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iPhone

The iPhone is a smartphone from Apple that runs the iOS mobile operating system. Between its apps, communication features, the camera, mobile internet access, and other functionalities, the iPhone has quickly become an integral part of many peoples tech lives.

How to use the music player controls on iPhone

by Emily Long

You can play and control music in the Music app in two different ways—the MiniPlayer and the Now Playing screen. The MiniPlayer shows the song that’s currently playing, and the Now Playing screen lets you adjust the volume, scrub to any point in a song, and stream music to Bluetooth® or AirPlay-enabled devices.

Quick tip: To navigate between tracks, swipe left or right across a track’s title in the MiniPlayer or the Now Playing screen.

Use the MiniPlayer

Besides showing the song that’s currently playing, the MiniPlayer can play or pause music and skip to the next track.

The Library tab, showing the MiniPlayer near the bottom. The MiniPlayer shows the title of the song that’s playing. The Pause and Next Track buttons are to the right of the song title. Tap the MiniPlayer to open the Now Playing screen.

Use the controls in the Now Playing screen

The Now Playing screen showing the various controls and buttons.

  1. Open the Music app on your iPhone.
  2. While a song is playing, tap the MiniPlayer to open the Now Playing screen.
  3. Do any of the following:

    • Adjust the volume: Drag the volume slider.

      You can also use the volume buttons on the side of iPhone.

    • Scrub to any point in a song: Drag the playhead.
    • Go to the artist, album, or playlist: Tap the artist name below the song title. Choose an option.
    • Turn animated album cover art on or off: Open Settings, tap Apps and tap Music. Tap Animated Art and choose an option.

Tap any of these buttons for more control over your music:

Control Description
Dismiss Now Playing Screen button Dismiss the Now Playing screen.
Favorite button Mark the song as a favorite.
More button Tap for more options.
Shuffle button Tap to play your songs in random order (shuffle).
Repeat button Tap to repeat an album, playlist, or the entire queue. (Or double-tap to repeat a single song.)
AutoPlay button Tap to use AutoPlay, which adds similar songs and plays them at the end of the queue.
AutoMix button Tap to use AutoMix, which seamlessly transitions between songs, like a DJ. (Available for Apple Music subscribers.)
Crossfade button Tap to use Crossfade, which fades in each song (gradually increase its volume) while the previous song is fading out.
Translation and Pronunciation button Tap when you need help pronouncing or translating the lyrics. This button only appears when a translation or pronunciation is available that matches your iPhone device’s Preferred Languages list. (You can view this list and add languages directly to it in Settings > General > Language & Region.) Not available in all languages.
Previous Track button Go back to the beginning of the song. Tap again to play the previous song in an album or playlist. Touch and hold to rewind through the current song.
Pause button Pause playback.
Play button Play the current song.
Next Track button Skip to the next song. Touch and hold to fast-forward through the current song.
Lyrics button Show time-synced lyrics (lyrics not available for all songs).
Playback Destination button Stream music to Bluetooth or AirPlay-enabled devices.
Playing Next button Show the queue.

Stream music to Bluetooth® or AirPlay-enabled devices

  1. Open the Music app on your iPhone.
  2. While a song is playing, tap the MiniPlayer to open the Now Playing screen.
  3. Tap the Playback Destination button and then choose a device.

Note: The same music can play on multiple AirPlay 2-enabled devices, like two or more HomePod speakers. It’s also possible to pair two sets of AirPods to one iPhone so you and a friend can enjoy the same song or movie together.

Tag: Music
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How to use Continuity to work across Apple devices

by Chris Smith

When you use your iPhone with another Apple device, like your Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch, you can take advantage of special Continuity features that let you use your devices in unique ways. You can work across your devices, hand off tasks, share files and photos, stream video and audio, and more.

There’s no additional app you need to install. Continuity features are built directly into your devices’ operating systems and many of the apps you use every day, so you just sign in to the same Apple Account on each device to get started.

Note: Continuity features have minimum system requirements, and some of them require Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®.

