Most importantly, iOS apps work as intended or can be fixed with a quick restart. But that’s not quite always the case. Sometimes, when your FaceTime isn’t working or is unavailable, you have to look for more involved solutions. Don’t worry, and we’ll make fixing FaceTime as easy as it can be. Here’s what to do if your FaceTime is not working on your iPhone or iPad.
Why is FaceTime not working on iPhone?
Before we head into the solutions, reviewing some common FaceTime-breaking culprits may tell you what you need to know.
Incorrect Apple ID or phone number
Firstly, make sure you have the correct Apple ID or phone number selected under Settings → FaceTime. Scroll down to YOU CAN BE REACHED BY FACETIME AT and check that your ID and number are checked.
If you can’t see your Apple ID or phone number, there are a few things you can do:
- Make sure you’re running the latest version of iOS. More on this under solution 7.
- Make sure you’ve correctly set up your phone number. Head to Settings → iMessage and make sure iMessage is toggled on. Then, under Send & Receive, tap Use your Apple ID for iMessage if you see it. Otherwise, make sure your Apple ID and phone number have check marks next to them. Ensure your ID and number are also checked off under Settings → FaceTime.
- Try signing out of FaceTime on all of your Apple devices, such as your MacBook or iPod Touch. Then, make sure you’re signed into FaceTime on your iPhone or iPad and your Apple ID and phone number are checked.
Does FaceTime work in your country?
Make sure your country allows FaceTime calls. FaceTime isn’t available in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates (including Dubai), excluding certain exceptions.
Device compatibility
These devices are able to use FaceTime over Wi-Fi:
- iPhone 4 or later, iPad Pro (all models)
- iPad 2 or later, iPad mini (all models)
- iPod touch 4th generation or later (only iPod touch 5th generation or later support FaceTime audio calling).
These devices are able to use FaceTime over Cellular Data (no Wi-Fi):
- iPhone 4s or later
- iPad Pro (all models)
- iPad (3rd generation or later)
Incompatible data plan
If the problem lies in using FaceTime over Cellular Data, first check that Cellular Data is enabled for FaceTime under Settings → Cellular. Try using Wi-Fi to make FaceTime calls in the rare case your data plan doesn’t support them.
Now that you know some common causes, let’s take a look at how to fix FaceTime when it’s not working on your iPhone or iPad.
10 Best ways to fix FaceTime not working
- Restart your iPhone or iPad
- Check out FaceTime’s server status
- Set Date and Time to Automatic
- Test your Wi-Fi connection on iPhone
- Sign out and back in to FaceTime
- Try ejecting your iPhone’s SIM card
- Update your iOS software
- Disable FaceTime Content Restrictions
- Allow certain ports in your Firewall
- Reset all settings on iPhone
1. Restart your iPhone or iPad
Restarting your iPhone or iPad follows a slightly different procedure based on its model (if it has a home button or not, etc.)
Check out how to restart your iPhone or iPad (all models).
2. Check out FaceTime’s server status
Head to Apple’s System Status page and check the status light next to FaceTime. If it’s green, it’s up and running. Otherwise, give it some time to come back online.
3. Set Date and Time to Automatic
This trick may be the answer to your problems.
To set Date and Time to Automatic, navigate to Settings → General → Date & Time. Toggle Set Automatically off and on again.
4. Test your Wi-Fi connection on iPhone
Go to Settings → Wi-Fi and make sure it’s turned on. Then, make sure your Wi-Fi connection is selected and connected. Open Safari or your browser of choice and head to apple.com; did it load up? Your Wi-Fi is working, but it might not be strong enough to handle FaceTime video calls. This is likely the case if you frequently see poor connection alerts during your calls.
5. Sign out and back into FaceTime
Navigate to Settings → FaceTime. Toggle FaceTime off, then back on again. Make sure to sign out of FaceTime on your Mac as well if you have one.
Is FaceTime working? If not, head to the next solution.
6. Try ejecting your iPhone’s SIM card
It’s worth noting that, while your SIM card is out of your iPhone, you won’t be able to receive texts or calls over Cellular Data.
- Find the SIM tray on your iPhone. If you have an iPhone 4 or later, the SIM tray is on the right-hand side, roughly in the middle of the phone. If you have an iPhone 3GS or earlier, the SIM tray is on top of the phone.
- Insert a paperclip into the slot to open the tray. Push in firmly to pop it out.
- Remove the SIM card from the carrier by flipping it over.
- Put the SIM card back in the tray, then reinsert the tray back into your iPhone until you feel it click into place, flush with the side of the phone.
7. Update iOS
Go to Settings → General → Software Update. If there’s one available, Download and Install it. Enter your passcode when prompted, then let your iDevice update. This is a very common fix for a myriad of iOS problems.
If FaceTime is working as expected now, you’re good to go. Otherwise, try out the next fix.
8. Disable FaceTime Content Restrictions
Head to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Allowed Apps.
If Content & Privacy Restrictions is on, make sure FaceTime is allowed. FaceTime video and audio calls will be unavailable otherwise.
9. Allow certain ports in your Firewall
If your network is protected by a firewall, you may have to do some extra heavy lifting to enable FaceTime on your iPhone. Check which ports you need to allow on Apple’s support site.
10. Reset all settings on iPhone
Used as a last-ditch effort, resetting all settings on your iPhone may solve your problem.
Note: Make sure to back up your iPhone before performing any large-scale measures such as resetting all data.
Head to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone. Tap Reset, then Reset All Settings. Enter your passcode, then tap Reset All Settings one more time to confirm.
Now, check FaceTime to see if it works.
FAQs
The first thing to check is whether you’re using FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular Data. Then, check your Wi-Fi connection or Cellular Data availability. Try giving someone else a call as well; it’s possible your recipient’s internet is the problem.
FaceTime can stop working for a number of reasons, as we’ve mentioned above. What really matters is getting it working, though; try some of the most common fixes, such as restarting your device, signing out and back into FaceTime, etc.
We hope you were able to get FaceTime working again with the help of these solutions! If you’re still stuck, let us know about your situation in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help you out.
You can also use FaceTime Handoff on your Apple device. Do you have any other burning Apple-related questions? We want to hear from you.
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A self-professed Geek who loves to explore all things Apple. I thoroughly enjoy discovering new hacks, troubleshooting issues, and finding and reviewing the best products and apps currently available. My expertise also includes curating opinionated and honest editorials. If not this, you might find me surfing the web or listening to audiobooks.
Splendid review and a well-written post. The solutions you mentioned in your article are incredible. I have already used some of the solutions mentioned in your article.