FaceTime Not Working? Fix Every FaceTime Issue on an iPhone, iPad & Mac! (iOS 17)

Is FaceTime not working on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac? If you're wondering why FaceTime keeps failing, we have the fix! Whether FaceTime won't connect, keeps hanging up, is unavailable, or is otherwise not working the way it's supposed to, here's how to fix every FaceTime error. 

FaceTime Not Working? Fix Every FaceTime Issue on an iPhone, iPad & Mac

The FaceTime app allows users to make free video calls with an iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch, Mac, and even Android and Windows users. Whether FaceTime is not working on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, here's how to fix FaceTime errors and problems! For more great FaceTime tutorials, check out our free Tip of the Day.

Jump To:

• Easy Ways to Fix FaceTime Issues, Errors & Problems
• Check Your Wi-Fi or Cellular FaceTime Settings
• Sign Out of FaceTime & Sign Back In
• Check if Your iPhone is Compatible with Group FaceTime
• Check If Your Date & Time Are Set to Automatic
• Fix the FaceTime Freezing While Waiting for Activation Error

Easy Ways to Fix FaceTime Issues, Errors & Problems

Is FaceTime not connecting, or is FaceTime down? What do you do if FaceTime won't connect? Are you trying to FaceTime but find that, after about five minutes, one of you in the conversation gets the “FaceTime Not Connecting” error message, and it stays until you retry the call? Here’s what to do about a poor connection on FaceTime:

• Run an internet speed test on your network and make sure that it’s reaching 5 Mbps or greater. Low data speeds often cause problems with FaceTime.
• Make sure that all devices on the FaceTime call are using the same version of iOS, iPadOS, or MacOS. Anecdotal evidence suggests this may correct your poor connection in FaceTime.
• Is FaceTime down? Check the Apple System Status page to see if there's a green dot next to FaceTime. If not, FaceTime is down.
• Is FaceTime free internationally? Yes, but it isn’t available worldwide. Check with Apple to see if FaceTime is available. If long-distance FaceTime calls are not working on an iPhone, you may still be able to use FaceTime with a VPN.

Here are several other simple things you can do to get FaceTime working again :

• Reboot your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac.
• Look to see if there's a new iPadOS, macOS, or iOS update available for your device. 
• Check your Screen Time Settings to make sure FaceTime is always allowed. 

Check Your Wi-Fi or Cellular FaceTime Settings

You may have a poor connection on FaceTime because of your Wi-Fi or cellular connection. An easy way to fix this FaceTime issue is to check that the device you are using has a Wi-Fi or cellular connection; you can check this in the Control Center or at the top of your iPhone screen. Also, make sure that you can use FaceTime without Wi-Fi by making sure cellular data is enabled for FaceTime in your Settings.

If FaceTime is still unavailable, keep troubleshooting using the steps below! We also have a resource to help you learn more about how to set up FaceTime. 

Return to Top

Sign Out of FaceTime & Sign Back In

If FaceTime is still not working on an iPhone or other Apple device, signing out of FaceTime and then signing back in again may help. Here's how to sign out of FaceTime on an iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app.
   
   
2. Scroll down and tap FaceTime.
   
   
3. Tap your Apple ID.
   
   
4. Select Sign Out.
   
   
5. Once you are signed out, tap Use your Apple ID for FaceTime.
   
   
6. Sign in using your Apple ID details. 
   
   

If your FaceTime is not working on a Mac, you should open the FaceTime app, choose FaceTime, click Settings, click General, then click Sign Out. Then, sign back in by opening the FaceTime app again, entering your Apple ID and password, then click Next to sign in.

Return to Top

Check If Your iPhone Is Compatible with Group FaceTime

You can use FaceTime on a computer, as long as it’s a Mac, and of course, you can use it on other Apple devices. However, not every iPhone or other Apple device is compatible with group FaceTime. 

Can you group FaceTime? Compatible devices include:

• iPhones running iOS 12.1.4. or later
• An iPhone 6S or newer models
• Any Mac running macOS Mojave 10.14.3 or newer
• An iPod touch (7th generation)
• An iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, iPad (5th generation), or newer models

Some devices that are not listed, including Apple Watches, may still work with one-on-one FaceTime. If you're especially popular on FaceTime, here's how to use call waiting in FaceTime.

Return to Top

Check If Your Date & Time Are Set to Automatic

If FaceTime keeps hanging up or failing, check your Date & Time settings. Whether you are using an iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch, or Mac, make sure that you have Date & Time Settings automatically enabled.

On an iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
   
   
2. Tap General.
   
   
3. Select Date & Time.
   
   
4. Make sure that Set Automatically is toggled on and your Time Zone is correct.
   
   

Hopefully, this will help with FaceTime not connecting or loading and other issues.

Return to Top

Fix the FaceTime Waiting for Activation Error

Sometimes FaceTime isn't working because of known bugs or errors, and this is one of those instances. When you log in to FaceTime, you may get the FaceTime Waiting for Activation error. If FaceTime freezes at Waiting for Activation, turning FaceTime on and off should fix it. This may also work for other FaceTime glitches. If you are using an iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
   
   
2. Tap FaceTime.
   
   
3. Toggle FaceTime off and then back on again.
   
   

Now you know what to do if you encounter the FaceTime Waiting for Activation error.

By now, your FaceTime problems should be solved. If not, it's time to contact Apple Support. Once FaceTime is working, try out new ways to enjoy FaceTiming with your friends and family using SharePlay or upgrade your FaceTime experience with Wide Spectrum Audio.

If this troubleshooting guide helped, you might also want to read AirPods Mic Not Working? Try These 6 Tips and iPhone Calls Failed Repeatedly? Here’s How to Fix It.

Back to Top