A Mac is next to an iPhone. The AirDrop dialog is open on the Mac desktop, ready to share a document with the iPhone. The iPhone screen has a notification about receiving the document.

Quickly share content between devices

Share photos, videos, contacts, and more, with anyone on an Apple device near you. AirDrop makes sharing between iPhone, iPad, and Mac as simple as dragging and dropping. Use AirDrop to send items to nearby Apple devices

A MacBook Pro using an iPhone as a webcam and showing a FaceTime conversation.

Use your iPhone camera with your Mac

You can use your iPhone as your Mac computer’s webcam or microphone with a feature called Continuity Camera. You can also use video effects when using your iPhone as a webcam, like Desk View. Use your iPhone as a webcam on Mac

The iPhone Mirroring app appears on a Mac computer desktop.

Control your iPhone from your Mac

Control your iPhone from your Mac and receive iPhone notifications and Live Activities on your Mac, so you never miss a thing. Control your iPhone from your Mac

Even more Continuity features

Copy and paste Copy text, images, photos, and videos from one Apple device and paste them on another device with Universal Clipboard. Copy and paste between your iPhone and other Apple devices

Hand off tasks Start a task—like creating a document, writing an email, or browsing the web—on one device and pick up where you left off on another device with Handoff. Hand off tasks between your iPhone and your other devices

Insert sketches, photos, and scans Take a picture or scan a document with your iPhone camera and have it appear instantly on your Mac. Insert sketches, photos, and scans from your iPhone on Mac

Stream to a larger screen Share videos, music, photos, and more from your iPhone to your Mac, an Apple TV 4K, or an AirPlay 2-enabled TV. Stream video and audio from your iPhone with AirPlay

Answer calls and send texts from your iPad or Mac Relay calls from your iPhone and send and receive texts on your iPad or Mac. Use iPhone to allow calls and text messages on your iPad and Mac

Share your Wi-Fi Connect your Mac to the internet using the Personal Hotspot on your iPhone. Share your internet connection from your iPhone

Other ways to use your devices together

Continuity features aren’t the only option for using your Mac with your other Apple devices, since you can also:

Note: To use iPhone Mirroring, it must be available in your country or region. iPhone Mirroring isn’t currently available in the European Union.

Tag: Continuity
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How to share or delete memories in Photos on iPhone

by Dave Johnson

You can share memory movies and the photos and videos that appear in them with friends and family. You can also delete memories and identify content in memories that you’d like to feature less.

You can share a memory movie directly, or play it with AirPlay to watch together. And you can feature people, places, or days in a memory less often.

Here’s how to share or delete memories in Photos on iPhone.

Share a memory movie

You can share a memory movie with friends and family directly, or watch it together by playing it with AirPlay.

  1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Collections.
  3. Swipe left under Memories to scroll through a selection of your memories, or tap Memories to view them all.
  4. Tap the Play button in the bottom-right corner of a memory to play it.
  5. As the memory plays, tap the screen, tap the More button at the top of the screen. Do any of the following:
    • Share a memory using AirDrop, Messages, or Mail: Tap Share, then choose a sharing option.
    • Play on a nearby device using AirPlay: Tap AirPlay and choose an available device.

Share photos and videos from a memory

  1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Collections.
  3. Swipe left under Memories to scroll through a selection of your memories, or tap Memories to view them all.
  4. Tap a memory, then tap Select.
  5. Tap the items you want to share, or tap Select All and then tap the Share button.

Feature people, places, or days in a memory less often

For subjects in a memory you’d like to see less often, like a specific day, a person, or a place, there’s an option to identify them for your memories and featured photos in the Photos app.

  1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Collections.
  3. Swipe left under Memories to scroll through a selection of your memories, or tap Memories to view them all.
  4. Touch and hold a memory, then tap Feature Less.
  5. Depending on the memory, select one of the following:
    • Feature This Day Less
    • Feature This Place Less
    • Feature a Person Less

To reset, open the Photos app, tap Collections, tap your account in the top-right corner, then tap Reset Suggested Memories.

