How to Leave FaceTime Video Messages on iPhone

FaceTime lets you record a short video message when someone doesn’t pick up, so you can still say what you called about without waiting for a callback. This guide shows you how to leave a FaceTime video message on an iPhone running iOS 17 or later, what to do if the option doesn’t appear, and how to manage the messages you’ve left.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone with iOS 17 or later (the feature is not available on earlier versions).
• FaceTime enabled: go to Settings > FaceTime and make sure it’s turned on.
• You must be signed in with an Apple ID that is active for FaceTime.
• The person you’re calling must also have FaceTime available on their device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) with iOS 17, iPadOS 17, or macOS Sonoma or later.

Step-by-Step

1. Open the FaceTime app on your iPhone. You can also start a call from the Phone app, Contacts, or Messages, but the video message option appears after a call goes unanswered.
2. Start a video call to the person you want to reach. Tap the Video button next to their name, or tap the + icon to enter a number or email, then tap the video icon.
3. Wait for the call to ring. If the person doesn’t answer, the screen will change after a few rings. You’ll see a message like “The person you’re calling is unavailable.”
4. Tap “Leave a Video Message.” This button appears at the bottom of the screen, usually in a gray circle with a red dot. It may take a moment to appear, so wait for it.
5. Start recording. The camera will switch to the front-facing lens, and a red timer will start counting. You’ll see yourself on the screen. Speak clearly and look at the camera.
6. Stop recording. Tap the red square button (the stop button) when you’re done. You can also let it run up to the maximum length (about 30 seconds).
7. Review your message. Before sending, you can tap the play button to watch it. If you’re not happy, tap Retake to record again.
8. Send the message. Tap the blue Send button (the up arrow in a circle) to deliver it. The recipient will get a notification that they have a video message.
9. If you want to cancel without sending, tap the X (close) button in the corner, then confirm that you want to discard the message.

Common Mistakes

• Not updating iOS. The video message feature only works on iOS 17 or later. If you don’t see the option, check for a software update in Settings > General > Software Update.
• Calling someone who hasn’t updated. Even if you have iOS 17, the recipient also needs to be on a compatible version. If they aren’t, you won’t get the option to leave a message.
• Expecting the option immediately. The “Leave a Video Message” button only appears after the call has rung for a few seconds and the person doesn’t answer. Don’t hang up too quickly.
• Recording too long. The maximum length is around 30 seconds. If you exceed it, the recording stops automatically. Keep your message short and to the point.
• Forgetting to check your own messages. Video messages you leave are saved in the FaceTime app under the Messages tab. If you want to delete one, you can swipe left on it and tap Delete.

Tips

• Use a good angle. Hold the phone at eye level or slightly above, and make sure the light is in front of you, not behind you, so your face is visible.
• Keep it brief. A 10-15 second message is usually enough to convey your point. The recipient can always call you back for details.
• Mention why you called. Start with “Hey, I called to…” so they know the purpose right away.
• Check your settings. If you don’t want to receive video messages from certain people, you can block them in FaceTime settings, but you can’t turn off the ability to leave messages entirely.
• Use it for any missed call. The option appears for both video and audio calls, but the message is always video. If you want to leave an audio-only message, use a different app or call back later.

Troubleshooting

I don’t see the “Leave a Video Message” button.

• Make sure both you and the recipient have iOS 17 or later. Update your iPhone if needed.
• Check that FaceTime is enabled in Settings > FaceTime. If it’s off, turn it on and try again.
• If you’re calling someone who has blocked you, you won’t get the option. Also, if you have blocked them, the call may not go through normally.
• Restart your iPhone. Sometimes a simple restart resolves temporary glitches.

The recording stops before I’m done.

• The maximum length is about 30 seconds. If you need longer, send a text message or call back.

I accidentally sent a message I didn’t want to.

• You can’t unsend a FaceTime video message once it’s delivered. However, you can delete it from your own FaceTime history, and the recipient can delete it too. To delete from your side, go to the FaceTime app, tap the Messages tab, swipe left on the message, and tap Delete.

The video message won’t play for the recipient.

• Ask them to check their internet connection and that they have iOS 17 or later. They may need to restart their device.

I don’t see the Messages tab in FaceTime.

• This tab appears only if you have at least one video message. If you haven’t left or received any, the tab may not show. After you leave one, it will appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave a video message if the person has Do Not Disturb on?
Yes, if they don’t pick up, you’ll still get the option to leave a video message, regardless of whether they have Do Not Disturb enabled. The message will be delivered when they check their notifications.

How long can a FaceTime video message be?
It’s about 30 seconds maximum. The recording stops automatically when you reach the limit, and you can send it as is.

Can I leave a video message on an audio-only FaceTime call?
Yes, the option appears for both video and audio calls. The message itself is always a video recording, not audio-only.

Do video messages use a lot of data?
A 30-second video message is typically a few megabytes, so it’s not huge, but it does use data. If you’re on a limited plan, consider using Wi-Fi for sending and receiving.

Can I save a video message I receive?
Yes, you can save it to your Photos app. Open the message in FaceTime, tap the share button (square with arrow), and choose “Save Video.”

Why can’t I leave a video message to someone who has an older iPhone?
The feature requires both parties to be on iOS 17 or later. If the recipient hasn’t updated, the option won’t appear. You can still call them or send a regular text message.

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