Can You Take Live Photos in FaceTime on iOS 12?

Yes, you can take Live Photos during a FaceTime call on iOS 12, but only if your device is running iOS 12.1.1 or later. Apple initially removed the dedicated shutter button in iOS 12.0 alongside the redesign for Group FaceTime, but reinstated the feature in the iOS 12.1.1 update following user feedback. To use the feature, both participants in the call must have the setting enabled on their devices.

Requirements for iOS 12 FaceTime Live Photos

To successfully capture a Live Photo during a call, ensure the following conditions are met:

  • iOS Version: Both callers must run iOS 12.1.1 or later (or macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later on a Mac). Devices stuck on iOS 12.0 through 12.1 cannot use this feature.
  • Call Type: Live Photos are supported during one-on-one FaceTime calls, not Group FaceTime calls.

How to Enable the Feature

FaceTime Live Photos must be turned on in system settings prior to the call:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Scroll down and select FaceTime.
  3. Toggle the switch next to FaceTime Live Photos to the On position.

Note: If the person you are speaking with has disabled this setting on their device, you will not be able to take a Live Photo of them, and your shutter button will be grayed out or unavailable.

How to Take a Live Photo During a Call

  1. Start a one-on-one FaceTime video call.
  2. Tap the screen to bring up the on-screen controls.
  3. Tap the white circular Shutter button located on the screen.
  4. A notification will flash on both screens, alerting both you and the other participant that a Live Photo was taken.

Where the Photos Are Saved

Captured Live Photos are automatically saved to your camera roll. You can view them by opening the Photos app and navigating to the Live Photos media type album.