Delete a memory

  1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Collections.
  3. Swipe left under Memories to scroll through a selection of your memories, or tap Memories to view them all.
  4. Touch and hold a memory, then tap Delete Memory.
Tag: Photos
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How to use Maps on iPhone

by Moses Johnson

You can get travel directions using the Maps app, the Maps widget, Siri, CarPlay, or other devices. You can even get them on your Mac before you leave.

Directions can start from any spot on the map, or from a location in the search field. You can also use the Maps widget, or get directions using CarPlay, your Mac, or your Apple Watch.

Here’s how to use Maps on iPhone.

Note: Not all features are available in all countries or regions.

An iPhone showing a map with several driving route options to the same destination. Each route shows the estimated time and distance, and a Go button to start turn-by-turn directions. Color coding on each route indicates traffic conditions.

Important: To get directions, iPhone must be connected to the internet, and Precise Location must be turned on.

Get directions

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPhone.
  2. Touch and hold anywhere on the map or enter a location in the search field.

    You can search for any of the following, for example: An intersection (“8th and Market”) An area (“Greenwich Village”) A landmark (“Guggenheim”) A zip code (“60622”) A business (“movies,” “restaurants San Francisco CA,” “Apple Inc New York”) A request or question (“Find cafes with free Wi-Fi”) Tap the directions button.

    Search in the Maps app.

    • Do one of the following: If your starting point is My Location: Tap Go for the route you want to take.
    • As you travel along your route, Maps speaks turn-by-turn directions to your destination.
    • If your starting point is another location: Tap Steps for the route you want to take.

You can add stops to your route.

Quick tip: Before you lose your internet connection on your route, send yourself a list of upcoming directions or download offline maps.

Use the Maps widget

With the Maps widget on your Home Screen, you can track your ETA during navigation and get directions to a likely destination.

Before you leave, the Maps widget previews your commute so you know what to expect.

The Maps widget, other widgets, and app icons on an iPhone Home Screen.

Get directions using CarPlay, your Mac, or your Apple Watch

In addition to using your iPhone, you can also get directions from the following: Your car: After you connect your iPhone to CarPlay, you can use CarPlay to get driving directions, estimate your arrival time, and more.

  • Your Mac: Before a big trip or a day of cycling, you can plan your route on your Mac, then choose File > Share > Send to [your iPhone].
  • Your Apple Watch: You can use Apple Watch to get driving, walking, transit, and cycling directions, which you can follow on the watch face and your iPhone.

To see directions elsewhere, sign in to your Apple Account and hand off tasks between your iPhone and your other devices.

Siri: You can use Siri to get directions and stay focused on the road.

For example, ask Siri something like, “Find a charging station” or “Give me directions home.”

Tag: Maps
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How to make your iPhone your own

by Kevin Hollington

You can tailor your iPhone to your own interests and preferences. Personalize your Lock Screen, customize the appearance of apps on your Home Screen, keep your favorite features handy, change the sounds and vibrations for calls and messages, and more.

Start with the Home Screen, where app icons and widgets can be small or large, light or dark, clear, or tinted. You can also add widgets to your Home Screen, add personality to your phone calls, and check your privacy settings.

Here’s how to make your iPhone your own.

A customized Home Screen with tinted icons.

Customize your Home Screen

The app icons and widgets on your Home Screen can have a new look and feel: small or large, light or dark, clear, or tinted.

Touch and hold the background on any Home Screen page until the icons jiggle. Tap the Customize button, then tap Customize to choose options for your app icons and widgets. Tap the Large Apps button to make icons bigger or smaller. Tap the Customize button, then tap Edit Wallpaper to select a different background image.

The iPhone Lock Screen showing options to add widgets, adjust the wallpaper and size of the clock, and swap out controls at the bottom of the screen.

Personalize your Lock Screen

Showcase a favorite photo, then turn it into a spatial scene with a depth effect. You can add widgets, too, change the size of the clock, or swap out the controls for options like Voice Memo or Timer.

