It is time to turn to grid view if your group calls are still a jumble. Here’s how to use grid view on FaceTime in iOS.

FaceTime for groups was a game-changer for virtual hangouts all around the world. However, the group FaceTime interface was a little befuddling, with a smattering of different-sized bubbles floating around and no clear indication of who was speaking. Group FaceTime calls were problematic prior to iOS 15. People were represented by icons that resized or popped about the screen in various sizes. You could not tell who was talking or where everyone was.

FaceTime on iOS 15 introduced Grid View, which eliminates this minor but annoying issue. When you use Grid View, your video chat participants are organized into clean squares across your screen, with a white outline around the box of whoever is speaking. So, you must know how to use grid view on FaceTime in iOS.

Do you know what’s the best part? You don’t have to terminate the connection to dig through your phone settings because everything is right there in the FaceTime interface.

Here’s how to use grid view on FaceTime in iOS:

Make sure you are on a group FaceTime call before activating Grid Mode.

Grid Mode is also accessible on single FaceTimes, although it looks exactly the same. Make sure you are FaceTapping with at least three other individuals to get the full experience.

We are going to presume that everyone in this room knows how to set up a FaceTime group. However, in case you need a refresher, here’s what you need to know:

You may either open your favorite group chat and just select the FaceTime symbol in the upper right corner to video call everyone in the chat, or go to your FaceTime app, tap “New FaceTime,” and enter the name of the person you want to contact. Now it’s time to learn how to use grid view on FaceTime in iOS.

How to Use Grid View on FaceTime in iOS?

You will need to be on a FaceTime chat with at least three other individuals to activate grid view. When people chat, their faces will be dispersed throughout the screen as different-sized tiles. To use grid view on FaceTime in iOS follow these steps:

  • A FaceTime call can be started or joined.
  • Tap the top of the screen to enlarge the call toolbar. (This applies to both the iPhone and Android/Windows browser versions.) You will find mute, video on/off, and SharePlay options at the top of your screen. The name of the call (if made over a FaceTime link) or the names of the participants on the call should be placed first and foremost in the settings. On a new screen, tap it to explore other call options.
  • Grid will display in the lower left corner of iPhones. Check the upper right corner of your iPad
  • Tap Grid option. If it is turned on, the option will turn white.
  • After you have tapped “Done,” you can relax and enjoy your well-planned group FaceTime call.

Grid Look will not automatically stay on for all of your group calls, which can be a pain if you prefer this view. You may always go back to the call settings and turn the function off if you prefer the chaotic bubbles for any reason. This is how you can use grid view on FaceTime in iOS.

Why am I unable to use grid view on FaceTime in iOS?

There are a few reasons why your tiles are not in grids or why you can not turn on grid view:

  • At least 4 people must join the facetime call. When there are four or more persons, the Grid option shows.
  • On the phone, there are  too many individuals. FaceTime can handle up to 32 people in a group, however iPhones only show the first six calls in a grid.
  • Your device requires an upgrade. On your iPhone or iPad, you will need iOS 15 to use grid view.
  • It is possible that there is a flaw in this functionality. Grid view is not causing any issues for users, although iOS 15 is still a new release.
  • iOS 15 is not compatible with your device. You will not be able to see a grid view if you can not update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 15. After a few years, Apple stops supporting older devices.

Other new features introduced on FaceTime

1. Spatial audio

The FaceTime app now has a new spatial audio isolation feature that dramatically reduces background noise. A person utilizing a loud leaf blower behind the person on the phone is shown in an Apple demo. Only their words can be heard when the new isolation function is turned on.

Wide spectrum: A comparable but opposed improvement employs 3D audio processing to capture more of the environment around a speaker and help you feel as though you are in the same room.

2. Portrait mode

Portrait mode in FaceTime will give you a nicely blurred background on your FaceTime chats using the depth-sensing cameras on iPhones, iPads, and the latest iMacs. Zoom has a similar capability, but it is solely software-based, so we have seen an upgrade in Apple’s version in terms of how well you are “cut out” of your surroundings.

3. SharePlay

Over FaceTime, you may use SharePlay to view movies or listen to music in perfect rhythm with your friends and family. Let us say you want to see Shrek with your buddies (who wouldn’t?). SharePlay allows the movie to start at the same moment on both of your devices (iPad, iPhone, Mac, or Apple TV), simulating the experience of watching it in the same room. You may pause and rewind whatever you are watching on the FaceTime connection, and you can AirPlay the movie to your Apple TV using your phone or iPad simply for the FaceTime conversation.

FAQs

On FaceTime, how can I mute myself?

To make the user interface visible, press the screen, then tap Mute in the toolbar (the microphone symbol). Unmute yourself by tapping it again. If your audio is not working on FaceTime then go check and unmute yourself.

On an iOS 15 group FaceTime, how do I flip the camera?

Expand the screen by on your video thumbnail, then press Flip (the camera icon) in the lower-right corner to close it. To use FaceTime in portrait mode, tap the Portrait symbol in the upper left corner.

How do I look up my FaceTime call history using my Apple ID?

To operate and improve Apple’s products and services, Apple may collect and retain some information about your use of  FaceTime:
Apple may keep information about your use of iMessage and FaceTime in a way that does not personally identify you when you use the services. Apple may record and keep information about FaceTime calls for up to 30 days, including who was invited to a call and your device’s network configurations. Apple does not keep track of whether or not a call is answered, and it does not have access to the content of your calls.

Also, Check out what other features iOS 15 has to offer to you here;

Best 10 Hidden Features in iOS 15

Bottom Line

From this guide, you can use learn how to use grid view on FaceTime in iOS.

With friends and family spread around the globe, group FaceTime chats are essential. The new grid layout highlights the active speaker and displays every one on the call on the screen, making it easy to know who is on. It looks similar to Zoom’s Gallery view and will be useful for anyone trying to coordinate family group calls or team meetings using FaceTime.