Taking Live Photos during FaceTime calls has become a popular way for Apple users to capture special moments during their video chats. Whether it’s a surprise reaction, a shared smile, or a virtual celebration, FaceTime photos let users preserve these memories just like a regular photo. But a common question that arises is: Where exactly do these FaceTime photos go once they’re taken on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac?
This article breaks down the storage locations of FaceTime photos across Apple devices and offers step-by-step guidance for accessing, managing, and troubleshooting these Live Photos. Understanding where and how to find them can make your FaceTime experience more seamless and enjoyable.
What Is a FaceTime Live Photo?
A FaceTime Live Photo is a feature that captures a brief moment in time during a FaceTime video chat. The photo is like a short video — a Live Photo — that captures a few seconds of movement and sound before and after the actual snapshot. This makes them more dynamic than still photos and adds personality to each captured moment.
FaceTime Live Photos only work when both parties in the FaceTime call have enabled the feature in their settings. Additionally, both participants need to be using compatible Apple devices and software versions that support the feature.
Where Do FaceTime Photos Go on iPhone?
On the iPhone, any FaceTime Live Photo taken during a video call is automatically saved to the Photos app. These images are stored in the Recents album, and since they’re Live Photos, they can be identified with the “Live” icon.
Here’s how to find FaceTime photos on an iPhone:
- Open the Photos app.
- Go to the Albums tab.
- Select Recents or scroll down to Live Photos under Media Types.
- Look for the image taken during your FaceTime call. These photos appear with a “Live” label and often match the exact time of the call.
You can also search in the Photos Search bar using keywords like the date or the participant’s name (if the device has related facial recognition data).
Where Do FaceTime Photos Go on iPad?
On the iPad, FaceTime photos are saved in the same way as on the iPhone — directly to the Photos app. Because iPhone and iPad run on the iOS and iPadOS platforms respectively, the steps for locating FaceTime photos are nearly identical.
To locate FaceTime photos on an iPad:
- Open the Photos app.
- Tap on the Albums tab.
- Scroll to either Recents, Live Photos, or use the Search function for added convenience.
Users can also edit, share, or favorite these Live Photos right from within the Photos app, just like any other photograph or video.
Where Do FaceTime Photos Go on Mac?
On macOS devices, FaceTime works a bit differently. When you take a FaceTime photo during a call on a Mac, the Live Photo is saved in the Photos app — assuming you’re using macOS High Sierra or later and have enabled iCloud Photos.
Follow these steps to locate FaceTime photos on Mac:
- Open the Photos app from the Applications folder or Launchpad.
- Navigate to the Photos tab or check Live Photos in the Media Types section in the sidebar.
- If iCloud is synced across your devices, you may also find FaceTime photos taken on iPhone or iPad available here.
If the Photos app doesn’t show the expected FaceTime photo, try checking the Downloads or Desktop folders manually depending on the settings or behaviors of older macOS versions.
How to Enable or Disable FaceTime Photos
To ensure FaceTime Live Photos are saved, both users must have the feature turned on in their device settings. Here’s how to enable or disable it:
On iPhone or iPad:
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and tap FaceTime.
- Toggle on FaceTime Live Photos.
On Mac:
- Open the FaceTime app.
- From the menu bar, go to FaceTime > Settings.
- Check or uncheck the option labeled Allow Live Photos to be captured during video calls.
If the feature is turned off on either end of the call, FaceTime won’t allow photos to be taken.
Troubleshooting: Can’t Find Your FaceTime Photos?
If you’re unable to find your FaceTime photos, check the following:
- Ensure that both parties had FaceTime Live Photos enabled.
- Confirm that the Date & Time on your device matches the time of the call to help narrow down search.
- Make sure that iCloud Photos is turned on if you’re checking across multiple devices.
- Look in the Trash or Recently Deleted section of the Photos app to find any mistakenly deleted images.
- Confirm that your operating system is up-to-date, as older versions may not support FaceTime photo sharing.
FAQ: FaceTime Photos on Apple Devices
- Q: Why can’t I take a FaceTime photo?
A: Both participants need to have FaceTime Live Photos enabled in settings. If either side has it turned off, the feature won’t function. - Q: Are FaceTime photos saved automatically?
A: Yes, if the setting is enabled and both parties agree, FaceTime Live Photos are automatically saved to the Photos app. - Q: Can I tell when a FaceTime photo is taken?
A: Yes. When a FaceTime Live Photo is captured, you’ll briefly see a shutter animation on screen, unless the feature is disabled via settings. - Q: Do FaceTime photos get backed up?
A: If you use iCloud Photos, all images including FaceTime Live Photos are backed up and synced across devices. - Q: Can FaceTime Live Photos be disabled permanently?
A: Yes. You can turn off the feature under FaceTime settings on each of your devices to permanently prevent photos from being taken. - Q: What format are FaceTime photos saved in?
A: They are saved as Live Photos, essentially combining a still image with a short video clip, in JPEG and MOV formats respectively.
Knowing where FaceTime photos go and how to manage them adds another layer of enjoyment to staying connected. With just a few taps and an understanding of your devices, you can easily collect and relive moments from your video calls with loved ones and colleagues.