FaceTime App Not Working: FaceTime is a handy video chatting app that comes pre-installed on iPhones. It allows you to easily video chat with other iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. However, sometimes FaceTime may stop working properly on your iPhone. Fortunately, there are some troubleshooting steps you can try to get FaceTime up and running again.
Reasons Why FaceTime Not Working
There are a few common reasons why you may be experiencing issues with FaceTime on your iPhone:
Internet Connectivity Issues
The most likely culprit for FaceTime problems is an issue with your internet connection. FaceTime requires a strong Wi-Fi or cellular data connection to function properly. Check that you have a solid connection by running a speed test. If your upload or download speeds are low, this can disrupt video chatting.
Outdated Software
Having old software can cause compatibility issues with FaceTime. Make sure that your iPhone, as well as the device you are trying to FaceTime, is updated to the latest version of iOS. Outdated operating systems may not support FaceTime.
Signing Out of FaceTime
Sometimes you may accidentally sign out of FaceTime on your device. This can happen if you switch Apple IDs. Double-check that you are currently signed into FaceTime with your correct Apple ID.
Restricted Region for FaceTime
FaceTime has regional restrictions and may not work properly if you are located in a restricted area. This occurs in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. You will need a VPN to use FaceTime in these regions.
Disabled FaceTime
Check that FaceTime is enabled on your iPhone. Go to Settings > FaceTime and make sure the switch next to FaceTime is in the ON position and green. If it is off, simply turn on FaceTime.
Blocked on Network
Some businesses, schools, or public Wi-Fi networks may block access to FaceTime. Switch to cellular data or a personal Wi-Fi network and see if FaceTime starts working again.
How to Fix FaceTime App Not Working on iPhone
If you are having issues getting FaceTime to work properly on your iPhone, follow these troubleshooting steps:
- Check Your Internet Connection
The very first thing to check is your Wi-Fi or cellular data connection. Open Safari or another internet browsing app and make sure web pages are loading properly. Run a speed test at Speedtest.net to check your current upload and download speeds.
For FaceTime video calls, you’ll want an upload and download speed of at least 1.5 Mbps. If your speed is lower than that, switch networks or move closer to your Wi-Fi router. You can also try resetting your network settings on your iPhone:
- Go to Settings
- Select General
- Tap Reset
- Choose Reset Network Settings
This will delete saved Wi-Fi networks and reset connectivity services. Reconnect to Wi-Fi and test FaceTime again.
- Update Your iPhone Software
Outdated software can cause problems with apps like FaceTime. Apple is constantly upgrading iOS to fix bugs and improve performance.
To update your iPhone software:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap General
- Choose Software Update
Install any available updates, including minor iOS updates. The latest major iOS versions always contain FaceTime improvements and fixes.
- Make Sure FaceTime is Enabled
It seems obvious, but check that FaceTime is enabled on your iPhone. Sometimes the switch can get turned off inadvertently.
To check FaceTime:
- Go to Settings
- Tap FaceTime
- Make sure the FaceTime switch is in the ON position (green)
If FaceTime is disabled, simply toggle the switch to enable it again.
- Log Out and Back Into FaceTime
Logging out of FaceTime could resolve a stuck settings issue preventing it from working properly.
To sign out of FaceTime:
- Go to Settings
- Tap FaceTime
- Tap Sign Out
Confirm that you want to sign out of FaceTime. This will reset all FaceTime settings.
Next, log back into FaceTime:
- Go to Settings
- Tap FaceTime
- Enter your Apple ID email and password
- Tap Sign In
Signing out and back in should clear up any account issues that were interfering with FaceTime.
- Turn FaceTime Off and Back On
If FaceTime is acting buggy, turning the FaceTime switch off and on again can refresh the settings.
To do this:
- Go to Settings > FaceTime
- Turn the FaceTime switch OFF
- Wait 30 seconds
- Turn the FaceTime switch back ON
Toggle the switch off and then reset the FaceTime processes and registry again.
- Force Close FaceTime App
A glitch with the FaceTime app itself could be the issue. Force closing FaceTime entirely could help.
