Why does Facetime keep failing? 7 ways to fix

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Facetime calls

The FaceTime app is an interesting and fun way of video calling friends and colleagues. Therefore, it is frustrating when you receive a FaceTime failed notification when you try to make a FaceTime call.

Many Apple users have experienced issues when making or receiving FaceTime calls. The call may last between 20-30 seconds before hanging up. The most common issue is the Apple device may be experiencing a network issue or the camera is not working.

7 ways to fix Facetime when it keeps failing

00This article will explain why your FaceTime call fails immediately and how you can solve this problem.

1. Restart your Apple device

The first solution to fix your FaceTime calling error is to restart the device. Below are steps on how to restart an iPhone or iPad device:

  • Press and hold the Volume button and Side button until the power off slider appears on the screen.
  • Drag the slider and wait for a few seconds before it turns off.
  • Wait for a few minutes before turning it on by pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears.

READ: How to fix FaceTime connection issues

For older iPhone and iPad versions, here is how to restart it:

  • Press and hold the Volume Up button, then release it.
  • Press and hold the Volume Down button, then release it.
  • Press the Power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

2. FaceTime is turned off

The most common reason your FaceTime keeps failing is that it is disabled. To enable it:

  • Tap on the Settings app.
  • Tap on FaceTime.
  • Turn on the toggle next to FaceTime.

3. Apple Servers are down

Apple servers

FaceTime keeps declining because the Apple servers are down. In this case, go to the Apple Status page on the Apple website. Ensure that the Apple servers are available and if not, wait for a little while until they do.

4. Check your internet connection

You may be trying to make a FaceTime on a poor or unstable internet connection. FaceTime calls require a high-speed internet connection to make a call. Ensure that the Apple device you are using is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data. 

Below are steps on how to check on the cellular connection:

  • Tap on the Settings App.
  • Select Cellular.
  • Turn on the toggle next to Cellular data to connect to cellular data.

If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, here is how to check its connection:

  • Go to settings.
  • Select Wi-Fi and check whether it is turned on and connected to an active data plan.

5. Update the iOS 

Apple manufacturers occasionally release software updates to every device. The updates have new features and bug fixes that improve the app’s functionality. Your FaceTime may be crashing because of an outdated system. 

You can update the iPhone’s system using the following step:

  • Tap on the Settings app.
  • Tap on System Preferences.
  • Tap on Software Update.

Your Apple device will check if there is an available update. If there is an update, tap on Update Now for Mac and Download and Install for iPhones and iPads.

READ: What causes the FaceTime camera not to work?

6. Check whether FaceTime works in your country

FaceTime is free internationally but it is not available worldwide. To check whether it is available in your country, visit Apple’s website and scroll down the country list. If it’s not on the list, you can still use FaceTime with a VPN.

7. Confirm whether the Date and Time are automatically set

An unusual reason your iPhone FaceTime is failing is the wrongly set time and date. Any Apple device you are using should have its Date and Time automatic settings enabled using the following steps:

  • Tap on the Settings app.
  • Tap on General.
  • Tap on Date and Time.
  • Turn the toggle next to Set Automatically on.

Wrapping up

A FaceTime call is a convenient video calling platform for communicating with friends, family, and co-workers. Unfortunately, an Apple user, at some point, will experience issues whereby FaceTime keeps failing overnight for several reasons. 

Your device may be experiencing network issues, an outdated iOS system, or FaceTime is disabled. The above solutions can fix problems related to FaceTime connection and allow you to make calls. You can also check more guides about FaceTime.