How to use Portrait Mode in FaceTime on iOS 15

how to use portrait mode in facetime in iOS 15
(Image credit: Apple)

Pretty soon, most iPhone users will want to know how to use Portrait Mode in FaceTime on iOS 15.

FaceTime in iOS 15 includes a number of improvements, from sharing videos and music through SharePlay to scheduling calls and creating web links as you can in the other best video chat apps. But there are less heralded FaceTime enhancements that will improve your experience, like the newfound ability to use Portrait Mode on calls.

That's the same Portrait Mode you use in the Camera app to take memorable shots; iOS 15 brings it to video calls in FaceTime. This effect can blur your background, and though it might not be as flashy as similar features in other video chat apps — no virtual backdrops here —  it can at least obscure a messy room. 

Portrait Mode in FaceTime requires iPhones and iPad with the A12 Bionic chip or later. For iPhones, that means you'll need an iPhone XS or later. 

On iPads, the feature will work with a fifth-generation iPad mini, third generation iPad Air or later, eighth generation iPad or later and all versions of the iPad Pro. Here's a full rundown of iOS 15 features with specific hardware requirements.

Follow our guide below to find out how to use Portrait Mode in FaceTime on iOS 15. 

How to use Portrait Mode in FaceTime on iOS 15

1. While you're in a FaceTime video call, tap the thumbnail of your own image

How to use Portrait mode in FaceTime on iOS 15

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

2. The thumbnail will expand, showing several buttons. Tap the Portrait Mode button in the top left corner.

How to use Portrait mode in FaceTime on iOS 15

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

3. You're now in Portrait Mode, which you can tell because your FaceTime background is blurred, while your face remains clear. 

How to use Portrait mode in FaceTime on iOS 15

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

4. If you want to disable Portrait Mode, so you can unblur your background in FaceTime, just tap the Portrait Mode button you selected before. 

And that's it. Portrait Mode is a simple but welcome addition to iOS, which is useful for making FaceTime calls when you don't have time to tidy your room.

Dan Moren is the author of multiple sci-fi books including The Caledonian Gamibt and The Aleph Extraction. He's also a long-time Mac writer, having worked for Macworld and contributed to the Six Colors blog, where he writes about all things Apple. His work has also appeared in Popular Science, Fast Company, and more

Read more
The Action button settings in iOS 18.4 with a Visual Intelligence shortcut for the iPhone 15 Pro
iOS 18.4 adds a crucial Apple Intelligence feature to the iPhone 15 Pro — and it makes your phone more powerful
Apple iPhone 16 held in the hand.
Just got a new iPhone 16? Try these 10 features first
The initial splash screen that displays when opening up Apple Visual Intelligence for the first time. It reads "Visual Intelligence with Camera Control - Learn about the objects and places around you and get even more information about what you see. Images from your camera are not stored on iPhone or shared with Apple."
The iPhone 15 Pro is getting one of the best iPhone 16 Pro features for free soon
Apple TV app on iPhone
I’ve been using this great new iOS 18 feature that lets me better hear dialogue in shows and movies — here's how it works
iPhone 16 Pro shown held in hand
How to screenshot on iPhone 16 — capture your screen easily
Writing tools in Apple Intelligence on an iPhone 16e
Getting an iPhone 16e? These are the 7 Apple Intelligence features I'd try out first
Latest in iPhones
Apple iPhone 16 & 16 Plus hands-on.
Forget USB-C — a truly portless iPhone just got the all-clear from the EU
iPhone Flip render
iPhone Flip could solve one of the biggest problems with foldable phones — here's how
iPhone 17 Air concept image
iPhone 17 Air just tipped for exclusive upgrade regular iPhone 17 won't get
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 18 may miss out on this performance upgrade — what we know
iPhone 17 Air render
iPhone 17 Air — 5 biggest revelations from new in-depth report
Zens Quattro Wireless Charging Pro 4 charging station with 3 iphones and an AirPods case
Double-decker 'AirPower' charger now available from Apple — here's what it costs
Latest in How To
Woman changing bedding
How to get rid of bed bugs and dust mites from your bedding and pillows if a hot wash isn’t an option
How to delete TikTok
TikTok has rolled out a vital new security feature — here's how to use it
iPhone 16 Pro Max shown in hand
Your iPhone has a custom voice command feature — here's how to use it
iPhone 16 Pro Max shown in hand
You can change your iPhone's default browser — here's how
Shutterstock Sora image
5 must-try Sora prompts for creating incredible AI videos
Ninja Air Fryer
Air fryer dos and don'ts — 7 safety tips for everyday use