Touch and hold the Lock Screen, then tap the Add New button. Browse the gallery of wallpaper options, then tap an option to select and customize it.

The iPhone Control Center.

Set your favorite controls

Many iPhone features—like the timer and flashlight—are just a swipe away in Control Center. To quickly open Control Center on an iPhone with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right edge; on an iPhone with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

After you open Control Center, tap the Add New button. Tap Add a Control at the bottom of the screen, then swipe up to view the controls gallery. When you see a control you want to add, tap it.

The Photos, Maps, and Music widgets on the iPhone Home Screen. The Music widget displays interactive features.

Add widgets to your Home Screen

With widgets, it’s easy to see the information that’s most important to you, like upcoming calendar events and the current weather. You can complete tasks with them, too, like checking off an item in your Reminders to-do list or playing a song in Music.

Touch and hold the background on any Home Screen page until the apps jiggle, tap Edit, then tap Add Widget.

The screen to create a unique Contact Poster.

Add personality to your phone calls

A unique call poster of your own personalizes what people see when you call them. Pair your favorite photo, Memoji, or emoji with your preferred font, then add colors to make it pop. Your call poster then appears on the screen of the person you’re calling when you make a phone call.

To get started, open the Contacts app , tap your name at the top of the list, then tap Shared Name and Photo.

The Sounds and Haptics screen in Settings.

Choose sounds and vibrations

Your iPhone can play different sounds and vibrations for phone calls, text messages, calendar alerts, and other notifications. Go to the Settings app , then tap Sounds & Haptics. To set the volume for alarms or alerts separately from the ringtone, turn off Match Ringtone Volume.

You can also change the sounds your iPhone plays for certain people; in the Contacts app , tap a person’s name, tap Edit, then tap Ringtone or Text Tone.

The Accessibility screen in Settings showing the built-in features for Vision support.

Use built-in accessibility features

To support your vision, mobility, hearing, speech, and cognitive needs, your iPhone provides many accessibility features. You can change text size, make it easier to use the touchscreen, control your iPhone using just your voice, and more.

To customize these settings, go to the Settings app , then tap Accessibility.

The Privacy & Security screen in Settings.

Check your privacy settings

iPhone is designed to protect your privacy and information. You can grant or deny apps permission to track your activity across other companies’ apps and websites. To deny requests from apps to track your activity, go to the Settings app , tap Privacy & Security, tap Tracking, then turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track.

These guides cover more ways to make iPhone your own:

According to Apple, not all features are available for all iPhone models.

Tag: iPhone
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iPhone gestures for models with Face ID

by Moses Johnson

Here’s a handy reference to the gestures you use for interacting with an iPhone that has Face ID. They cover how to return to the Home Screen at any time, quickly access controls, open the App Switcher, switch between open apps, use Apple Pay, take a screenshot, use Emergency SOS, and force restart.

