Apple primetime video calling application FaceTime is one of the fastest and convenient ways to communicate when you have an iPhone. Although as widely used as it is there are still a few problems that may arise when using the application. Recently, users are reporting that FaceTime video is not working on their iPhones.
It can be quite frustrating when one of the most used applications on the planet doesn’t work as intended. But don’t rush to third-party alternatives just yet. We have a few steps to recommend in order to help you address the problem at hand.
Table of contents
- Check your Internet Connectivity
- Make sure FaceTime is enabled
- Restart your iPhone
- Update to the latest iOS version
- Confirm Apple ID
- Do a Hard Reset
1. Check your Internet Connectivity
One of the first things you should check is that you have a steady Wi-fi Connection to your device. In often most cases the Wi-fi connectivity is poor and FaceTime is unable to load the receiver’s video as video calling needs above-average internet speed. If you have any other Wi-Fi device available go to your Settings->Wi-Fi then input the password of the other device.
If you’re not at home or the issue persists you can also check using your cellular data. To do this go to Settings > Cellular and toggle on the Cellular Data option and see if that makes a difference.
2. Make sure FaceTime is enabled
Newer devices or an iOS software update may have caused the facetime option to toggle off in the settings application. This can lead to several problems in the FaceTime application such as video not working properly.
To solve this you need to do:
- Go to Settings > FaceTime.
- Toggle on the FaceTime button.
- Go to multitasking by double-tapping the home button (iPhone 8 and earlier)/Swiping up the bottom of the screen (iPhone X and later).
- Clear Ram by swiping up on all currently open applications including FaceTime.
- Open FaceTime again.
Your FaceTime application will now reset and be able to load video onscreen.
3. Restart your iPhone
iOS may be the best mobile operating system out there, but it’s still not perfect. A small bug may just be the cause of your concern and an old yet quick simple fix may be what it requires.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Go to Settings > FaceTime.
- Toggle off the FaceTime button.
- Go to multitasking by double-tapping the home button (iPhone 8 and earlier)/Swiping up the bottom of the screen (iPhone X and later).
- Clear Ram by swiping up on all currently open applications including FaceTime.
- Then push the left side button up until a pop-up displays Slide to power off. Swipe across the screen.
- Wait at least 30 seconds for it to reboot.
- Power it back on using the left side button.
- Now head back again to Settings > FaceTime.
- Toggle on the FaceTime option.
Now head back to your FaceTime application and hopefully, your video would have returned to normal.
4. Update to the latest iOS version
Typically if you have a new iPhone or if you have manual updates turned off, iOS will be several versions outdated as updates are very frequent in the Apple ecosystem. This may cause a bug to come up, which can inherently cause problems such as the. To fix this go to Settings > General > Software Update. Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi beforehand. If an update is available, it will ask you to have more than 50% charge or to plug in your charger.
Fulfill any of these two conditions and your update will begin. You should note that you won’t be able to use your phone while installing the update.
5. Confirm Apple ID
In rare cases, FaceTime may malfunction due to being out of sync with your Apple ID. First, make sure that you are signed in to your Apple ID using FaceTime.
To do this:
- Go to Settings > FaceTime
- Make sure your Apple ID is displayed under Caller ID.
- If not then enter your details.
- Make sure to put a checkmark but tapping your Apple ID after completion of account details.
6. Do a Hard Reset
A Hard Reset is usually the last resort when a major software fault occurs in your iPhone such as the FaceTime video not working. Doing a Hard Reset will enable not only the phone to reboot but the whole iOS software to reboot as well. This may also work when you are unable to access the screen due to it being frozen. There are different ways to Hard Reset your iPhone depending on your model. We will list all possible ways for your convenience.
- iPhone 6+ or earlier: Press and hold the power button and Home button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 7 and iPhone 7+: Simultaneously press and hold the power button and the volume button until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 8 or later: Press and release the volume up button, press and release the volume up button, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Your iPhone will now take longer than usual to boot back up so don’t worry.
If the Hard Reset does not restore video in your FaceTime application then it may be best that you reach out to Apple Support or visit your nearest Apple Store as chances are it may be caused by a hardware problem, with your camera or processor chip. In case you have any comments, questions, or new suggestions that may help others, make sure to write them down in the comments section below.
