FaceTime Not Working on iPhone? Here’s Why and How to Fix It!

| Updated on November 25, 2024

If you’re experiencing problems with FaceTime on your iPhone, you’re not the only one. 

FaceTime issues, such as dropped calls, or a blank screen during video calls, can be irritating. 

But fear not!

By understanding the common reasons behind these issues and implementing simple fixes, you can get back to video chatting in no time.

From connectivity issues to software glitches, this guide explains why FaceTime may not be working for you and also discusses different ways you can fix it. 

So, let’s delve into the details to address these FaceTime challenges and enjoy smooth video calling once again!

Why is FaceTime Not Working on iPhone/iPad or Mac?

There are various reasons why FaceTime might not work on your iPhone. For instance— 

It could be due to weak Wi-Fi or poor cellular signal. If your Wi-Fi or cellular data isn’t working well, it can lead to bad audio or video quality or dropped connections that can interrupt FaceTime calls.

Then, it is worth noting that incorrect date and time settings or disabled FaceTime permissions can also stop FaceTime from functioning properly.

Additionally, FaceTime may not work properly if the software on your device is outdated or if there are compatibility issues with other applications installed on your device.

Moreover, restrictions or settings that block FaceTime, like parental controls or limits on specific features, can also stop FaceTime from working properly.

Not only that, hardware issues like a faulty camera or microphone can affect FaceTime functionality.

Oftentimes, FaceTime may not be available or working the right way due to server issues at Apple’s end.

16 Potential [Basic and Advanced] Solutions to Fix FaceTime Not Working on iPhone/iPad or Mac

Now, to resolve FaceTime not working issue, you can try these [basic and advanced] solutions discussed below —

BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING METHODS

Method 1: Check Your Internet Connection

A weak Wi-Fi or cellular network is the most common reason that can cause various FaceTime problems, such as interrupted video calls, connection loss, dropped calls, or a black screen.

So, make sure you have a reliable internet connection when making a FaceTime call.

Better internet connectivity means you’ll not experience issues like FaceTime call failed or FaceTime hanging up.

Method 2: Restart | Reboot Your Device

Sounds basic, but this solution remains very effective even today, not only for FaceTime but also for other apps too. So, don’t underestimate the power of restarting your device. 

When you restart your iPhone/ iPad or reboot your Mac, it refreshes the operating system and can fix any software glitches that might be causing FaceTime to malfunction.

Method 3: Check FaceTime Availability in Your Area

Whether you know it or not, FaceTime isn’t accessible in every country or region, and not all network carriers support it. This means, if you’re in a country that doesn’t support FaceTime, you won’t be able to use this feature on your iPhone or iPad. 

NOTES

FaceTime is not available in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China, Qatar, Egypt, etc.

So, if you’re experiencing issues with making or receiving FaceTime calls on your iPhone or iPad, you can check Apple’s official carrier and wireless network support page to see whether FaceTime works in your country and region with your network provider or not.

Apple’s official carrier and wireless network support page.
NOTES

If you want, you can always bypass FaceTime restriction with a VPN and use it despite being unavailable in your country.

Method 4: Verify FaceTime Service Status

FaceTime sometimes faces outages. So, to check if this is the reason for why FaceTime is not working for you, visit Apple’s System Status page

Visit Apple’s System Status page to look for FaceTime outages.

It will show the current status of Apple services, scheduled downtimes, and recent outages.

Here, note that, if the status indicator next to FaceTime isn’t green, it means the service is experiencing an outage, and you’ll need to wait, but if there are no outages and FaceTime still won’t work on iOS 16, move to the next solution.

Method 5: Activate FaceTime 

Sometimes, FaceTime may not work for those who’ve accidentally disabled it.

Well, you never know, maybe the same is the case with you too.

So, to be on the safer side, make sure that you’re signed in to your Apple ID and have FaceTime enabled on your device.

To do so—

  • Open Settings.
  • Tap FaceTime and make sure the FaceTime switch is ON.
  • Alternatively, open the FaceTime app and tap Continue to activate it.
NOTES

If you see a ‘Waiting for Activation’ message, then in that case, you need to repeat the process. 

Turn FaceTime on and repeat the process if you see the ‘Waiting for Activation’ message.

However, even after that, if messages like, ‘Activation Unsuccessful’, or ‘An error occurred during Activation’ appear on the screen, you may need to try another solution to fix the ‘FaceTime not activating’ issue on your iPhone.

Method 6: Configure the Correct FaceTime Settings

Next, it is very necessary to configure FaceTime correctly on your iPhone to make sure it works properly. So, what you’ve to do is check whether you’ve entered the correct contact details to make and receive FaceTime calls on your iPhone by following these given steps—

  • On the Settings app, tap on FaceTime.
  • Then, see if you’ve entered the correct email address under the ‘You can be Reached by FaceTime At’ section.
    Check for the correct email address in the ‘You can be Reached by FaceTime At’ section.
NOTES

If it is not the correct email address, you can tap on it to remove the same from FaceTime.

Tap the email address to remove.