Gesture Description
An illustration of iPhone with an arrow that indicates swiping up from the bottom. Go Home. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to return to the Home Screen at any time.
An illustration of iPhone with an arrow that indicates swiping down from the top-right corner. Quickly access controls. Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center; touch and hold a control to reveal more options. To add or remove controls, go to the Settings app, then tap Control Center.
An illustration of iPhone. A line ending with a dot indicates a drag up from the bottom of the screen, then a pause. Open the App Switcher. Swipe up from the bottom edge, pause in the center of the screen, then lift your finger. To browse the open apps, swipe right, then tap the app you want to use.
An illustration of iPhone. A two-headed arrow indicates swiping left or right across the bottom edge of the screen. Switch between open apps. Swipe up from the bottom edge, then swipe right or left.
An illustration of iPhone with an arrow pointing to the side button on the upper right. Use Siri. Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri.” Or press and hold the side button while you ask a question or make a request.
An illustration of iPhone with two arrows indicating double-clicking the side button on the upper right. Use Apple Pay. Double-click the side button to display your default card for Apple Pay, then glance at iPhone to authenticate with Face ID.
An illustration of iPhone with three arrows indicating triple-clicking the side button on the upper right. Use Accessibility Shortcut. Triple-click the side button.
An illustration of iPhone with arrows pointing to the side button on the upper right and the volume up button on the upper left. Take a screenshot. Simultaneously press and quickly release the side button and volume up button.
An illustration of iPhone with arrows pointing to the side button on the upper right and a volume button on the upper left. Use Emergency SOS (all countries or regions except India). Simultaneously press and hold the side button and either volume button until the sliders appear and the countdown on Emergency SOS ends, then release the buttons.
An illustration of iPhone with an arrow that indicates triple-clicking the side button on the upper right. Use Emergency SOS (in India). Quickly press the side button 3 times until the sliders appear and the countdown on Emergency SOS ends. If you’ve turned on Accessibility Shortcut, simultaneously press and hold the side button and either volume button until the sliders appear and the countdown on Emergency SOS ends, then release the buttons.
An illustration of iPhone with arrows pointing to the side button on the upper right and a volume button on the upper left. Turn off. Simultaneously press and hold the side button and either volume button until the sliders appear, then drag the top slider to power off. Or go to the Settings app, tap General, then tap Shut Down.
An illustration of iPhone with arrows pointing to the side button on the upper right and the volume up and volume down buttons on the upper left. Force restart. Press and release the volume up button, press and release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Tag: face id
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How to play podcasts on iPhone

by Abigail Shilets

In the Podcasts app, you can play video and audio podcasts. You can change the playback speed, see what’s playing next, watch or listen to an episode when you’re offline, set a sleep timer, and use other playback controls.

You can also navigate episodes by chapter, discover content mentioned in an episode, and access links shared by podcast creators. Video podcasts even have their own controls in full-screen video mode.

A video podcast in the Podcasts app expanded to full-screen video mode. At the top of the screen are display options and the volume control. The Skip Back, Pause, and Skip Forward buttons appear in the center of the screen. Episode details, the progress bar, and controls for playback speed, enhanced dialogue, and subtitles appear at the bottom of the screen.

Quick tip: In the car, you can listen to podcasts with CarPlay. Vehicle displays that support it also let you watch video podcasts when you’re not driving.

Play a podcast

  1. Start the Podcasts app on your iPhone.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • Find a podcast: Search or browse for an episode.
    • Choose a recently played podcast: Tap Home, then scroll to the Recently Played section.
  3. Tap the Play button below an episode title.

Audio episodes appear in the MiniPlayer, where you can pause, resume playing, or skip ahead. Unless you’ve turned video off in the player, video episodes open directly in the Now Playing screen.

Open the Now Playing screen

  1. Start the Podcasts app on your iPhone.
  2. Play a podcast.
  3. If you’re playing an audio podcast, tap the MiniPlayer at the bottom of the screen to open the Now Playing screen.
  4. In the Now Playing screen, do any of the following:
    • Pause playback: Tap the Pause button.
    • Jump to a specific time: Drag the slider above the playback controls.
    • Switch between video and audio modes: While playing a video podcast, tap Turn Video Off or Turn Video On.
    • Adjust the volume: Touch and hold the volume bar and then slide your finger left or right.
    • Change the playback speed: Tap the Playback Speed button (or the current playback speed) and then select a speed, or swipe left or right to adjust the speed. You can also touch and hold the Playback Speed button (or the current playback speed) and then slide your finger up or down to choose a speed.
    • Hear voices more clearly: Tap the Playback Speed button (or the current playback speed), then tap Enhance Dialogue.
    • Skip back or forward: Tap the Skip Back button to jump back 15 seconds or the Skip Forward button to jump ahead 30 seconds.
    • Jump to a chapter: When chapters are available, tap the Playing Next button, tap the Down arrow next to the name of the current chapter, and choose the chapter you want to play. You can also drag the slider above the playback controls to navigate between chapters, or open the transcript and tap the chapter.
    • Explore other media mentioned in an episode: When a podcast mentions content that’s available in apps such as Music, Apple TV, Books, Podcasts, or News,, it appears as a link. Tap the mentioned item in the player or transcript to view details or access the content.
    • Show or hide the episode transcript: If the View Transcript button or the Hide Transcript button appears, tap the button.
    • Play the video or audio on another device: Tap the AirPlay button.
    • Show or hide the queue: Tap the Playing Next button.
    • Access more options: Tap the More button.
    • Set a sleep timer: Tap the Sleep Timer button and then choose an option.

