How to use iOS 18 FaceTime gestures

Creative new ways of self-expression with Facetime!

How to use iOS 18 FaceTime gestures

Facetime, an audio/video communication platform developed by Apple, is central to the Apple ecosystem and one of the tools that makes Apple’s ecosystem so much fun to use.

On the surface, FaceTime is not very different from the likes of WhatsApp calls or Teams. However, Apple takes things a few steps further with a focus on privacy via end-to-end encryption, seamless compatibility across the entire Apple ecosystem, and support for advanced features like gestures and reactions that simply make communication more fun.

Speaking of gestures — or reactions, as Apple calls them — here’s a full list of what you can do on a Facetime video call.

Everything about the new iOS 18 FaceTime gestures

Hearts

Simply make a heart gesture using both hands and you’ll see a bunch of heart-like balloons pop up on the screen and float to the top. You will of course need both hands free for this gesture and so this can only be used with a device that is mounted or fixed in place.

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Thumbs-up and thumbs-down

A simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down gesture which you can make with any hand throws up a large, thumbs-up or thumbs-down emoji on the screen in a thought bubble of sorts. This essentially gives a clearer visual for your reaction.

Fireworks

A double thumbs-up gesture will result in fireworks and rockets popping off on the screen while you chat.

Rain

A double thumbs-down — i.e. you make a thumbs-down gesture with both hands — results in rain clouds and heavy rain filling up the screen.

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Balloons

Throwing up a victory or V sign with your fingers will have balloons emerge all around you and float to the top of the display! It’s a nice, celebratory gesture that’s great for birthdays.

Confetti

In a similar vein to balloons, throwing up a victory symbol with both hands results in animated confetti and party poppers blowing up all around you. Again, this is perfect for celebrations.

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Laser burst

If you’re in a party mood, throw up your index finger and little finger to make the horns sign! This will result in a burst of dancing lasers flooding the screen for a proper party vibe.

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Do note that all Facetime gestures are available on devices running iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and tvOS 18 (with a connected camera). Some of these gestures are available on older OS versions as well, but older devices may not always be compatible with newer devices and features.

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