To force quit FaceTime:
- Double-click the Home button to open the multitasking view
- Swipe up on the FaceTime app preview to close it
- Open FaceTime again and try making a call
Force closing the app will terminate all processes and restart the app fresh.
- Update Your FaceTime Contacts
Having old contact information for friends and family can lead to FaceTime call failures. Make sure to update your contacts with the most recent information.
To update and check contacts:
- Open Contacts app
- Select a contact
- Tap Edit in the upper right corner
- Update the name, number, and email
- Tap Done to save changes
Be sure their email address is the one associated with their Apple ID for FaceTime.
- Turn Off Wi-Fi Assist
The Wi-Fi Assist feature automatically switches to cellular data if your Wi-Fi has a weak signal. However, this can sometimes disrupt FaceTime calls.
You can disable Wi-Fi Assist by going to Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Assist and turning it off. Try making a FaceTime call with Wi-Fi Assist disabled.
- Hard Reset Your iPhone
If all else fails, completely wiping your iPhone by performing a hard reset could get FaceTime functioning again.
Note that this will erase all content and settings from your device. You’ll want to backup your iPhone to iCloud before resetting.
To hard reset an iPhone 8 or earlier:
- Hold down the Power and Home buttons together until you see the Apple logo appear
For iPhone X and later:
- Hold down the Side button and Volume Up or Down buttons at the same time until the Recovery mode screen appears
Once your phone restarts, you can restore it from an iCloud or iTunes backup and test FaceTime. The reset will clear any problematic settings that are interfering with FaceTime calls.
Advanced FaceTime Troubleshooting
If the basic steps don’t get FaceTime working again, you can try some more advanced troubleshooting tactics:
- Check if a software update carrier settings update is available for your iPhone. Go to Settings > General > About and tap Carrier. If an update is available, download and install it.
- Turn on airplane mode for 30 seconds, then turn it back off to refresh network connections.
- Enable Limit IP Address Tracking in Settings > FaceTime for added privacy.
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings again to redo network settings as new.
- Contact Apple Support via chat or phone for assistance troubleshooting FaceTime problems.
- At the Apple Store, technicians can run diagnostics and check your iPhone for any underlying hardware issues causing FaceTime to malfunction.
- As a last resort, backup your iPhone and do a full restore in iTunes on a computer. Set up your device as new instead of restoring the backup.
Preventing FaceTime Issues
Here are some tips to help avoid FaceTime problems in the first place:
- Use strong Wi-Fi and LTE connections for best performance
- Update to the latest version of iOS as soon as updates become available
- Only use trusted networks that don’t block access to FaceTime
- Make sure your friends and family contacts have accurate info entered
- Turn on Limit IP Address Tracking for added FaceTime privacy
- Disable Wi-Fi Assist if you notice cellular data disrupting FaceTime calls
- Force close the FaceTime app periodically to clear cached data
- Sign out and back into FaceTime now and then to refresh the settings
- Do regular iPhone backups in case you need to reset your device
Following these FaceTime best practices will ensure you rarely have to deal with issues getting video calls to connect.
FaceTime Alternatives for iPhone
When FaceTime is not working, there are several great alternative video chatting apps you can use on an iPhone:
- WhatsApp– Free app with video calls, great for international contacts
- Facebook Messenger– Video chat with friends and family who have Facebook
- Snapchat– Fun video chat with animated lenses and stickers
- Instagram– Video call friends through Instagram Direct messages
- Google Duo– High-quality video calls to Android users
- Skype– Longstanding video chat app that works across platforms
- Zoom– Popular enterprise and group video conferencing
- Marco Polo– Video messages with friends that sync across devices
So try not to get too frustrated when FaceTime acts up. There are plenty of other options for video chatting on iPhone!
FAQs about Fixing FaceTime on iPhone
Why does FaceTime say “Waiting for activation” on iPhone?
If FaceTime is stuck displaying “Waiting for activation,” it is likely an issue with your Apple ID. Make sure you are signed in with the correct ID that has FaceTime enabled. Check that your payment information is also valid. You may need to sign out of FaceTime and back in with your Apple ID to resolve this activation error.