Use controls in full-screen video mode

Watching a video podcast? You can expand it to fill the whole screen for an immersive viewing experience.

  1. Start the Podcasts app on your iPhone.
  2. Play a video podcast.
  3. Tap the video thumbnail to expand the video to full screen.
  4. Do any of the following:
    • Change the playback speed: Touch and hold the Playback Speed button and then slide your finger up or down to choose a speed.
    • Choose options for subtitles: If you see the Captions button, tap it and choose an option.
    • Stream sound to another device: Tap the AirPlay button.
    • Highlight or copy text that appears in the video: Tap the More button, then tap Show Text. Optionally, tap Copy All to copy the text to the Clipboard.
    • Switch to picture-in-picture view: Tap the Picture-in-Picture Start button.
    • Exit full-screen video mode: Tap the Close button.

Access episode links

  1. Start the Podcasts app on your iPhone.
  2. Search or browse for an episode.
  3. On the episode page, tap a highlighted link to open the content.

Choose what to play next

To watch or listen to episodes later, add them to your queue.

  1. Start the Podcasts app on your iPhone.
  2. Find a podcast.
  3. Tap the More button for an episode and choose Play Next or Add to Queue.
  4. Tap the Playing Next button in the Now Playing screen. If you don’t see the Playing Next button, tap the MiniPlayer near the bottom of the screen to open the Now Playing screen.
  5. In the Queue section, do any of the following:
    • Play an episode: Tap the episode. The next episode in the queue plays immediately after the previous episode finishes.
    • Reorder episodes: Drag the Reorder button to move an episode up or down in the list.
    • Remove an episode from the queue: Swipe left on the episode, then tap Remove.
    • Remove all episodes from the queue: Tap Clear.

If you watch or listen to multiple episodes of a show in a row, additional episodes appear in the Continue Playing section of the Now Playing screen. These episodes play after the ones you added to the Queue section, so you can easily pick up where you left off in a show. You can also tap an episode in Continue Playing to start watching or listening right away.

Tag: Podcasts
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How to use SharePlay to watch, listen, and play together in FaceTime on iPhone

by Tyler Stephen

With SharePlay in the FaceTime app, you can stream TV shows, movies, and music in sync with friends and family while on a FaceTime call. You can also play supported multiplayer games in Game Center with friends during a FaceTime call, and watch supported live sports events together.

If you’ve started watching a video together, you can move it to the big screen of Apple TV 4K. And when you listen to music together, anyone with access can see what’s next and add songs to a shared queue.

Note: You can start SharePlay instantly by holding two iPhones together.

SharePlay can also be used in other apps during a FaceTime call. To see which apps are supported, tap the More button, tap SharePlay, then scroll through the apps.

Note: Apple TV (formerly Apple TV+, which in some countries and regions includes Friday Night Baseball, Sunday Night Soccer, or both), MLS Season Pass (which includes Sunday Night Soccer), Apple TV channels, and some apps that support SharePlay require a subscription. To watch a movie, TV show, or live sports event together, every participant needs to have access to the content on their own device, through either a subscription or purchase, on a device that meets the minimum system requirements.

According to Apple, SharePlay may not support the sharing of some movies, TV shows, or live sports events across different countries or regions. FaceTime, Group FaceTime, some FaceTime features, and other Apple services may not be available in all countries or regions.

Watch video together during a FaceTime call

When you’re on a FaceTime call, you and your friends and family can watch movies and TV shows in sync, along with supported live sports events.

  1. Start a FaceTime call or a Group FaceTime call.
  2. Tap the More button, tap SharePlay, and then tap an app below Listen and Play Together (for example, the Apple TV app).

