- If FaceTime is not working on your iPhone in iOS 17, make sure you have a working internet connection.
- You can also try restarting your phone, toggling FaceTime off and on, or updating your iPhone.
- Other steps to try include ensuring time and date are correct or resetting network settings.
FaceTime is a reliable way to video chat between iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. However, FaceTime is not immune to glitches. Various factors like camera problems, connection issues, software bugs, and more can prevent FaceTime from working properly. Below, we’ve gathered all the best ways to fix FaceTime when it isn’t working on your iPhone running iOS 17.
How to troubleshoot when FaceTime isn’t working on iPhone in iOS 17
1. Make sure your iPhone is connected to the internet
If FaceTime is not working on your iPhone running iOS 17, it could be that your phone is not connected to the internet, and you should make sure that it is. Here’s what to do:
- If you’re trying to connect via cellular data, make sure that’s switched on in settings (Settings > Cellular)
- Restart your router. Unplug it from its power outlet, wait 1 minute and then plug it in.
- Enable Airplane Mode, wait for 10 seconds and then disable it (Settings > Airplane Mode).
- Turn off Wi-Fi, wait 10 seconds and then turn it on (Settings > Wi-Fi).
- Turn off Cellular Data, wait 10 seconds and then turn it on (Settings > Cellular).
2. Figure out whether the problem is on your end or someone else’s
It’s worth noting that an FaceTime failure can be caused by a problem with your iPhone — or with the person you’re trying to FaceTime.
Is FaceTime not working with only one iPhone user or with every iPhone user you call? If you’re not sure, try making FaceTime calls with several people and see whether the problem is limited to one person or to everyone. If FaceTime is not working with anyone, it’s probably a problem with your iPhone. If it doesn’t work with just one person, it’s probably a problem on the other person’s iPhone, iPad, or iPod.
If FaceTime doesn’t work with only one person, the other person may not have FaceTime turned on, or there may be a software problem with their iPhone. It’s also possible the person you are trying to FaceTime is experiencing internet connectivity problems.
3. Check that FaceTime is turned on
- Open the Settings app and tap FaceTime.
- Make sure the switch labelled FaceTime is turned on.
If you see a "Waiting for activation" notification, move on to the next solution.
4. Make sure you’re signed in
In order to use FaceTime on your iPhone, you need to be signed in with your Apple ID or phone number. Here’s how to check if you are signed in:
- Open the Settings app and tap FaceTime.
- Under the section called You Can Be Reached By FaceTime At, make sure your phone number or Apple ID is listed. If you are signed in, great! If not, then sign in and try the call again. If the call works, then you are good to go. If it still does not work, keep reading for more troubleshooting tips!
5. Disable Content Restrictions for FaceTime
If the FaceTime app is completely missing on your iPhone, you may have enabled Screen Time restrictions. People typically use these settings to keep young children from accessing certain features on a device. Here’s what to do:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone and go to Screen Time.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, then Allowed Apps.
- Make sure both the camera and FaceTime are enabled.
6. Restart your iPhone
One quick fix that sometimes works when FaceTime is not working is to completely restart your iPhone. The way to turn off your iPhone depends on which model you have:
- If you’re using an iPhone XR or newer, simultaneously press and hold the Side buttonand either of the Volume buttons. On iPhone SE (2nd generation) or newer, press and hold down the Side buttononly. Do this until the power off slider appears
- Drag the power off slider to the right to shut down the phone.
- Press and hold the Side button to restart your iPhone.
7. Update your iPhone’s software
Whether it’s FaceTime or your phone is acting up in some other way, it’s a good idea to ensure your iPhone is running the most up-to-date version of iOS.
- Open the Settings app and tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Update Now, then follow the onscreen instructions.
8. Check if FaceTime is down
There’s a chance that FaceTime is down on Apple’s end. To check this, visit Apple’s System Status page. Scroll down and look at the dot next to FaceTime. If it’s green, FaceTime is fine. If it’s red or yellow, there’s an error with FaceTime, and Apple is working towards a solution.
9. Check Date & Time
If FaceTime is still not working on your iPhone, make sure that Date and Time settings are correct. Here is how:
- Open the Settings app and tap General.
- Tap Date & Time.
- Make sure everything is correct and you may also want to turn on the Set Automatically option.
10. Disable and enable FaceTime
If you are still having this problem, disable FaceTime, restart your iPhone and then re-enable FaceTime. Here is how:
- Open the Settings app and tap FaceTime.
- Turn FaceTime off by swiping the button to the left.
- Restart your iPhone, then turn it on again.
- Go back to the Settings app, tap FaceTime, and turn FaceTime back on by swiping the button to the right.
11. Check if FaceTime Works in Your Country
Unfortunately, FaceTime isn’t available worldwide–although it certainly comes close. It also isn’t available with every single network provider.
Take a look at Apple’s carrier support page to find out if your carrier supports FaceTime in your country.
12. Are you using a VPN?
A VPN connection may interfere with FaceTime functionality. Are you using a VPN on your iPhone? If so, turn it off and try again.
13. Reset your network settings
On rare occasions, your phone’s network settings can get scrambled, which can interfere with FaceTime and potentially other online services. Resetting your iPhone’s network settings can fix the problem. Please note that when you do this, all of your Internet or Bluetooth data and settings, such as Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth connections, or other connection information, will be deleted. This will not delete your apps, photos or other content. Here is how:
- Open the Settings app and tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- In the pop-up window, tap Reset Network Settings and confirm you want to do this.
14. Test the Camera and Microphone on Your iPhone
If people can’t see or hear you on FaceTime, there might be a problem with the camera or microphones on your iPhone.
On your iPhone, the simplest way to test this is to open the Camera app and record a short video of yourself talking into the front-facing camera. Play the video back to find out if there are any problems with the audio or video you recorded. You’ll need to troubleshoot your iPhone’s camera issues if it’s not working.
15. Contact Apple Support
If FaceTime still won’t work, it’s time to reach out to Apple support for further help.
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