Method 7: Test Your Device’s Camera and Microphone for Any Issues

If, particularly, FaceTime audio is not working or the FaceTime camera is not working on iPhone 13 Pro / other models, there might be some issue with your device’s camera or microphone.

To confirm this, you need to simply—

  • Open the Camera app on your device.
  • Then, record a short video using the front camera
  • After that, play the video to check if both the audio and video work properly or not. 

If in case they aren’t working, you can resolve Camera app issues to ensure FaceTime functions properly on your iPhone.

Method 8: Turn Off and Turn On FaceTime

If you simply disable and then re-enable FaceTime, it can help resolve certain problems with the service that you may be encountering. So, to do so, follow these steps—

  • Navigate to Settings app on your iPhone.
  • Then, scroll down and tap on the FaceTime option.
  • After that, simply toggle the switch next to FaceTime to the off position.
    Turn off the toggle switch next to FaceTim
NOTES

As you disable FaceTime, the switch next to it will turn gray.

  • Now, wait for a few seconds and then, toggle the switch back to the on position to use FaceTime as usual.
    Turn on FaceTime switch.
NOTES

When you re-enable FaceTime, the switch next to it will turn green.

Method 9: Check and Set Date and Time Settings to Automatic

When using FaceTime, and trying to make a call, if you get an error message saying ‘FaceTime Failed: Your Date & Time Settings Need to Be Updated’ then, what you can do is set the date and time automatically.

Well, because Apple advises that if your iPhone’s date and time don’t match the FaceTime server’s, it could affect things like calls, iMessage, and FaceTime.

So, make sure you set the date and time automatically if FaceTime isn’t working on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. 

To do so—

  • Open Settings /System Settings.
  • Then, go to General > Date & Time.
  • There, make sure to turn the Set Automatically option ON.
    Set Automatically Date & Time.
NOTES

If you prefer to manually set date and time, you should be thinking twice.

Method 10: Update Your Device to the Latest iOS Version

Needless to say, FaceTime might also run into issues if you aren’t running the latest software on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. 

However, worry not! You can update your device anytime to the latest OS release to fix this issue. 

Here’s how—

On an iPhone or iPadOn a Mac
Go to phone Settings.Go to System Settings.
Tap General.Tap General.
Select Software Update to check for the latest software update.Select Software Update to check for a newer version.

Check for the latest software update.
NOTES

Along with updating your system, make sure the person you’re trying to FaceTime, also update their device to the latest version.

Method 11: Sign out of FaceTime & Sign in Again

Signing out and signing back in also help refresh your FaceTime connection and resolve any activation issues related to it that you may be experiencing.

So, to sign out of FaceTime and sign in again, follow these steps—

  • Go to Settings on your iPhone.
  • Inside settings, scroll down and tap on FaceTime.
  • Then, tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
  • After that, when a pop-up window appears, select Sign Out.
    Tap on Apple ID and select Sign Out.
  • Once you’re signed out of your Apple ID, tap on Use your Apple ID for FaceTime option.
  • Now, simply enter your Apple ID and password.
  • When you’re done entering your login credentials, tap Sign In and wait for FaceTime to sign in with your Apple ID.

As you’re signed in again, you can now use FaceTime with your updated account settings.

ADVANCED TROUBLESHOOTING METHODS

Method 12: Remove Content [Screen Time] Restrictions

If you can’t find the FaceTime app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, then it is worth noting that it might be because of Screen Time restrictions.  These restrictions not only limit but also hide the FaceTime app on your device so that you won’t use it.

People generally use these settings to keep young children from accessing certain features on a device.

So, check whether you’ve enabled Screen Time restrictions. In case yes, here’s how you can disable these restrictions to ensure FaceTime app appears again on your device, and you can start using it without any interruptions—

  • On your iPhone/iPad, go to Settings.
  • Inside settings, navigate to Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions
  • After that, open the Allowed Apps section and make sure the toggles for both FaceTime and Camera are green.
NOTES

While doing so, if prompted on your respective iPhone/iPad or Mac, you’ll also need to enter your Screen Time passcode (which usually differs from your device passcode).

Turn on both FaceTime and Camera options to disable Screen Time Restrictions.

Similarly, those using Mac can go to System Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy > App Restrictions to ensure that Camera and FaceTime are turned on.

Method 13: Update FaceTime Settings on a New Device

If you’ve recently changed your device and are struggling to receive FaceTime calls after it, then you might have forgotten to update your FaceTime settings to your new device.

However, worry not, doing so is as easy as following these steps—

  • First thing first, you need to update your device to the most recent iOS or iPadOS version.
  • Then, go to Settings.
  • There, you’ve to turn on the phone number you want to use for FaceTime.
  • After that, tap on FaceTime > turn it off > restart your device > turn FaceTime back on.
    Turn FaceTime off and on.
  • Now, simply choose the phone number which you prefer for FaceTime.

Method 14: Check Group FaceTime Compatibility

If you’re facing issues while making group FaceTime calls, it is suggested that you check Group FaceTime compatibility. It means you’ve to ensure that all participants’ devices support Group FaceTime calls. 

