With iOS 26, Apple has expanded its Sensitive Content Warning to include FaceTime video calls. Previously, this privacy feature only worked with Contacts, Messages, AirDrop, and shared photo albums. When enabled, your iPhone uses on‑device machine learning to detect nudity during a live FaceTime session, pausing the video feed before any potentially sensitive content appears.
How It Works in FaceTime
The implementation in FaceTime differs slightly from other apps. Instead of just blurring images, FaceTime automatically freezes both audio and video whenever nudity is detected. You’ll get a prompt offering the choice to resume or end the call. All analysis occurs locally on your device, meaning Apple never receives any indication that nudity was detected and has no access to your video feed.
Enabling Sensitive Content Warning
Sensitive Content Warning is turned off by default for adult accounts. To enable it:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Select Privacy & Security.
- Scroll down and tap Sensitive Content Warning.
- Toggle Sensitive Content Warning on.
Then, in the App & Service Access section, ensure that FaceTime is enabled. In iOS 26, this replaces the former “Video Messages” option found in earlier iOS versions.
What Happens During a Call
If FaceTime detects nudity during a call, both audio and video pause automatically. You’ll see a warning message along with options to Resume Audio and Video or End Call. The alert only appears the first time nudity is detected in a session; if you choose to continue, you won’t receive additional warnings during that call.
Communication Safety for Children
For users under 18, Apple manages similar protections through Communication Safety, part of the Screen Time feature. Parents can turn this on by navigating to Settings ➝ Screen Time ➝ Communication Safety. Once enabled, it stays active and cannot be turned off without parental approval.
