How to Make FaceTime Calls on Your Apple TV

You can make and receive FaceTime calls on Apple TV using your TV screen, microphone, and camera

FaceTime on Apple TV turns your television into a large video calling device. You start a call from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, then hand off to your Apple TV to continue on the bigger screen. You can also receive incoming calls directly on your TV. The feature works on Apple TV 4K (third generation or later) and requires tvOS 15.1 or newer, a compatible camera, and a microphone.

The setup takes about five minutes if you already have the right hardware. Once configured, FaceTime calls appear on your TV just like they would on a phone, but with a much larger picture and better sound for group conversations.

Key Takeaways

FaceTime on Apple TV requires an Apple TV 4K (third generation or later), a compatible camera like the Logitech Circle View Wired or Razer Kiyo Pro, and a microphone.
You must sign in with the same Apple ID on both your Apple TV and the device you are calling from to hand off calls to your TV.
To start a call, begin on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, then tap the handoff icon to move the call to your Apple TV screen.
You can also receive incoming FaceTime calls directly on your Apple TV if you have enabled the feature in Settings.
The camera and microphone must be plugged into your Apple TV via USB or connected wirelessly, and you may need to grant permissions in tvOS settings.

Check your Apple TV model and tvOS version first

FaceTime on Apple TV only works on Apple TV 4K models from 2022 onward (the third generation and later). If you have an older Apple TV or a standard-definition model, FaceTime is not available. To check your model, go to Settings on your Apple TV, then select System and look for the model name and year.

You also need tvOS 15.1 or newer. In the same Settings menu, go to System and then About to see your current tvOS version. If your version is older, go to System > Software Updates and select Update Software to read the latest version. Updates can take 10 to 20 minutes depending on your internet speed.

Get a compatible camera and microphone

Apple TV does not have a built-in camera or microphone, so you must buy them separately. The camera connects via USB to one of the ports on the back of your Apple TV 4K. Supported cameras include the Logitech Circle View Wired, Razer Kiyo Pro, and a few other third-party models. Check Apple's support page for the full list of compatible cameras before you buy.

For audio, you can use the microphone built into a compatible camera, or you can add a separate USB microphone. If you use a standalone microphone, plug it into the other USB port on your Apple TV. Test the microphone and camera in Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Camera to make sure both are recognized and working before you make your first call.

Sign in with the same Apple ID on your Apple TV and calling device

FaceTime calls hand off between devices only when you are signed in with the same Apple ID on both your Apple TV and the iPhone, iPad, or Mac you are calling from. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > Users and Accounts and sign in with your Apple ID. Make sure the account is set as the primary user on the TV.

On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open Settings (or System Preferences on Mac) and sign in with the same Apple ID under iCloud or Apple ID. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Once both are signed in and connected, you will see the handoff option when you make a FaceTime call.

Start a call and hand it off to your Apple TV

To make a FaceTime call on your Apple TV, start the call on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac first. Open the FaceTime app and call a contact or enter a phone number. Once the call connects and the other person answers, look for the handoff icon — it looks like an arrow pointing toward your Apple TV — on your screen.

Tap or click the handoff icon to move the call to your TV. The call will switch to your Apple TV within a few seconds, and the video and audio will now come through your television. The person you are calling will see the same video feed, just displayed on a larger screen. You can hand the call back to your original device at any time by tapping the handoff icon again.

Receive incoming calls directly on your Apple TV

You can set up your Apple TV to receive incoming FaceTime calls without starting them on another device first. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > FaceTime and turn on FaceTime. When someone calls you, the call will ring on your Apple TV, and you can answer it using your remote.

When you answer, the caller will see your video feed from the camera connected to your Apple TV. Make sure your camera and microphone are plugged in and working before you enable this feature. If you do not want to receive calls on your TV, you can turn off FaceTime in the same menu, and calls will only come through on your other devices.

Troubleshoot camera and microphone problems

If your camera or microphone is not working during a FaceTime call, first check that both are plugged firmly into the USB ports on the back of your Apple TV. Unplug and plug them back in, then restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart. Wait 30 seconds for the TV to power back on.

If the camera still does not work, go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Camera and check that your camera is listed and shows a green checkmark. If it shows a red X or does not appear, the camera may not be compatible or may need a firmware update. Check the camera manufacturer's website for the latest firmware. If you are using a wireless camera, make sure it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use FaceTime on Apple TV if I do not have a camera?

No. FaceTime on Apple TV requires both a camera and a microphone. Without a camera, the other person will not see you, and the call cannot start. You must buy a compatible USB camera before you can use FaceTime on your TV.

What if my Apple TV keeps dropping the FaceTime call?

Dropped calls are usually caused by a weak Wi-Fi signal or interference from other devices. Move your Apple TV closer to your Wi-Fi router, or switch to a 5 GHz network if your router supports it. Restart your Apple TV and your router by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plug them back in. If calls still drop, restart your calling device as well.

Can I use FaceTime on Apple TV with a non-Apple device?

Yes. The person you are calling does not need an Apple device. FaceTime works with Android phones and computers through a web link. When you start a call from your iPhone or Mac, you can send a FaceTime link to anyone, and they can join through their web browser.

Do I need to pay for FaceTime on Apple TV?

No. FaceTime is free on all Apple devices, including Apple TV. You only need to pay for the camera and microphone hardware if you do not already own them. All calls use your Wi-Fi connection, so there are no per-call charges.

Can multiple people use FaceTime on the same Apple TV?

Yes, but only one person at a time can be signed in as the primary user on your Apple TV. If you want different family members to receive calls on the TV, you can set up multiple user accounts in Settings > Users and Accounts, but only the primary account will receive FaceTime calls.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.