Why is my FaceTime camera not working?
A non-working FaceTime camera could be due to permissions being disabled. Go to Settings > FaceTime and make sure camera access is enabled. You can also try force-closing the FaceTime app and toggling the camera button off and on during a call. As a last resort, perform a hard reset of your iPhone to see if that fixes the FaceTime camera problem.
How do I fix FaceTime crashing?
Frequent FaceTime crashing issues can often be resolved by updating your iOS software to the latest version. Make sure your iPhone is not low on storage, as that can cause apps to crash. Force closing FaceTime and restarting your device can also help stabilize FaceTime performance. For persistent crashes, try deleting and reinstalling the FaceTime app.
Why does FaceTime say the call failed?
The “call failed” FaceTime error typically means there is an issue with your network connection. First, make sure cellular data or Wi-Fi is enabled on your iPhone. Switch to a stronger network or disable Wi-Fi Assist. You can also try resetting network settings or force resetting your device to troubleshoot failed FaceTime calls.
How do I fix FaceTime’s poor connection?
Choppy video on FaceTime calls usually stems from a poor network connection. Switch from Wi-Fi to cellular data or vice versa. Move closer to your wireless router, connect to a 5GHz Wi-Fi band, or try another network to improve connectivity. Turn off Low Data Mode which can restrict FaceTime call quality. If issues persist on all networks, contact your carrier about network problems in your area affecting FaceTime.
Why does my FaceTime keep freezing?
Freezing issues in mid-FaceTime calls are also typically caused by weak internet connectivity. Check your Wi-Fi bars or cellular signal strength – just 1 bar can disrupt video. Move closer to your router or switch to mobile data if needed. Force closing other apps can help improve performance. If freezing continues, try resetting network settings or restoring your iPhone as new.
How do I fix FaceTime authentication errors?
Authentication errors like “certificate error” or “security error” generally mean you must sign out and back into FaceTime with your Apple ID. Go to Settings > FaceTime> Sign Out. Then sign in again with your correct Apple ID and password. Ensure that you are entering the exact login details for the Apple ID enabled with FaceTime.
Why does FaceTime say “verifying” forever?
If FaceTime gets stuck endlessly “verifying” and never connects calls, first make sure you have proper internet connectivity. If other apps load fine, the issue may be server-side with Apple. Try restarting your device or toggling airplane mode on and off to get a fresh registration with Apple’s FaceTime servers. The issue should resolve itself as soon as servers come back online fully.
Conclusion
While FaceTime issues can certainly be annoying, a little troubleshooting is usually all it takes to get video calls working again. First, ensure FaceTime itself is enabled in your iPhone settings. Then check for any connectivity problems with Wi-Fi or cellular networks. Updating your iOS software and resetting FaceTime settings can also quickly resolve general glitches. For ongoing FaceTime problems, try signing out and back into your Apple ID account, force quitting the app, or conduct a full reset of your device. With these tips, you’ll be back to smooth FaceTime calls in no time.
Mustafa Al Mahmud is the founder and owner of Gizmo Concept, a leading technology news and review site. With over 10 years of experience in the tech industry, Mustafa started Gizmo Concept in 2017 to provide honest, in-depth analysis and insights on the latest gadgets, apps, and tech trends. A self-proclaimed “tech geek,” Mustafa first developed a passion for technology as a computer science student at the Hi-Tech Institute of Engineering & Technology. After graduation, he worked at several top tech firms leading product development teams and honing his skills as both an engineer and innovator. However, he always dreamed of having his own platform to share his perspectives on the tech world. With the launch of Gizmo Concept, Mustafa has built an engaged community of tech enthusiasts who look to the site for trusted, informed takes on everything from smartphones to smart homes. Under his leadership, Gizmo Concept has become a top destination for tech reviews, news, and expert commentary. Outside of running Gizmo Concept, Mustafa is an avid traveler who enjoys experiencing new cultures and tech scenes worldwide. He also serves as a tech advisor and angel investor for several startups. Mustafa holds a B.S. in Computer Science from HIET.