How to restore FaceTime reactions after the latest update?

After latest update my facetime reactions disappeared. I tried to google how to fix and then called apple support only to fix it myself, i'd like to comment in the community to help others




[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone SE, iOS 18

Posted on May 17, 2025 04:16 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 17, 2025 04:28 PM

After latest update my facetime reactions ( holding up two thumbs up for fireworks, peace sign for balloons etc)stopped working. I tried google to get help, but the instructions were lacking key information, that was really important to fixing the issue. Instructions said pull up control menu and toggle reactions on. The problem was that after going to control center, there was no " reaction" button to toggle on. I called 1800 my apple and the girl who was my advisor literally read the same instructions to me word for work, not helpful! She then escalated my problem to a " senior advisor" who did exactly the same thing, only with a screen share. During the screen share he had me do what I had already done myself, which was pull up control center, hit the plus sign in the upper left ( for iphone SE) and then proceeded to look at all options and saw it wasnt there. But i saw something i had not been able to previously see, which was a small oblong bubble at the top that said "PHone controls" tapping on that I saw nothing but started touching the screen, and suddenly the buttons appeared. the big takeaway- YOU HAVE TO BE ACTIVE IN A PHONE CALL TO SEE THIS OPTION, AND YOU HAVE TO JUST TAP ON EMPTY BLURRED SCREEN TO MAKE BUTTONS APPEAR. Who thought that one up at apple?


So for you frustrated iphone users out there I hope this is helpful!!!

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 17, 2025 04:28 PM in response to fruckus

After latest update my facetime reactions ( holding up two thumbs up for fireworks, peace sign for balloons etc)stopped working. I tried google to get help, but the instructions were lacking key information, that was really important to fixing the issue. Instructions said pull up control menu and toggle reactions on. The problem was that after going to control center, there was no " reaction" button to toggle on. I called 1800 my apple and the girl who was my advisor literally read the same instructions to me word for work, not helpful! She then escalated my problem to a " senior advisor" who did exactly the same thing, only with a screen share. During the screen share he had me do what I had already done myself, which was pull up control center, hit the plus sign in the upper left ( for iphone SE) and then proceeded to look at all options and saw it wasnt there. But i saw something i had not been able to previously see, which was a small oblong bubble at the top that said "PHone controls" tapping on that I saw nothing but started touching the screen, and suddenly the buttons appeared. the big takeaway- YOU HAVE TO BE ACTIVE IN A PHONE CALL TO SEE THIS OPTION, AND YOU HAVE TO JUST TAP ON EMPTY BLURRED SCREEN TO MAKE BUTTONS APPEAR. Who thought that one up at apple?


So for you frustrated iphone users out there I hope this is helpful!!!

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How to restore FaceTime reactions after the latest update?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.