【Candy Apples Archives】

The Candy Apples Archivesnew Portrait Mode for video chat on iOS 15, which launched Sept. 20, 2021, isn't just for FaceTime; third-party apps like Instagram are getting in on the blurry fun too.

Hey, we're not complaining. Portrait Mode only makes us look better, and if more video chat apps are working with it, we'll take it.

While I can't say Instagram is my preferred video chat method, it is handy for reaching people who might not have FaceTime capabilities or Zoom accounts. And lucky for you, we've got a guide on how to turn on Portrait Mode next time you find yourself needing to make an Instagram video call.

---

You May Also Like

---

---

1. Open Instagram, and navigate to the profile of whoever you'd like to call.

The call button is quite easy to find. Credit: Screenshot: Instagram

Once you're on their profile, tap the "Call" button that should appear next to the "Following" and "Message" buttons.

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

SEE ALSO: Instagram might finally let users post from desktop

2. Select "Video Chat" from the pop-up box.

No possible way to use Portrait Mode on an audio call, so make sure you tap video. Credit: Screenshot: Instagram

Instagram will ask if you want to make a video or audio call. Obviously, we want the video option here.

3. Once they pick up and your call is in full swing, swipe to bring up your iPhone's Control Center.

New options! Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Interestingly, the Portrait Mode setting is not within the Instagram app itself. Once you pull up your Notification Center, you should see two new boxes at the very top: Video Effects and Mic Mode.

Just tap that little button on. Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Tap "Video Effects," and the box should enlarge. Then, tap on the button to turn Portrait Mode on.

4. Exit your Notification Center, and enjoy your blurred background on Instagram.

And here's what it looks like with Portrait Mode on in Instagram! Credit: Screenshot: Instagram

Nothing to focus on but your beautiful face!

This article originally published and in July 2021 and was updated in Sept. 2021.

Topics Instagram iPhone

• Digital Culture
• Tech
• Deals
• Games
• Shopping
• Science
• Social Good
• Entertainment

• Amazon Big Spring Sale 2025: Save $20 on Amazon Echo Show 5
• The dramatic Oscars mishap also happened in 1964
• The Oscars showed yet again why it's never over till it's over
• Here's 5 species to celebrate on International Polar Bear Day
• Watch how an old Venus spacecraft tumbled before crashing to Earth
• Adorable quokka is either in attack mode, or it really, really wants a hug
• The Science of Keeping Your Chips Cool
• 'The Walking Dead' recap: Negan's having some personnel issues
• Elon Musk says Mars ship could make first flights in 2019
• Halle Berry apparently relaxed after the Oscars with a quick skinny dip

• Wordle today: The answer and hints for April 22, 2025
• 2019's word of the year is 'climate strike'
• How to watch 'Conclave' at home: Release date, streaming deals, and more
• 'Andor' and its time jumps: BBY, explained
• NYT mini crossword answers for April 14, 2025
• The Last Mile to Civilization 2.0: Technologies From Our Not Too Distant Future
• DOOM Eternal Tested on Low
• MrBeast fan experience flops in Vegas, attendees furious
• NYT Connections hints and answers for April 22: Tips to solve 'Connections' #681.
• Best robot vacuum deal: Save $120 on the iRobot Roomba Q0120

• This fat bear's before and after photos are stunning
• Oscars shocker: 'La La Land' announced as Best Picture, but 'Moonlight' wins
• Ava DuVernay's Oscars dress has more meaning behind it than you think
• Hands on with Sony's Xperia XZ Premium with 4K HDR display
• NYT Connections Sports Edition hints and answers for May 19: Tips to solve Connections #238
• Fujifilm under fire for sexist camera demo featuring topless female model
• 'The Walking Dead' recap: Negan's having some personnel issues
• All the times the Oscars threw shade at Donald Trump
• This is the fattest of the extremely fat bears
• What did Ryan Gosling whisper in that woman's ear at the Oscars?

• Things AMD Needs to Fix
• How 'Moonlight' made Oscars history
• Justin Timberlake had everyone dancing with his opening Oscars number
• Netflix and Amazon finally win Oscars
• President Trump says semiconductor tariffs are next
• Dev Patel brought his mom to the Oscars and the internet can't get over them
• The Oscars red carpet was its own live action 'Beauty and the Beast'
• Why are other mobile phones shining right now? Because Samsung isn't
• Best robot vacuum deal: Get the Shark Matrix Plus 2
• AMD FSR 4 vs Nvidia DLSS 4 at 4K