    Alternatively, you can go to the Home Screen, then open a video streaming app that supports SharePlay.

  3. Select a show, movie, or live sports event that you want to watch.
  4. Tap the Play button. Then select SharePlay (if it appears) to begin watching with everyone on the call. (Others on the call may have to tap Join SharePlay to see the video.)

The video starts playing at the same time for everyone on the call with access to the content. Anyone without access gets asked to get it (through a subscription, a transaction, or a free trial, if available).

Each person watching the content can use the playback controls to play, pause, rewind, or fast-forward. (Settings like closed captioning and volume are controlled separately by each person.)

With Picture in Picture, the video keeps playing while you use another app. You can check your email, order food, or hop into the Messages app and talk about the video by text if you’d rather not interrupt the sound of the movie or TV show.

Invite friends to watch video together from a supported app during a FaceTime call

While you’re browsing or watching video content in the Apple TV app (or other supported video app), you can start a FaceTime call and use SharePlay to share the item in sync with others. Your iPhone needs to meet the minimum system requirements, and everyone on the call needs the same type of access to the content, through either a subscription or purchase, on their own device.

  1. In the Apple TV app (or other supported video app), find a show, movie, or live sports event that you want to share.
  2. Tap the item to see its details, tap the Share button, and then tap the SharePlay button.
  3. In the To field, enter the contacts you want to share with. Tap FaceTime.
  4. When the FaceTime call connects, tap Start or Play to begin using SharePlay.

To begin viewing, recipients tap Open.

Note: If the content requires a subscription, people who aren’t subscribers can subscribe before watching.

Once the video’s playing, you can stream it to Apple TV 4K.

Send what you’re watching in SharePlay to Apple TV 4K

Already watching a video together on iPhone? Send it to Apple TV 4K and enjoy it on the big screen.

To send it to the big screen from your iPhone, do one of the following:

  • In the streaming app, tap the AirPlay button, then choose Apple TV as the playback destination.
  • Open Control Center, tap the AirPlay button, then choose Apple TV as the playback destination.

While the video plays in sync on Apple TV 4K, you can carry on the conversation on your iPhone.

Listen to music together during a FaceTime call

On a FaceTime call, you and others can get together and listen to an album or favorite playlist. Anyone on the call can listen along, add songs to a shared queue, see what’s next, and more if they have access to the music (through a subscription, a transaction, or a free trial, for example) on a device that meets the minimum system requirements.

  1. Start a FaceTime call or a Group FaceTime call.
  2. Tap the More button and tap SharePlay. Tap a music streaming app below Listen and Play Together (for example, the Music app).

    Alternatively, you can go to the Home Screen, then open a music streaming app that supports SharePlay.

  3. Select the music you want to listen to and then tap the Play button to begin listening to the music together. (Others on the call may have to tap Join SharePlay to hear the music.)

The music starts at the same time for everyone on the call who can access it. If someone doesn’t have access, they’re asked to get it (through a subscription, a transaction, or a free trial, if available).

Each person can use the music controls to pause, rewind, fast-forward, scrub to a different part of the song, or go to the next track. And anyone on the call can add songs to the shared queue.

Invite friends to listen to music together from a supported app during a FaceTime call

From the Music app (or other supported music app), you can start a FaceTime call and play music in sync with others on the call using SharePlay, if your iPhone meets the minimum system requirements. Everyone can use the music controls to rewind, pause, fast-forward, or scrub to another part of the song. And with SharePlay, anyone can add songs to the shared queue. Just keep in mind that the people you share with need access to the music (through a subscription, for example).

  1. Go to the Music app (or other supported music app). Tap the music you want to share.
  2. Tap the More button, tap the Share button then tap the SharePlay button.
  3. In the To field, enter the contacts you want to share with. Tap FaceTime.
  4. When the FaceTime call connects, tap Start.

To begin listening, recipients tap the song title at the top of the FaceTime controls, then tap Open. The music starts playing at the same time for everyone on the call who has access to the content.

Note: People who don’t have access to the content you share are asked to get access.

