iPad’s Center Stage feature enhances video calls by allowing the front camera to track your movements and automatically keep you centered in the frame as you move. Leveraging iPad’s ultra-wide TrueDepth camera and machine learning technology, Center Stage pans, zooms, and adjusts seamlessly, so you’re always in focus no matter where you are in the camera’s field of view..
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However, in some situations, this dynamic framing can feel a bit distracting. Especially when you want to step out of the frame for a moment and the camera keeps following you. Additionally, when someone comes into camera range, Center Stage automatically expands the frame to include them, which isn’t always what you want. Not to mention, the constant adjustments can be distracting and make you feel dizzy.
If you prefer a more traditional camera setup (one that stays fixed without automatically adjusting to every movement), it’s easy to turn off Center Stage. Whether you’re using FaceTime, Zoom, Slack, or another Facetime alternative, the process is the same. Below are the steps to disable Center Stage on your iPad. This allows you to set the most comfortable camera view for each call.
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Turn off Center Stage on iPad
Center Stage is a great feature, but you may prefer a steady, static view without automatic camera tracking. In these cases, you can follow these steps to disable Center Stage on your iPad and allow the front camera to maintain a fixed angle.
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- Start or join video calls with apps that support FaceTime or Center Stage.
- Swipe down from the top right corner of your screen to open Control Center.
- Find and tap the Video Effects button.
- If the Center Stage tile is white, it means the feature is active. Tap the tile to turn off Center Stage; is no longer highlighted, indicating that the feature is disabled.
Alternatively, you can disable Center Stage by tapping the front camera feed tile on the FaceTime screen and selecting the Center Stage icon. When you turn off Center Stage using either method, the iPad’s front camera remains stationary, providing a consistent perspective without tracking your movements. You can zoom in during a FaceTime call and manually adjust the camera as needed.