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FaceTime is Apple’s video and audio calling service. Think of it as a phone that uses your Wi-Fi or cellular data connection instead of traditional phone lines. You can use it from any iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac, to call anyone else using any one of those devices. FaceTime makes video chat and audio calls easier than ever, or at least, it does when FaceTime works. While FaceTime used to be one of the most reliable ways to initiate a video conversation between any Macs, iPhones, or iPads, sometimes it just doesn’t work. In simple words, we can say a failed facetime call problem on iPhone or mac.
Sometimes, FaceTime used to get stuck on “Connecting…” either staying there indefinitely without a connection or failing and dropping a FaceTime chat instantly. This problem can impact both FaceTime Video and FaceTime Audio calls for either Mac OS X or iOS. But there are certain ways to get out of it is troubleshooting the failed facetime call. If It happens to run into persistently failing connections.
What to do when Your FaceTime Calls Disconnect or Fail?
- Make sure Airplane mode is toggled off
- Check Apple Server status for any ongoing issues
- Toggle FaceTime off, wait 20-30 seconds, and toggle it back on
- Sign out of FaceTime, restart, and sign back in
- Delete and reinstall the FaceTime App
- Update your iOS or macOS to the latest version
- Turn off Screen Time or Restrictions
- Check that your date and time is Set Automatically
- Reset your network settings
- For Poor Connections, stop using any effects or Animoji/Memoji to reduce bandwidth burden
- Sometimes resetting all your settings fix failed FaceTime call problems. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings

Reasons for Facetime App Failure in Connecting:
- Facetime video calls require a good amount of bandwidth from your Internet connection to work properly, so when determining why your FaceTime loses connection, you should look at your Internet connection.
- It might be that your Internet connection is too slow and doesn’t have enough bandwidth for video streaming, or that the connection is flaky and experiencing excessive packet loss. What’s worse, is that both issues are often amplified when you are on the move since mobile devices cannot easily transition between different Wi-Fi networks or cell towers without interrupting apps and dropping calls, such as the ones from FaceTime.
- Regardless of the root cause, by default iPhones and iPads are designed to only use one Internet connection at a time, even though they are often connected to both Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Some of the steps can really help you to get out of the facetime not working issue:
1: Update iOS and/or Mac OS X to the latest version available
The first thing you should do is update all possible system software to the newest version available. This goes for both sides of the FaceTime call – meaning the initiator and the recipient. Always back up the iOS device or Mac before updating operating system software.
- iOS: Settings > General > Software Update
- Mac OS: Apple Menu > Software Update
Sometimes this alone is enough to get FaceTime working again, so go ahead and try to start a call or video chat as usual when finished. If you are still having the issue of failed facetime call on iPhone or Mac, then contact apple live chat.
2: Force FaceTime Re-Activation by Toggling FaceTime OFF and ON
Turning FaceTime off and back on-again forces reactivation with Apple’s servers. This can resolve many FaceTime issues pertaining to activation, particularly if they persist after updating to the newest version of iOS or Mac OS X available. This is also a good opportunity to be sure that you have the correct Apple ID entered the FaceTime settings:
Reactivating FaceTime in Mac OS X
- Open FaceTime in Mac OS X and go to the “FaceTime” menu and choose “Preferences”
- Flip the ‘FaceTime’ switch to OFF
- Flip the ‘FaceTime’ switch back to ON and wait until it finishes reactivating
3: Reset Network Settings on the iOS Device
If FaceTime is failing on iOS, resetting network settings often can do the trick if you’re already on the latest version and have already reactivated the service on the device:
- Open “Settings” > General > Reset > choose “Reset Network Settings”
4. Check whether you’re signed in to FaceTime with the right Apple ID
Check that you are signed in to all your FaceTime accounts using the same Apple ID. Within iOS tap on Settings > FaceTime and check the Apple ID. In Mac OS X tap on FaceTime > Preferences and check the Apple ID.
If any of the devices don’t match. Tap on Sign Out and enter the same Apple ID and Password as your other devices (then tap Sign In).
5. Is FaceTime stuck on “Waiting for Activation”
When you sign in to FaceTime, it will say Waiting for Activation. If any of your devices hang on the Waiting for Activation turn off FaceTime and back on again. Here is how to turn FaceTime on and off on an iOS and Mac OS X Device:
How to Reset FaceTime on an iOS Device:
Tap on Settings > FaceTime and set FaceTime to Off. Then turn FaceTime back to On.
6.Ported Carrier FaceTime issues
Switching carriers on an iPhone can also sometimes result in problems with FaceTime working. If such a case occurs, contact your carrier and inform them of the problem. In most cases, changing the sim card solves the problem very easily.
So these were the few troubleshooting steps or you can say the instant steps that could really help you get out of the issue of failed facetime call.