Is FaceTime not working on your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max? FaceTime is an incredibly simple application that allows users of iPhone to make real-time video and audio calls with other users who also use FaceTime. As we said, it is an incredibly simple app. But, at times it can actually frustrate its users. Sometimes calls fail. Calling someone or receiving a call from someone simply won’t work! Sometimes there can be connection errors. Sometimes FaceTime app won’t show up at all.
If you are facing some problems with FaceTime on your iPhone 18 Pro, these 6 FaceTime calling issues and their fixes might help you. So, take your time to read through this article and see if you can find a solution to your problem(s).
Note: Before you do anything, check to see if Apple’s FaceTime servers are down. This is easy, here is how:
- Open a browser and visit Apple’s system status site.
- Look for FaceTime.
Note 2: Also make sure that your iPhone 18 Pro is running the latest version of the iOS software. Here is how you can update your device:
- Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.
- Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update. The currently installed version of iOS is shown, and whether an update is available.
Problem 1: Calls Fail or Receiving and Making Calls Not Possible
Important: The first thing you need to know about FaceTime is that it is not available in all regions. So, crosscheck and find out whether your region is supported or not. If FaceTime is available, there are now four options for you:
Option 1: Follow the following steps:
- Ensure that FaceTime is enabled on your iPhone 18 Pro. To do this, go to Settings. From there go to Apps. Scroll down and tap FaceTime. Make sure that FaceTime is turned on.
- Once you have done that, find out whether your device’s camera as well as FaceTime are enabled in the Screen Time settings. For this, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Other Features and make sure that Camera and FaceTime are allowed.
- Finally, ensure that your internet connection is active and working properly. You need a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. You may want to check your Wi-Fi or cellular connection. If your connection is not strong enough, you may see the “Poor Connection” error.
Now check and see whether FaceTime is working or not. If not, follow Option 2 described below.
Option 2: Restart your device.
This is a simple step. All you have to do is simply restart your device. Here is how:
- Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears.
- Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off.
- To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button (on the right side of your iPhone) until you see the Apple logo.
Once the device restarts, check whether FaceTime is working or not. If it isn’t, try Option 3 described below.
Option 3: Check the Date and Time
Make sure that the Date and Time settings are set correctly. You may want to turn on the Set Time Automatically option. Here is how:
- On your iPhone: Settings > General > Date & Time.
Option 4: Reset network settings
You may want to reset network settings. Please note that doing so will erase your network settings such as your saved Wi-Fi passwords etc. Here is how:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings. This resets all Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings.
Problem 2: FaceTime Options Not Available in Settings
It may happen that you are not able to make calls or receive calls because FaceTime options are not available in the Settings menu. You may notice that the option for toggling FaceTime ON and OFF is greyed out. You cannot do anything.
Here is a fix to try:
- Go to Settings.
- From Settings, go to Screen Time.
- Go to Content & Privacy Restrictions > Other Features. Make sure that FaceTime and Camera are allowed.
Then check whether the FaceTime settings appear in Settings > Apps > FaceTime.
Problem 3: Phone Calls or Contacts App Not Showing FaceTime Button
What really happens here is that when you go to Settings, you will notice that FaceTime options are available. However, when you go to your contact screen or your phone calls app, you will not see the FaceTime option. This means that you cannot initiate a call using FaceTime.
In order to fix this, try the following options:
Option 1: Toggle FaceTime ON and OFF
Go to Settings > Apps > FaceTime, turn FaceTime off, and then turn it back on. Then check the Contacts app or the Phone app for the FaceTime button.
If this method is not working, follow Option 2.
Option 2: Check Screen Time restrictions
Make sure that FaceTime and Camera are allowed. For the steps, see Problem 2 above.
Option 3: Reset all settings
This should be your last resort. Reset All Settings returns settings to factory defaults. Your photos, messages, apps, and documents aren’t deleted. It is suggested that you take a backup of your data before you reset your phone. In case you want to reset your phone, take the following steps:
- Open Settings and tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset, then tap Reset All Settings.
Once you do that, the phone will be reset and restart.
Problem 4: FaceTime Calling Issues Because of Wi-Fi Firewall
Believe it or not, there may be firewall restrictions in your Wi-Fi that will prevent you from making or receiving calls using FaceTime. It is not necessary that all Wi-Fis will have this issue but some may have.
For FaceTime to work properly, the following ports need to be open:
- UDP: 16393 through 16402
- UDP: 16384 through 16387
- UDP: 3478 through 3497
- TCP: 5223
- TCP: 443
- TCP: 80
In case you don’t know how to enable these ports, you may have to contact your ISP or network administrator and ask them to enable these ports. In case other ports need to be enabled, you may have to go ahead and ask your network administrator.
Problem 5: Unable to Make Calls Because of Poor Network Connection
Okay, this is one of the dumbest problems out there but it can be annoying unless you know what is actually causing the problem. Since FaceTime can work over Wi-Fi and also through mobile internet, the chances may be that a poor network connection is preventing you from making or receiving calls using FaceTime.
If you are on mobile internet or some data plan from your carrier, there isn’t much you can do to fix this problem.
However, if you are using Wi-Fi, you can take the following steps:
- Turn off Wi-Fi and restart your router. Restart your router and cable modem by unplugging the devices and then plugging them back in. This refreshes the network connection and can resolve minor connection issues.
- Toggle FaceTime OFF and then ON using your device settings. This may help.
Still not working?
Well, quit and reopen the FaceTime app:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, pause in the center of the screen, then lift your finger.
- Swipe right to find the app.
- Swipe up on the app to quit it.
Don’t worry, you are not actually uninstalling the app. To reopen FaceTime, go to the Home Screen or App Library, then tap the app.
Problem 6: FaceTime Not Working After Porting Number
You ported your number to a different carrier and now FaceTime not working? Do you keep getting this message: “Username (which will be your name) not available for FaceTime”?
Try these steps:
- Make sure that you’re connected to a cellular data or Wi-Fi network, and that your time zone is set correctly in Settings > General > Date & Time.
- In Settings > Apps > FaceTime, turn off FaceTime. Restart your iPhone, then turn FaceTime back on.
- It might take up to 24 hours for your carrier to verify your phone number with Apple. Contact your carrier to make sure that you can send and receive international SMS messages.
Well, this concludes our article. Did you find a solution to your problem? Drop us a message and let us know. In case you have any other problem to share, feel free to do so.