Play games in Game Center with friends during a FaceTime call

Playing supported multiplayer games on a FaceTime call takes a little setup. First, set up and manage your Game Center profile in the Settings app and add friends. Then find a supported multiplayer game for Game Center in the App Store and download it.

During a FaceTime call, open the game, tap Start SharePlay, then follow the onscreen instructions.

SharePlay lets you work out with others using Apple Fitness+.

During the conversation, you can also share your screen to show apps, webpages, and more.

Tag: FaceTime
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How to set up your Game Center profile in the Apple Games app on iPhone

by Emily Long

Game Center is Apple’s social gaming service that lets you connect with friends, track and compare scores and achievements, compete with other players in challenges, and invite friends to multiplayer games.

In the Apple Games app, you can personalize your Game Center profile, manage who can connect with you, and more. You can set up your profile, then edit it later.

Here’s how to set up your Game Center profile in the Apple Games app on iPhone.

Note: You need to be signed in to your Apple Account to use the Apple Games app.

Set up your Game Center profile

  1. Open the Apple Games app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Continue and tap Continue again.
  3. Do the following to customize your player profile:
    • Choose your avatar: Tap the Edit button and select an avatar.
    • Create a nickname: To choose a nickname that your friends will see when you play games together, tap Nickname. Then enter a name or choose one of the suggestions.
    • Choose who can see your game activity: Tap an option.
  4. Tap Continue.

You can also set up your Game Center profile by going to the Settings app, then tapping Game Center. Turn on Game Center, then customize your player profile.

Edit your Game Center profile

  1. Open the Apple Games app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap your avatar and then tap Edit Profile.
  3. Do any of the following:
    • Edit your avatar: Tap the Edit button and select an avatar. Then tap the Done button.
    • Edit your nickname: Tap your current nickname, enter a name or choose one of the suggestions, and then tap the Done button.
  4. When you’re finished, tap the Done button.

You can also edit your Game Center profile by going to the Settings app, tapping Game Center, then tapping Customize Profile.

Tag: Files
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How to play with friends in the Apple Games app on iPhone

by Emily Long

With the Apple Games app, you can send friend requests, compete on leaderboards, and play with friends during a FaceTime call.

Supported games with Game Center leaderboards let you challenge friends for a high score or a specific goal, and you choose the number of tries and how long it lasts. You can also use AirDrop to invite friends.

Here’s how to play with friends in the Apple Games app on iPhone.

Challenge friends

In supported games with Game Center leaderboards, you can challenge friends to compete for a high score or a specific goal. These challenges turn single-player games into friendly showdowns by creating a shared competition within your group. You choose the game and select friends to invite, then track everyone’s results as they complete the challenge.

  1. Open the Apple Games app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Friends, then tap Challenge Your Friends.
  3. Select a game and then choose any of the following options:
    • Number of tries: Tap 1 Try, 3 Tries, or Unlimited.
    • Challenge duration: Tap 1 Day, 3 Days, or 1 Week.
    • Add Players: Tap Players, search for a contact or a friend’s Game Center nickname and select the player. Then tap Continue.
  4. Tap Start.

To leave a challenge, select the game, tap the More button, tap Leave Challenge, then tap Leave Challenge again.

Play games with friends during FaceTime calls

You can find and download games in the App Store that support multiplayer gaming with Game Center during a FaceTime call using SharePlay. During the call, open a supported multiplayer game, tap Start SharePlay, then follow the onscreen instructions.

With FaceTime’s screen sharing feature, you can play any game while you’re on a call.

Use AirDrop to invite people to a multiplayer game

To invite nearby friends to multiplayer games that support Game Center, you can use AirDrop.

  1. Open the game you want to play on your iPhone.
  2. Go to the screen where you invite friends.
  3. Hold the display of your iPhone a few centimeters from the top of the other person’s iPhone or Apple Watch.

    A glow emerges from both devices to indicate a connection is being made.

  4. Continue holding your devices near each other until the game appears on the other person’s screen.
Tag: Apple Games
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