What is f Icon on FaceTime

FaceTime is Apple’s default app used for video and audio calls with other iPhone users. With each iteration of the iOS, the FaceTime app features are also updated. The features released for FaceTime were not appealing enough until Apple released iOS 17.

The latest iOS unveiled many features related to FaceTime, such as sending emojis using hand gestures. One important thing you will notice is a big f icon at the corner while starting the FaceTime video call. This is not something new; it has been present in the FaceTime app since iOS 15. In this guide, I will uncover what the f icon is in the FaceTime app and how to use and manage it.

• The f icon on FaceTime means Focus is essentially used to blur the background while having a video call.
• The f icon replaced the portrait icon from iOS 16.
• The blur settings can be managed from the Control Center.

What is f on FaceTime?

The f in the FaceTime app signifies the Focus, and it is used to toggle the background blur. It is also called Portrait or Focus mode.

It was introduced for devices that support iOS 15 or later. However, in the older versions of iOS, this f was a portrait icon and termed portrait mode. But in iOS 17, the portrait mode icon is replaced with the f icon. It essentially performs the same operation that blurs the background. It is available for devices that support iOS 17 or later and macOS Monterey and later.

How to Use It?

The f icon enables the portrait mode, only when you are calling someone.

1. Open the FaceTime app from the Home screen or search it by tapping on the search icon on the screen.

2. Start a FaceTime video call.

3. Tap on the camera portion to make it bigger.

4. Tap on the f button, if it is white then it will turn black meaning the portrait mode is enabled and the background has been blurred. Tap on it again to disable it.

How to Adjust the Portrait Settings?

The portrait blur can be managed from the control center.

1. While on a FaceTime call, swipe down to bring up the Control Center.

2. Now, tap on the Video Effects option.

3. Here, you will see two settings: the Portrait and Studio Light. Tap on 3 dots to bring up the slider to adjust the focus and blur settings.

Other Icons on FaceTime

Apart from the f icon, there are some other icons as well on FaceTime.

• Star Icon
• Camera Flip Icon
• Expand/Contract Icon

The Star icon is used to add effects to your video, for example, to replace the face with memoji, or add stickers and text on your screen. The Camera icon provides the functionality to toggle between the front-facing and rear-facing camera views, allowing users to easily switch perspectives as needed. The last one is an Expand/Contract; icon as the name suggests, it contracts your camera frame. Tapping on the small frame automatically expands it.

Conclusion

The f icon on FaceTime is called Focus, used to add blur to the background during a video call. This icon replaces the portrait icon from the previous iOS release. This article is a guide on what the f icon is on FaceTime and how to use it. Moreover, I also explain other FaceTime icons and their functionality.