How to turn off 3D effects on FaceTime to avoid any embarrassing calls

APPLE'S FaceTime introduced a string of fun 3D effects that are triggered by hand gestures in the big iOS 17 update.

It has been positively received across most Apple fans, although, the effects can be ill-timed if users aren't aware of the feature or how to switch it off.

One Apple customer was left red-faced when digitised fireworks erupted behind him accidentally, part way through a virtual therapy session with telehealth provider SimplePractice, The Verge reported.

SimplePractice has now begun warning clients that Apple devices "may show emojis during video calls" and that it doesn't have control over the settings.

In an FAQ, therapists called the feature "concerning" as clients didn't know of the background effects until they looked at screenshots of the session afterwards.

"AI has gone too far here. This is dangerously distracting and unsettling for trauma therapy," one therapist wrote.

"We cannot simply list points on our fingers without balloons or thumbs up symbols showing up on the screen."

The feature has been automatically enabled, just like iMessage's popular reactions feature which is triggered by secret phrases.

So, here's how to switch it off, to avoid any similar embarrassing encounters.

On your iPhone, simply open the FaceTime app and swipe down on the right to access the Control Centre.

From there, you can click Video Effects in the top left of screen and then tap Reactions so it changes from green to grey to disable the feature.

For MacBook users, you'll want to open the FaceTime app and click the FaceTime icon in the menu bar, and similarly, tap Reactions to disable it.

If you're only just hearing of this feature, here's how you can use them when the time is right.

Follow this guide:

• Thumbs up = hold a thumbs up in real life
• Thumbs down = hold thumbs down
• Hearts = make a love heart with both hands
• Balloons = throw a peace sign
• Rain = hold two thumbs down
• Confetti = make two peace signs with both hands
• Fireworks = hold two thumbs up
• Lasers = throw the rocker symbol on both hands