How to FaceTime on Your Apple TV

You can FaceTime on Apple TV 4K using your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to call someone else, or receive calls on the TV screen

FaceTime on Apple TV 4K lets you make and receive video calls on your television instead of on a smaller device. The TV becomes your screen and speaker, which is useful for family calls, group video chats, or when you want a larger view. You start a FaceTime call from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and the call rings through to your Apple TV. The person you are calling does not need an Apple TV — they just need an Apple device or a link to join.

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation and later) supports FaceTime. Older Apple TV models do not have this feature. Your Apple TV must be signed in with an Apple ID, connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your other devices, and running tvOS 15.1 or later.

Key Takeaways

FaceTime calls on Apple TV work by starting the call on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and selecting your Apple TV as the destination device.
Your Apple TV must be an Apple TV 4K (3rd generation or newer) running tvOS 15.1 or later, and signed in with an Apple ID.
The person you call does not need an Apple TV — they can join from any Apple device or through a FaceTime link on a web browser.
You can invite multiple people to a FaceTime call on your Apple TV, and the TV will show all participants on one screen.
Your Apple TV uses its built-in speaker and microphone, or you can connect external audio equipment for better sound quality.

Starting a FaceTime call from your iPhone or iPad

Open the FaceTime app on your iPhone or iPad. Search for the contact you want to call, or tap the plus sign to create a new call. When you select a contact, you will see a list of ways to reach them — phone number, email address, or FaceTime username. Tap the FaceTime option.

Before you tap the call button, look for a small icon in the top right corner of the call screen. This icon shows which device the call will use. Tap it to see your available devices. Select your Apple TV from the list. Now when you tap the call button, the call will ring on your Apple TV instead of your iPhone or iPad.

If you do not see your Apple TV in the device list, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your Apple TV is signed in with an Apple ID. Restart your Apple TV if it does not appear after a few seconds.

Starting a FaceTime call from your Mac

Open FaceTime on your Mac. Click the plus sign or search for a contact. When you find the person you want to call, you will see a list of contact methods. Click the FaceTime option next to their name.

Look for a small icon near the top of the call window — it shows which device will make the call. Click it to see your available devices, and select your Apple TV. Then click the call button to send the call to your TV.

Receiving FaceTime calls on your Apple TV

When someone calls you on FaceTime and your Apple TV is signed in with your Apple ID, the call will ring on your TV. A notification appears on the screen with the caller's name or number and two buttons: accept or decline. Press the select button on your Apple TV remote to accept the call, or press the menu button to decline it.

If you are already using your Apple TV for something else, the FaceTime notification will appear as an overlay. You can accept the call without leaving what you were watching, and the call will take over the screen. If you decline, you can continue what you were doing.

You can also receive calls from people who do not have Apple devices. They can join through a FaceTime link that you send them — the link works in any web browser on any device.

Inviting multiple people to a FaceTime call on Apple TV

FaceTime on Apple TV supports group calls with up to 32 people. Start the call on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac the same way you would for a single person. Once the call is connected, tap or click the add button (usually a plus sign) to invite more people. Search for additional contacts and add them one at a time.

On your Apple TV screen, you will see all participants in a grid layout. The layout adjusts based on how many people are on the call. If someone is speaking, their video tile may appear larger or highlighted so you can see them more clearly.

Using your Apple TV's microphone and speaker for FaceTime

Apple TV 4K has a built-in microphone and speaker that work for FaceTime calls. The microphone picks up sound from the room, and the speaker plays the other person's voice through your TV. For most calls, this setup works fine.

If you want better sound quality or privacy, you can connect external speakers or a microphone to your Apple TV. Use a USB microphone or connect a Bluetooth speaker. Go to Settings on your Apple TV, select AirPods or Bluetooth Devices, and pair your equipment. Then go to Settings again, select AirPlay and HomeKit, and choose your external audio device for FaceTime calls.

If you have a HomePod mini in the same room as your Apple TV, it can act as a speaker and microphone for FaceTime calls. The HomePod mini will automatically detect when a FaceTime call is happening and use its superior audio quality.

Troubleshooting FaceTime on Apple TV

If your Apple TV does not appear in the device list when you start a FaceTime call, first check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open Settings on your Apple TV and go to Network to confirm the connection. Then check that your Apple TV is signed in with an Apple ID by going to Settings, then Users and Accounts.

If the call connects but the audio is not working, check the volume on your Apple TV remote. Press the volume up button a few times. If you connected external speakers or a microphone, make sure they are still paired and selected in Settings. Restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, System, and Restart.

If the other person cannot hear you, the microphone may not be working. Check that nothing is blocking the microphone on your Apple TV (usually located on the top or back). If you are using an external microphone, make sure it is powered on and selected in Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use FaceTime on Apple TV without an Apple ID?

No. Your Apple TV must be signed in with an Apple ID to send or receive FaceTime calls. The Apple ID does not have to be the same one you use on your iPhone or iPad, but you must have one set up on the TV.

What Apple TV models support FaceTime?

Only Apple TV 4K (3rd generation and later) supports FaceTime. This includes the 2022 model and newer. If you have an older Apple TV or Apple TV HD, FaceTime is not available.

Can I FaceTime with someone who does not have an Apple device?

Yes. You can send them a FaceTime link, and they can join the call through a web browser on any device — Windows, Android, or Mac. They do not need to read an app or have an Apple ID.

Does FaceTime on Apple TV use a lot of internet bandwidth?

FaceTime video calls use moderate bandwidth, usually between 2.5 and 4.5 Mbps depending on video quality. Make sure your Wi-Fi network is stable and not heavily used by other devices during the call.

Can I use FaceTime on Apple TV while watching something else?

When you accept a FaceTime call, it takes over your TV screen. You cannot watch another app or channel at the same time. Once the call ends, you can return to what you were watching.

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.