In iOS 17, you can leave an audio or video message when the other party doesn’t pick up your FaceTime call.
For this to work, the other person must be running iOS 17, iPadOS 17, Sonoma, or later.
Record a video message
- Initiate a FaceTime call with the individual to whom you intend to deliver a message. You can do this by opening FaceTime, tapping New FaceTime and entering a person’s phone number or selecting their contact, then selecting the FaceTime button at the bottom.
- Wait until you see "Contact Name Is Unavailable."
- Tap Record Video, wait for the countdown (from 5 to 1), then record your message.
- After completing the video, you are presented with the choice to either Send it or Retake it.
- Tap the Up button to send your recorded message, or tap Retake to rerecord the message. You can also tap Save to save it to Photos.
Once the video message has been sent, the recipient will find it in the missed call log within their FaceTime app. From there, they will have the option to either call you back directly or save the video to their Photos.
The process of recording and sending a video message is straightforward and intuitive, making it accessible even to those who are not tech-savvy. The option to retake the video before sending it gives users the chance to ensure they are conveying exactly what they want to.
Leave a voicemail
If someone doesn’t pick up your FaceTime audio call, and the other person has Live Voicemail turned on in Settings > Phone, you’re prompted to leave a voicemail.
If you decide to leave a voicemail, your message is transcribed on their screen as you speak, letting the other party know what you’re calling about and giving them a chance to pick up your call.
Please note: Live Voicemail is available only in English in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) and Canada.
