures the screen exactly as shown, including UI elements. |
| Content | A short, 1.5-second motion clip with audio. | A static image. |
| Notification | Yes. A notification appears on the other person’s screen. | No. No notification is sent (but shutter sound may play). |
| Method | Tap the white Shutter button in the FaceTime app. | iPhone: Press Side + Volume Up buttons. Mac: Press Cmd + Shift + 3 or 4. |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Why is the Live Photo button grayed out or missing?
The most common reason is that the other person on the call does not have the feature enabled in their settings. It can also be due to outdated software or Screen Time restrictions. -
Where do the captured photos go?
All FaceTime Live Photos save directly to your Photos app, typically in the Recents and Live Photos albums. -
Can I take a Live Photo in a Group FaceTime call?
Yes. You can take a Live Photo of any individual participant as long as they have the feature enabled. Double-click their video tile to see the shutter button. -
Is it rude to take a FaceTime Live Photo without asking?
Privacy etiquette recommends asking first. Since the other person gets an on-screen notification, it’s polite to let them know you’d like to capture a moment.
Final Tip: For the best experience, ensure both you and your friend have updated devices and have enabled the setting before your call. This way, you’re ready to capture those spontaneous, memorable moments in high quality.