Note: Group FaceTime is available on iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro or later, iPad Air 2 or later, iPad Mini 4 or later, iPad (5th generation) or later, iPod touch (7th generation) running iOS 12.1.4 or later.

Here’s how you can check Group FaceTime compatibility—

  • Firstly, verify that each participant’s device meets the requirements for Group FaceTime. Especially, if using a Mac, make sure that the device meets the requirements for Group FaceTime and is running macOS Mojave 10.14.3 or later.
  • Then, ensure that all participants have FaceTime enabled on their devices by going to Settings > FaceTime and turning on FaceTime switch.
  • Next, confirm that each participant is signed in to FaceTime with their Apple ID. If not, go to Settings > FaceTime and tap Use your Apple ID for FaceTime to sign in.

Once you’ve verified compatibility through these steps, you can start a Group FaceTime call, as usual. 

NOTES

Since FaceTime allows group chats with up to 32 people at a time, having too many people makes it difficult to know who is causing FaceTime problems. Hence, it’s recommended to start with a one-to-one chat and then, add more people (one at a time) to find out when the issues arise.

So, by checking Group FaceTime compatibility, you can ensure a smooth and successful group video-calling experience for all participants.

However, if a particular participant still experiences issues with Group FaceTime, then probably the problem lies at their end, and it is better to troubleshoot connectivity or software problems on their respective device.

Method 15: Factory Reset Your iPhone

If you continue experiencing FaceTime not working on iPhone issues, you can also perform a factory reset. However, it should only be done as a last resort as it will erase everything (all data and settings, including FaceTime settings) on your device.

So, if you’re ready to take the risk, here are the steps to follow—

NOTES

Be sure to back up your device before proceeding to factory reset your iPhone.

  • Inside Settings app, tap on General and scroll down to tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
    Inside General settings, tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  • Next, select Erase All Content and Settings.
    Select Erase All Content and Settings.
  • After that, enter your Passcode (if prompted) and tap Erase iPhone to confirm this action.
  • Now, if you have Find My iPhone enabled, you’ll need to enter your Apple ID and password to disable it.
  • Following this, your iPhone will erase all data and settings and restart.
  • Now, make sure to simply follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone as a new device.

Note: When you’ve completed the setup, remember to re-enable FaceTime in Settings > FaceTime and sign in with your Apple ID.

Method 16: Contact Apple Support

Last but not least, if nothing works, and you need assistance with FaceTime issues, then contacting Apple Support has proved to be a reliable method. So, here’s how you can contact Apple Support—

  • On the app or website, you’ve to describe your FaceTime issue in detail.
  • If using the app— you may have the option to chat with a support representative or schedule a call.
  • If using the website— you can choose to chat online, schedule a call, or find a nearby Apple Store for in-person support.
  • In addition to that, be prepared to provide information about your device, iOS version, and any troubleshooting steps that you’ve already tried.
  • Now, leave it to the Apple Support team. They will either guide you through troubleshooting steps or offer further assistance to resolve your FaceTime problem.

Wrapping Up

That’s all! FaceTime may not work on your iPhone due to various reasons, such as poor internet connection, incorrect settings, software glitches, server outages, restrictions, or hardware difficulties like faulty camera/microphone. 

However, with the basic and advanced solutions discussed here, you can quickly troubleshoot these issues and resume using FaceTime to enjoy seamless video calls again without any interruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is FaceTime not activating?

FaceTime may fail to activate on your iPhone due to issues with your Apple ID, poor internet connection, incorrect date/time settings, or server issues on Apple’s end. 

Is updating the time and date prevent the issue of FaceTime not activating?

Yes. But, after you update the time and date on your Apple device, it’s necessary to restart it so that the changes are applied. Once the device has the correct time zone, restarting the FaceTime app should prevent any issues with activation.

How do I reset FaceTime on my iPhone?

To reset FaceTime, you just need to follow these steps—

  • Go to Settings > FaceTime.
  • Then, turn off FaceTime.
  • After that, wait a few seconds.
  • Now, turn it back on. 

Alternatively, you can consider restarting your iPhone.

Can you delete and reinstall FaceTime?

No, it is not possible to delete and reinstall FaceTime. You cannot delete or reinstall FaceTime as it’s a built-in app on iPhones. However, if needed, you can disable it in Settings.

How do I reset my FaceTime number?

If you want to reset your FaceTime number, all you’ve to do is—

  • Go to Settings > FaceTime.
  • There, tap your Apple ID.
  • Then, tap Sign Out. 
  • Now, sign in back to reset your FaceTime number.
Can’t see others on FaceTime, what to do?

If you can’t see the other person’s video during a FaceTime call on your iPhone/iPad or Mac, and you only see their initials, just ask them to check if their camera is turned on for the call. If not, make sure they do!

How do I change my FaceTime settings?

If you want to change your FaceTime settings, you can easily do so by going to Settings > FaceTime. From there, what all you can do is – toggle FaceTime on/off, manage your Apple ID, adjust call settings, and much more.

Matt Rooke

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