How to Trigger All the New FaceTime Reaction Effects in iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma

FaceTime just got a lot more fun.

In iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma, Apple added some awesome reaction effects you can trigger with nothing but your hands. We’re talking hearts, balloons, confetti, even fireworks—all without touching a single button.

Here’s how it works—and how to turn them off if things get a little too wild on your next work call.

👐 How to Trigger FaceTime Reactions with Hand Gestures

When you’re on a FaceTime video call, try these physical gestures on camera (make sure your hands are visible and away from your face):

“Rock on” (🤘) sign with both hands 🔫 Laser Beams

🎭 Gesture	🎉 Effect
Make a heart shape with both hands	❤️ Love (Heart emoji)
Thumbs up	👍 Like (Thumbs up)
Two thumbs up	🎆 Fireworks
One thumbs down	👎 Dislike (Thumbs down)
Two thumbs down	🌧️ Rain Cloud
One peace/victory sign	(✌️) 🎈 Balloons
Two peace/victory signs	🎊 Confetti
“Rock on” (🤘) sign with both hands	🔫 Laser Beams

Alternative Method: Tap to Trigger

Here’s how to “Tap to Trigger” the reaction effects.

1. Long press yourself in the FaceTime window.

2. Select your Reaction from the pop-up menu.

Perfect if you don’t want to wave your hands around like you’re at a concert.

How to Turn Off FaceTime Reactions (iPhone & iPad)

If you’re on a work call or just want to keep it professional, here’s how to disable reactions:

1. Open FaceTime on your iPhone or iPad.

2. Swipe down from the top-right (or swipe up if using Touch ID).

3. Tap “Effects” in Control Center.

4. Tap “Reactions” to turn them off (it should no longer be highlighted).

5. Swipe up twice to return to FaceTime.

How to Control Reactions on Mac (macOS Sonoma)

On Mac, FaceTime reactions work just like on iPhone, but they live in the FaceTime menu bar now:

Click the green FaceTime icon in your menu bar while on a call.

Use the Reaction buttons to trigger effects manually or disable them by clicking the Reactions toggle.

No Control Center required—just right in the menu bar.

Final Tip

These effects aren’t just for FaceTime—third-party apps can use them too, so expect to see them pop up in Zoom, Teams, or other video apps soon.

So go ahead, throw up that double peace sign, drop some confetti, or hit ’em with lasers—just maybe turn it off before your next quarterly report.

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Eric Sandler

Chief Writer at WiFi Planet

Eric Sandler is a veteran US tech writer with over 25 years of experience covering the latest advancements in the world of technology. From groundbreaking innovations to in-depth reviews, Eric has built a reputation for delivering insightful, reliable content. His work spans across a variety of tech topics, including smartphones, gadgets, AI, and more, making him a trusted voice in the industry.