FaceTime not working? 9 fixes for iPhone and iPad

A FaceTime call involves two iPhones, two internet connections and Apple’s servers, so the problem can be on either side. If FaceTime fails with everyone, the fix is on your iPhone. If it fails with one person only, ask them to check the same settings on theirs.

What the FaceTime message means

• Unavailable: the person cannot be reached on FaceTime right now. Their FaceTime may be off, they may be offline, or they may not have an Apple device.
• Connecting… then the call fails: a slow or blocked connection on one side, often a work or school network.
• Waiting for Activation: FaceTime is still registering your number with Apple, common on a new iPhone or number. It can take up to 24 hours.
• Poor Connection: the call is working but the internet is too slow for good video. Move closer to Wi-Fi or switch to cellular.

How to fix FaceTime

FaceTime missing or greyed out?

If you cannot find the FaceTime app, search for it by swiping down on the Home Screen. It may be in the App Library or hidden in a folder. If it was deleted, reinstall it free from the App Store. If it is greyed out or blocked, Screen Time restrictions are the cause, as in step 6. On a work or school iPhone, a management profile can also block FaceTime; check Settings › General › VPN & Device Management and ask your IT team.

Camera black or no sound?

• Make sure nothing is covering the front camera, including a case or your finger.
• Check the camera and microphone buttons on the call screen are not turned off.
• Disconnect Bluetooth headphones if you cannot hear, since sound may be going to them.
• Turn off Low Power Mode, which can lower video quality and frame rate.
• Restart the iPhone if another app is still using the camera.

Balloons or fireworks appear by themselves?

Those are Reactions, triggered by hand gestures such as a thumbs-up or a peace sign. They are harmless but can be distracting on a work call. During a call, open Control Center, tap Video Effects, and turn off Reactions. You can do the same for Portrait mode and Studio Light, which can make the picture look blurred or dim.

FaceTime rings on the wrong device

FaceTime calls ring on every iPhone, iPad and Mac signed in to your Apple Account. If calls keep getting answered on an iPad in another room, go to Settings › Apps › FaceTime on that device and turn FaceTime off there, or untick your phone number under You Can Be Reached By FaceTime At. On a Mac, open FaceTime › Settings and do the same.

Group FaceTime and SharePlay problems

• Group FaceTime supports up to 32 people. Everyone needs a device that supports it and a recent iOS, iPadOS or macOS version.
• If one person cannot join, they should update their software and check that FaceTime is on for the number or email you invited.
• SharePlay only works with apps that support it, and everyone watching a movie or show together needs their own access to that app or subscription.
• On a weak connection, turn off video and use FaceTime Audio instead; it uses much less data.

FaceTime calls not ringing

• A Focus or Silent mode silences FaceTime the same way as phone calls. Check Control Center for an active Focus.
• If Screen Unknown Callers or Silence Unknown Callers is on, FaceTime calls from numbers not in your contacts may not ring.
• Check notifications for FaceTime in Settings › Notifications › FaceTime, and make sure Allow Notifications is on.
• If the call rings on your Mac or iPad but not the iPhone, see the section above on calls ringing on the wrong device.

Child’s iPhone cannot FaceTime some people?

Screen Time’s Communication Limits can restrict who a child can call. On the parent’s device, open Settings › Screen Time, choose the child, then Communication Limits, and check who is allowed during allowed screen time and during downtime. Contacts not on the list cannot FaceTime the child, and the call simply fails.

FaceTime not working on a Mac

Open the FaceTime app on the Mac, choose FaceTime › Settings, and make sure you are signed in with your Apple Account and that the account is turned on. Tick the phone number and email addresses you want to be reached at. If the camera shows black, quit any other app using it, such as Zoom or Photo Booth, and check System Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera. For calls using your iPhone’s number, the iPhone must allow Calls on Other Devices in its Phone settings.

Blocked, or in a country where FaceTime is limited?

Check Settings › Apps › FaceTime › Blocked Contacts in case you blocked the person by accident. FaceTime is also unavailable or limited in a few countries, and iPhones bought there may not include it. If you are traveling, calls can fail on local networks even though your iPhone supports FaceTime; switching to hotel or café Wi-Fi sometimes helps.

FaceTime with Android or Windows users