How to blur the background in FaceTime video calls in iOS 15
The iOS 15 update has seen a drastic update to many of the staple iOS applications and FaceTime is one of them. Of the many features added to the current version of FaceTime, is one titled Portrait Mode. Through this feature, a user can blur their background during a Facetime video call.
This is effective, especially during meetings or any conversation where there is a lot of disturbance in the background or if you are worried about your personal information and do not want to show where you are located.
However, this new feature of blurring the background does not stop there, you can now even blur the background while on a video call using third-party apps such as Snapchat, Whatsapp, Instagram, and so on.
This new feature of background blur along with other features now available on Facetime elevates the status of Facetime to its video conferencing competitors like Skype and Zoom.
If you want to learn how to blur your background while on Facetime, then this is the article for you. Through this article, we will give you a step-by-step rundown of how exactly to achieve this feature.
Devices that support Portrait mode.
Before you try switching to portrait mode, you need to ensure that your device supports this new feature. Listed below are the devices that support this new feature.
- iPhone XS series
- iPhone SE 2020
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
How to blur the background in FaceTime video calls in iOS 15
- Switch on your iPhone and open the Facetime app.
- Get on a video call with any contact. Please note that this is just to show you how to enable this feature, so call someone close to you, so you can get the hang of how to do this, next time you are on an actual call.
- Your video view will be displayed on the bottom corner of your window. Click on it.
- In doing so, it will expand, and different options will be displayed.
- The Portrait Mode icon will be displayed in the upper left corner of your video window. The icon is the silhouette of a person against a white background, click on it to enable portrait mode.
- Once you have clicked it, the Portrait Mode will be applied, this will automatically bring your face into focus and blur the background of your video.
How to blur the background in third party video calling in iOS 15
As mentioned earlier, this feature of blurring the background is not limited to Facetime anymore. The Portrait mode can now be found on any video calling app.
This feature can easily be accessed as it is found in the control center. To blur the background in third-party video calling apps such as Whatsapp, Snapchat, or Instagram, follow the instructions below.
- Switch on your phone and open any video calling app.
- Get on a video call with any contact. Please note that this is just to show you how to enable this feature, so call someone close to you, so you can get the hang of how to do this, next time you are on an actual call.
- While on the video call, open the Control Center. This is done differently depending on whether the phone is a Face ID or a Touch ID.
- For an iPhone that uses Face ID, you can access the Control Center by simply swiping down from the upper right corner of your window.
- For an iPhone that uses Touch ID, swipe upwards from the bottom of your screen to access the Control Store.
- Once the control Centre is open, 3D touch or long-press the tile titled Video Effects.
- The Portrait Mode icon will be displayed. The icon is the silhouette of a person against a white background, click on it to enable portrait mode.
- Once this is done, tap on anywhere in the blank space, this will return you to your call.
- You can check if the background is now clear and if your face is in focus.
Please note: When you see the Video Effects option, there will also be an option that is titled Mic Mode.
Like Portrait Mode, this is a new feature that is available since the new iOS 15 updates. Clicking on this button will permit you to choose between two options, namely, Wide Spectrum and Voice Isolation.
While Wide Spectrum does not filter the background noise around you, the Voice Isolation feature does not allow background noise and amplifies your voice.
Conclusion
These were our suggestions on how to blur the backgrounds on your iPhone for FaceTime and in other third-party apps. To do this you need to switch on the Portrait Mode feature.
This icon can be found on your Control Centre while video calling via third-party apps, and on the video window on the Facetime app. We have also listed the phones that support the Portrait Feature.
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