How to tell who has a poor connection on FaceTime

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FaceTime call

If you experience a “poor connection” while using FaceTime, the network signal strength is weak in most cases.

It could be on your end, the other user’s end, both sides, or Apple servers and services are just acting up—it’s hard to tell for sure. So, we’ve outlined some troubleshooting solutions to help you identify the root of the issue.

Before we get to that, what does poor connection mean on FaceTime? It means that the internet connection between you and the person you’re FaceTiming is unstable.

It’s not strong enough to maintain the video stream. In extreme cases, the audio will fail, and the call might disconnect.

The tests discussed below will help you figure out if the problem is your network and how to fix it. You’ll be sure whose fault is a poor connection on FaceTime.

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Ways to identify who has a poor connection on FaceTime

Use these methods to tell who has a poor connection during a FaceTime call.

1. Call other FaceTime users

The easiest way to know if the FaceTime connection is lagging on your end is to call other people. If you experience poor connection with every call, your FaceTime is the problem.

On the other hand, if you get a good connection with everybody else but the user you’d called first, the problem is on their end.

2. Check your network

As the issue centers around network connection, you must check a couple of things, including:

Check the signal strength.

The signal strength icons for Wi-Fi and cellular data are usually at the top of the screen. Check if they have enough signal strength.

Perform a speed test

Run a speed test of your internet to know if it’s good enough to run a FaceTime video call. Simply search online for a speed test and run it through the site.

You can even try more than one service provider and compare the results. Usually, the test results include the upload speed, download speed, and ping time.

Now, while there is no definite download or upload speed required to run FaceTime smoothly, it’s safe to say that the higher, the better. Lower speeds below 1 mb/s are likely to cause latency on the upload of the FaceTime stream and download. This eventually causes the “Poor Connection” error.

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The transmission requires a good bandwidth to function properly. You can still hear the audio clearly because audio takes less bandwidth and is prioritized over video.

3. Check FaceTime status

If you cannot tell whose Wi-Fi is bad on FaceTime, it could be an issue with the Apple servers and services.

You can confirm by checking the Apple status site. Look for FaceTime and check if it has a green light next to it because that shows that the servers are okay.

How to fix poor connection on FaceTime

A person in a FaceTime call

To solve the problem of poor connection on FaceTime, you should try the following solutions:

1. Move closer to the router

When you notice the signal strength icon shows a weak connection, you should move closer to the router to see if the strength improves. When using cellular data, move around to find a spot with a stronger connection.

2. Troubleshoot your network

First, restart the router and see if the Wi-Fi strength will improve. You can press the on and off button or simply unplug it from the power source, then wait a few minutes and plug it in again.

Use the router’s manual to update its firmware to the latest version. This option will clear bugs that hinder performance.

Try and turn on Airplane mode on your device, then wait for a minute before you toggle it off.

Also, you can switch Off Wi-Fi or cellular data and then switch it back On. If that fails, consider resetting your network settings. It will erase all the settings, stubborn errors, and saved Wi-Fi passwords. In the process, it could fix your connection problem. Use the following guide to network reset:

iPhone and iPad

  • Launch “Settings.”
  • Select “General.”
  • Pick “Reset.”
  • Tap on “Reset Network Settings.”
  • Enter your device’s passcode and tap on “Reset” to confirm.

Mac

  • Click on the “Apple icon.”
  • Select “System Preferences.”
  • Click on “Network.”
  • Pick your Wi-Fi connection from the list.
  • Click the minus (-) symbol.
  • Click “Apply” to remove Wi-Fi.
  • Restart your Mac and tap the plus (+) symbol.
  • Add Wi-Fi and click on “Create.”
  • Click on “Apply.”

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3. Change your network connection

Switch between different network connections if the one you’re using is slow. For instance, if you’re connected to Wi-Fi, you can switch it off and connect to cellular data, connect to another Wi-Fi network, or ask a friend to hotspot their connection.

4. Manage Apps and downloads

Close any apps and downloads running while you’re on FaceTime. This helps to improve the internet bandwidth and use it while FaceTiming.

Also, if other devices are connected to the network and consume excess bandwidth, you can disconnect them until you’re done with the FaceTime call.

5. Restart your device

Turning your device Off then On is the simplest solution to many electrical issues. You should try it with your iOS device. Here is a complete guide to restarting different devices:

  • Mac: click the Apple menu, then select “Restart.”
  • iPhone X or later versions and iPad with Face ID: Simultaneously press the top/side button and volume buttons until you see the power off slider. Drag the slider to switch off the device. Wait for a minute, then press and hold the top/side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • Other iPhone and iPad models: press and hold the top/side button until you see the power off slider. Drag the slider to shut down the device. Wait for a minute, then press and hold the top/side button until you see the Apple logo on your screen.

6. Disable then enable FaceTime

Close the app, then go to “Settings,” tap on “FaceTime,” and toggle it Off. Next, restart your device, go back to settings, and reenable FaceTime. Call your friend back and see if the poor connection error shows up again.

7. Update your device

Make sure your device has the latest software. The new updates usually come with great features and bug fixes that could help to boost connection on Facetime.

Follow the steps below to check for updates:

iPhone and iPad

  • Open “Settings.”
  • Tap on “General.”
  • Select “Software Update.”
  • If there are any updates, download and install them immediately.
  • Ideally, turn On automatic updates to avoid the manual installation process.

Mac

  • Go to the top-left corner and click on the “Apple icon.”
  • Select “System Preferences.”
  • Pick “Software Update” and install any available updates.

8. Turn off Wi-Fi assist

This iPhone feature is designed to improve internet speed. Unfortunately, it could be the cause of your poor connection on FaceTime. The best way to find out is to turn it off. How? Using the following guide:

  • Launch “Settings.”
  • Tap on “Cellular.”
  • Tap “Mobile Data.”
  • Scroll down and select “Wi-Fi Assist.”
  • Toggle it Off.
  • If it is Off, you can toggle it On and see if it helps.

9. Remove restrictions

Restricting your FaceTime app could also cause poor connection issues. Follow these steps to check the restriction list:

  • Open “Settings.”
  • Tap on “Screen Time.”
  • Select “Content & Privacy restrictions”.
  • Tap on “Allowed apps.”
  • Check if FaceTime and Camera are added.
  • If they’re not added, toggle to enable them.

10. Check the date and time settings

This is another simple solution for a poor FaceTime connection. Open “Settings” on your phone, select “General,” then tap on “Date & Time.” Toggle On the “Set Automatically” option.

11. Wait

If the poor connection on FaceTime is caused by Apple server problems, there is nothing you can do apart from waiting. Fortunately, Apple is usually fast in restoring its systems. You won’t wait for long.

Conclusion

By the time you’re done with all these solutions, your poor connection on FaceTime will be non-existent. If the problem persists, reach out to Apple support.

Talk to your ISP or SIM card carrier company if you encounter network strength complications. Be sure to let us know how everything goes in the comment section.