FaceTime not working on an iPhone? 8 fixes to try

2 min read · 8 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

FaceTime needs three things: an internet connection, an activated account and permission to use the camera. When calls do not connect, one of the three is missing. Work through the list from the top.

The pictures are from iOS 26 on an iPhone 17. On older versions the rows are in the same place, with a slightly different look.

Step by step

1. Check the internet connection

   FaceTime works over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Open a web page to test the connection. On a slow connection the picture stutters, goes black or the call drops, so move closer to the router or switch to the other kind of connection.

   Done

2. 

   Update the iPhone

   Apple's first step is the latest version of iOS. Open Settings, tap General, then Software Update.

   Done

3. 

   Switch FaceTime off and on

   Open Settings, tap Apps, then FaceTime. Switch FaceTime off, wait a moment and switch it on again. On iOS 17 and earlier, FaceTime is directly in the main Settings list.

   Done

4. Choose the right number or address

   On the same page, under the heading about where you can be reached, make sure your phone number or email address has a tick. If you use two SIMs, also open Settings, Mobile Service (Cellular in some regions) and check that the line is switched on.

   Done

5. Check Screen Time

   Open Settings, tap Screen Time, then Content & Privacy Restrictions. If restrictions are on, make sure FaceTime and Camera are both allowed.

   Done

6. Set the date and time automatically

   Open Settings, tap General, then Date & Time, and switch on Set Automatically. Activation fails when the clock is wrong.

   Done

7. Restart the iPhone

   Switch the iPhone off, wait until the screen is black and switch it on again. Then try the call once more.

   Done

8. Check the network you are on

   On office, hotel and school Wi-Fi, a firewall can block FaceTime. Try the call on mobile data. Apple also publishes a System Status page that shows whether FaceTime itself has an outage.

   Done

Good to know

FaceTime and FaceTime audio are not available in every country, region or mobile network. An iPhone bought in such a region may not show FaceTime at all.

Call forwarding does not work with FaceTime, and a running FaceTime call cannot be turned into a normal phone call. End it and dial again.

If the FaceTime page says Waiting for Activation, the steps are the same as for iMessage: iPhone iMessage waiting for activation: 8 fixes to try.

If the clock keeps going wrong: how to fix the date and time on an iPhone.

In short: Connection, update, FaceTime off and on, right number, Screen Time, automatic time, restart, other network.