How to stop FaceTime from resizing your call windows?

During a group call, FaceTime automatically maximizes the speaker’s window. This means that when you have four or more people on a call, the windows will resize, float and jump during a group call. It can be distracting and confusing.

If you prefer to keep all your FaceTime windows fixed and the same size while on a call, there is a quick way to do this on the latest versions of iOS and iPadOS, as well as the latest versions of macOS.

on iPhone

These instructions are for an iPhone, but the process for the iPad should be similar. First, make sure your FaceTime app is up to date by checking if you’re running iOS 13.5 or iPadOS 13.5:

• Open settings.
• Go to “General”.
• Tap “Software Update”.
• If an update is available, you will see it here. If not, your device will tell you it’s up to date.

Now that your software is up to date, here’s how to stop windows from resizing.

• Open settings.
• Scroll down and tap FaceTime.
• Go to “Auto Importance”.
• Turn off “Talk”.

on Mac

First, make sure your Mac is running Catalina 10.15.

• Click the apple icon in the left corner of the menu bar.
• Select “System Preferences”.
• Open “Software Update”.
• Here you will see which macOS you are on and if any updates are available.

To change your FaceTime preferences:

• Open FaceTime.
• Click on the “FaceTime” option located on the left side of the menu bar at the top of the screen.
• Select “Preferences” (or press ⌘ – ,).
• In the pop-up window, under “Auto Importance” uncheck the box next to “Speech”.

During a call, you can double-click one person’s window to maximize it, and that will gray out the other windows, but other than that, everyone’s windows will remain static and the same size. The corners of windows will continue to overlap on both mobile and desktop.