Sometimes, you may find it difficult to join or start FaceTime audio or video calls. Or you may get cut off during a FaceTime call. That could be frustrating, especially when you’re unable to figure out why you’re experiencing the issues.
Why Is FaceTime Not Working?
Most times, an unstable internet connection makes FaceTime fail. However, other factors, such as outdated software, the wrong date and time settings, incorrect login credentials, and so on, could be responsible. Working outside FaceTime-supported regions could also make the platform fail.
These factors are the most common reasons why FaceTime does not work on iPhones. Regardless of the cause of the issue in your case, you are sure to find this guide helpful, as we’ve compiled the best fixes you can use to resolve the problem.
How to Fix FaceTime Stuck on Connecting
1. Restart FaceTime
FaceTime may experience minor glitches after recent system changes and therefore fail. Usually, this happens if it runs in the background during a system update.
If this is the case, you could quickly fix that by quitting and restarting the app.
To do that, follow the guide below:
- Tap Settings from the Home screen and select FaceTime.
- Ensure it’s enabled. If it’s already enabled, switch it off for a few seconds and then turn it back on.
That should resolve the issue. If not, try the next fix.
2. Reboot/soft reset your iPhone
A simple yet effective solution to most post-update system issues is to reboot or soft reset the device. Most system updates prompt you to restart your phone after installation to clear caches and also refresh the internal memory.
Besides, a soft reset does not affect your data – that is, you don't need to back up your files to iTunes or iCloud to use this fix.
Follow the guide below to perform a soft reset of recent iPhone models, such as iPhone X:
- Press and hold the power and the home buttons simultaneously until the power-off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to shut down the device.
- Repeat the process after 30 seconds and hold the buttons until the Apple logo appears to restart the device.
Alternatively, you may have to hold the home button and the lower volume button to restart your iPhone, depending on the version.
The device should complete its booting sequence after a few seconds. After that, you can re-establish its network connection (either cellular data or Wi-Fi).
Launch FaceTime and check if it works properly. Otherwise, try the next fix.
3. Set the date and time automatically
The wrong date and time settings often make FaceTime fail. Apple suggests setting your date and time automatically if FaceTime fails consistently on your iPad, iPhone, or Mac. To ensure that, follow the guide below:
- On an iPad or iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > Date & Time and select the automatic setting option.
- For Mac users, go to System Preferences > Date & Time. Check “Set date and time automatically” and choose your time zone.
4. Refresh your internet connection
Often, an unstable internet connection (whether cellular or Wi-Fi) leads to FaceTime issues. But minor iOS network bugs could also be responsible for the abrupt disconnection of a FaceTime video or audio call.
When it comes to resolving random internet glitches, refreshing the internet connection may do the trick. There are several ways to do that, but toggling the internet connection on and off works best.
Follow the guide below to refresh your Wi-Fi internet connection:
- Tap Settings from the Home screen and select Wi-Fi.
- Then toggle the Wi-Fi switch off.
- Toggle the Wi-Fi switch on to restart the Wi-Fi connection.
You can also use the guide below to refresh your cellular data connection:
- Tap Settings from the Home screen and select Cellular.
- Toggle the cellular data switch to turn the connection off.
- Then restart your device.
- Afterward, navigate back to Settings > Cellular menu. Then toggle the cellular data switch to turn the connection back on.
You can also fix internet-related glitches by turning Airplane Mode on and off. Follow the guide below to try it out:
- Tap Settings from the Home screen and select Airplane Mode.
- Toggle the switch to turn it on, disabling all wireless radios and other relevant features simultaneously.
- Restart your device to clear out junk files and other corrupted network data.
- Once the restart process completes, return to Settings > Airplane Mode.
- Turn the Airplane Mode switch off to re-enable all wireless radios.
Restart your device's internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) and then re-launch FaceTime to check that it works perfectly.
5. Turn off your iPhone restrictions
"Restrictions" is an iOS feature that could stop FaceTime and other apps from running. When enabled, it can prevent or limit an application’s activities in the background. You can manage your iPhone restrictions through the following steps to rule out this possibility:
- Click Settings from the Home screen and select Screen Time.
- Click Content & Privacy Restrictions and then navigate to Allowed Apps.
- You can toggle the switch to ensure that the FaceTime and Camera apps are not restricted.
6. Reset your network settings
Sometimes, you need to adopt advanced solutions to resolve internet-related glitches. A simple device restart might not be sufficient to fix the error. That said, following the guide below to perform a network reset may help:
- Click on Settings from the Home screen and select General.
- Then navigate the options and click Reset.
- Select the “Reset network settings” option and enter your device password to proceed.
- Then confirm that you want to reset your device’s network settings.
You’ll need to set up your internet connection after the reset. Once you do that, your FaceTime app should work well.
7. Confirm that FaceTime works in your region
Unfortunately, FaceTime isn't available worldwide. If your FaceTime doesn't work after applying the fixes mentioned above, it’s probably not available in your region.
You can check Apple’s support page to know if your region supports FaceTime. If it doesn’t, you might be able to elude the restrictions by using a VPN on your device.
8. Update your device’s software
FaceTime might have issues if you do not run the latest software on your iPad, iPhone, or Mac. Recent updates come with patches and bug fixes, so updating your device’s OS might be a quick solution to the issue.
To perform an OS update on an iPad or iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. For Mac users, go to System Preferences > Software Update.
You can launch FaceTime afterward to check whether the fix has worked.
9. Perform a factory reset
If the fixes discussed above have failed to work, try erasing your device as the last resort.
Fatal errors during a system update could sometimes be challenging to fix. Usually, performing a hard or factory reset is the best option to take. A hard reset undoes the troublesome update, thereby resolving all related errors.
However, you need to back up your files from your iPhone to iTunes or iCloud. Once you’ve secured your files, you can follow the guide below to perform a full system reset:
- Select Settings from the Home screen and click on General.
- Scroll down and select Reset.
- Choose the “Erase all content and settings” option and enter your device password to proceed.
- Finally, confirm the reset.
Once the reset completes, your device’s factory default settings will be restored. All your files and apps will be deleted. You’ll have to set up your device afresh as though it were new.
You can follow the start-up wizard to set it up faster. Additionally, restore your files from iTunes or iCloud to the device. Also, enable FaceTime from your phone settings, set up a network connection and launch FaceTime to see if it now works well.
Conclusion
FaceTime connectivity issues can be quite frustrating, especially if you have to use the platform’s screen sharing feature for professional collaborations. When working with a remote team, screen sharing saves time and effort when making edits or reviewing your work.
Alternatively, you can use a fast and secure file-sharing service such as FileWhopper to transfer files and folders of any size without having to commit to a monthly or annual subscription.
Did you find this post helpful? Please leave a comment below. Also, check our blog for more file-sharing tips.
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