Whether it’s a surprise FaceTime call from your boss or a quick chat with friends, we’ve all had moments where our background isn’t exactly call-ready. Maybe there’s clutter behind you, someone walking by, or you’re just somewhere you’d rather not share. Thankfully, Apple makes it easy to blur your background in FaceTime using Portrait Mode, keeping the focus on you—not your surroundings.
In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through how to blur your FaceTime background on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, including compatibility, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips.
What Is FaceTime’s Portrait Mode?
FaceTime’s Portrait Mode is a built-in feature that uses advanced software to create a shallow depth-of-field effect—blurring everything behind you while keeping your face crisp and clear. Think of it like Portrait mode in the iPhone Camera app, but in real-time during video calls.
This not only enhances your on-camera appearance but also protects your privacy, whether you’re in a public place, in a messy room, or simply want to keep distractions to a minimum.
Compatible Devices That Support FaceTime Background Blur
Before you jump in, you’ll need to check if your device supports this feature.
iPhone and iPad Requirements:
You need iOS 15 or later and a device with at least an A12 Bionic chip. Here’s what works:
- iPhone XR, XS, XS Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd gen or later)
- iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series
- iPhone 16e
- iPad mini 5th gen or later
- iPad 8th gen or later
- iPad Air 3rd gen or later
- iPad Pro 11″ and 12.9″ (3rd gen or newer)
Mac Requirements:
- macOS Monterey or later
- Apple Silicon chip (M1 or newer)
How to Blur Background in FaceTime on iPhone or iPad
You can enable Portrait Mode either before or during a FaceTime call.
Method 1: Turn On Blur During a Call
- Start or join a FaceTime call.
- Tap your video tile to make it bigger.
- Tap the Portrait Mode (ƒ) icon.
- Your background will instantly blur. Tap it again to turn it off.
Method 2: Enable Before the Call via Control Center
- Open the FaceTime app.
- Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center.
- If you are on iOS 18, tap the FaceTime Controls at the top. If you are on iOS 15, tap the “Video Effects” tile.
- Tap “Portrait” under FaceTime to enable background blur.
Join the call—your background will already be blurred.
Bonus Tip: Portrait Mode also works in other apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, Instagram, and Messenger (on iOS 15 and later), offering a consistent background blur across video calls.
How to Blur Background in FaceTime on Mac
Enabling Portrait Mode is just as simple on a Mac with Apple Silicon (M1 or later). Here’s how to do it during a FaceTime call:
- Open the FaceTime app.
- Click the FaceTime icon in the menu bar.
- Click Portrait to blur your background. Click again to turn it off.
On older macOS versions: Open Control Center, and toggle Portrait Mode from there.
Once enabled, it stays on for future calls unless you turn it off manually.
Related: How to record FaceTime with audio on iPhone, iPad and Mac
Can’t Find the Portrait Mode Option?
If the Portrait toggle is missing, here are the likely reasons:
- Your device doesn’t have the A12 Bionic chip or newer.
- Your device is running an older version of iOS or macOS.
- Intel-based Macs do not support Portrait Mode in FaceTime.
Make Every FaceTime Call Cleaner and More Private
Apple’s Portrait Mode in FaceTime gives you a quick way to elevate your video calls—no need to clean up or stress about your background. Whether you’re calling from your home, a coffee shop, or the backseat of a car, you can stay in focus and blur out the rest with just one tap.
So next time you’re mid-call and realize your laundry’s in full view—or you just want more privacy—turn on Portrait Mode. It’s one of those little features that make a big difference.
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