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You're trying to call someone via FaceTime, but they're not answering. In the past, you'd have to simply hang up the call. But thanks to iOS 17/iPadOS 17, you can now leave a message.

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With a FaceTime audio call, you're able to leave a voicemail. With a video call, you can record a message with your device's camera. For this option to work, both you and the other person must be running iOS 17/iPadOS 17 or higher.

How to leave a FaceTime message 

1. Update your device

First, install the latest OS update on your iPhone or iPad. Go to Settings, select General, and then tap Software Updates. Tap the Install or Update button and follow the steps to download and install the new version. Confirm that the person you wish to call has updated their device as well.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/

2. Place an audio call

Let's try an audio call first. To test this out, make sure the other person won't pick up the call. Open FaceTime on your device and tap the button for 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 place an audio call and then choose the option for FaceTime Audio if it pops up.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/

3. Leave a voice message

After enough time has gone by without the call being answered, a message announces that your call has been forwarded to voicemail and that the person you're trying to reach is not available. You're instructed to record your message at the sound of the tone. Record your message. When done, tap the X button to hang up.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/

4. Access the voicemail

The other person receives a notification on their device of the voicemail from your FaceTime audio call. Opening the FaceTime app also notifies them of the voicemail. Tapping the notification of the voicemail brings them to the Voicemail screen of the Phone app where they can see a transcription of the message and play its audio.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/

5. Set up an option for a live voicemail

You can also set an option to view a live transcription of the voicemail as it's being recorded. This can be a helpful way to prescreen certain calls and decide whether or not to answer them based on the live voicemail. To enable this on your phone, go to Settings, select Phone, tap Live Voicemail, and then turn on the switch for this option.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/

Also: How to use iOS 17's 'Live Voicemail' transcriptions, and which iPhones support it

6. View a live voicemail

Let's say a FaceTime audio call comes through and you're undecided about answering it. Tap the small phone icon at the top of the screen. A live transcription of the voicemail then appears as the words are being recorded. From there, you can answer the call or hang up.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/

7. Place a video call

Now, let's try a video call. Open FaceTime and tap the button for 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 place a video call.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/

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8. Leave a video message

After enough time goes by with the call unanswered, tap the button for Record Video. Following the countdown, record your video message and then tap the red button when you're done.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/

9. Review or retake the video

After you've recorded your video message, you can play it to review it. If you don't like it, tap Retake to record a new message. Otherwise, tap the arrow to send the recording to the other person.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/

Also: How to FaceTime on Android

10. Play the video

The person you called receives a notification of a FaceTime video. Tapping the notification at the home screen or in the FaceTime app takes them to a screen where they can play the video. They can also save the video to their Photos library and send you a text message with a response.

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/

See also

How to better organize text messages on your iPhone, thanks to iOS 17How to transfer data from Android to an iPhone: 2 simple and fast waysHow to turn on 80% charging limit on the iPhone 15 to save battery healthHow to leave a FaceTime voice or video message when your call goes unanswered

• How to better organize text messages on your iPhone, thanks to iOS 17
• How to transfer data from Android to an iPhone: 2 simple and fast ways
• How to turn on 80% charging limit on the iPhone 15 to save battery health
• How to leave a FaceTime voice or video message when your call goes unanswered