FaceTime: how to leave a voice or video message when your call goes unanswered

You try to call someone via FaceTime, but the person does not answer. Previously, you just had to hang up the call. But thanks to iOS 17/iPadOS 17, you can now leave a message.

During a FaceTime audio call, you can leave a voice message. In the case of a video call, you can record a message using your device’s camera. For this option to work, you and your interlocutor must be using iOS 17/iPadOS 17 or later.

1. Update your device

Start by installing the latest operating system update on your iPhone or iPad. Go to Settings, select General, then touch Software update. Follow the steps to download and install the new version of the operating system. Make sure that the person you want to call has also updated their device.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

2. Make an audio call

Let’s try to make an audio call first. To do this, make sure that your interlocutor will not pick up the phone. Open FaceTime on your device and press the button New FaceTime. Start typing the name, phone number or email address of the person you want to call and select them from the suggestions. Tap the phone icon to make an audio call, then choose the option FaceTime Audio if it is displayed.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

3. Leave a voice message

After a while without an answer, a message announces that your call has been transferred to voicemail and that the person you are trying to reach is not available. You are invited to record your message to the sound of the dial tone. Save your message. When you are done, press the cross key (X) to hang up.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

4. Access voicemail

The other person receives a notification on their device from the voicemail of your FaceTime audio call. Opening the FaceTime application also informs him of the presence of the voice message. By pressing the notification of the voice message, the other person accesses the screen of his mobile voice mailbox, where he can see the transcription of the message and listen to the sound.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

5. Configure an option for a live voicemail

You can also set an option to view a live transcript of the voicemail while it is being recorded. This can be useful for preselecting certain calls and deciding whether or not to answer them based on the content heard live. But be careful, this function Live Voicemail of transcription is available in English but not yet in French at the time of writing this guide.

To set up this option on your phone, go to Settings, select Phone and activate the Live Voicemail switch.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

6. See a live voice message

Let’s imagine that a FaceTime audio call comes to you and that you are undecided as to the answer to make it. Tap the small phone icon at the top of the screen. A live transcription of the voice message is then displayed as the words are recorded. From there, you can answer the call or hang up. Again, this feature is not yet available in English.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

7. Make a video call

Now let’s try to make a video call. Open FaceTime and press the button New FaceTime. Start typing the name, phone number or email address of the person you want to call and select them from the suggestions. Tap the green FaceTime icon to make a video call.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

8. Leave a video message

After the call has gone unanswered for a while, you will be able to press the video recording button. After the countdown, record your video message and press the red button when finished.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

9. Revise or retake the video

Once you have recorded your video message, you can listen to it to review it. If you don’t like it, a button allows you to resume a new message. Otherwise, press the arrow to send the recording to the other person.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

10. Play the video

The person you called receives a FaceTime video notification. By tapping the notification on the home screen or in the FaceTime app, she gets to a screen where she can play the video. She can also save the video in her Photo library and send you a text message to answer you.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

Source: “ZDNet.com “