iPhone owners are just realizing secret ‘hand signals’ unlock hidden feature in your FaceTime app
YOU can unlock secret FaceTime features by doing hand signals.
The feature was added to the iPhone chat app in mid-September, but you might not have noticed.
It’s a new trick called Reactions that is available on FaceTime video calls.
They’re animated effects that will only appear if you do the right hand symbol.
For instance, you could send a flurry of hearts or a floating thumbs-up symbol.
Once you work out how to do them, you’ll be able to activate them at a moment’s notice.
How to do a Reaction on iPhone FaceTime
First, you’ll need to make sure that you’ve got iOS 17 installed.
That’s the new iOS update from Apple, and is only available on newer iPhone models.
If you’ve bought an iPhone in the past few years, you’ll likely be eligible.
To check if it’s installed (or to download it), just go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone.
Now launch a video call in the FaceTime app and try out a Reaction.
Make sure the iPhone is far enough away from the phone so that your camera can clearly see symbols you make with your hands.
You’ll need to choose one of the eight available Reactions to try.
Here’s the list of Reactions:
- Hearts: Use both hands to make a heart side
- Balloons: Show a peace sign with your fingers (in a V shape)
- Thumbs Up: Just hold a thumb up
- Thumbs Down: Simply hold a thumb down
- Rain: Just hold two thumbs down
- Confetti: Make two peace signs with your fingers
- Fireworks: Hold two thumbs up
- Lasers: Make devil-horn signs with both hands
Some of these symbols require using two hands.
If that’s the case, you’ll need to prop your iPhone up so that the camera can see both hands.
Some of the symbols might not work instantly – you’ll need to hold them for a second or two.
If you’re struggling to make a reaction happen, try moving to somewhere with more light.