FaceTime is a great video conference service for Apple’s ecosystem. However, it can be annoying when your calls keep dropping mid-conversation.
If you’re experiencing this problem, you’re not alone.
Today, I’ll show you what to do if your FaceTime calls keep failing.
TL;DR Version
Whenever you encounter issues with FaceTime calls, you can check:
- Check Apple’s Servers
- Ensure Airplane Mode Is Disabled
- Update Your Device
- Check Screen Time Restrictions
- Refresh Face Time
- Refresh Your Apple ID
- Check Date & Time Settings
- Reinstall FaceTime
- Restart Your Router
Before Anything: Check Apple’s Servers
There might be a problem with Apple’s services, which causes your FaceTime calls to drop.
Before troubleshooting the issue, visit Apple’s status page to check if there are problems with their services.
Sadly, server-related issues can’t be resolved on your end. If there are problems with FaceTime, the best thing to do is wait it out.
1. Ensure Airplane Mode Is Disabled
Airplane Mode is a feature that disables all wireless connections on your device, including Wi-Fi and cellular data.
If FaceTime keeps failing, check if Airplane Mode is enabled.
- Swipe downwards from the upper right corner of your screen.
- Now, tap the Airplane icon next to Cellular Data.
Note
You’ll know Airplane Mode is disabled when it’s not showing an orange color.
2. Update Your Device
There might be a problem with the current version of iOS or macOS that causes FaceTime calls to drop unexpectedly.
Make sure that you have the latest software for your device installed.
To update your iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Navigate to General > Software Update.
- If there’s a new iOS version available, tap Download and Install.
- Once the new software is ready, follow the prompts to install the update.
Note
- Your device can restart several times while installing the update.
- Ensure your iPhone has at least 50% battery before installing updates. It’s best to keep your device plugged into the wall charger to avoid interruptions.
- Allow at least 15 minutes for the update to install, especially if it’s a major update (iOS 15 to iOS 16).
To avoid missing future updates, enable automatic updates on your iPhone:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Go to General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.
- Enable Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates.
To update your Mac:
- In the upper left corner of your screen, click the Apple icon to open the Apple Menu.
- Now, click on System Settings.
- Inside settings, navigate to General > Software Update.
- If a new version is detected, follow the prompts to install the update.
Note
- Your Mac can restart several times while installing the update.
- The update progress bar might also appear to be stuck. When this happens, don’t do anything. Software updates can take several minutes to complete.
3. Check Screen Time Restrictions
Device restrictions can also cause FaceTime calls to fail or drop. If you are using Screen Time, ensure that FaceTime is not restricted.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Go to Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap on Allowed Apps.
- Look for FaceTime and ensure that it’s enabled.
Related: How to Fix Screen Time Not Showing Data on iPhone
4. Refresh FaceTime
You can try refreshing FaceTime by toggling it off/on in settings. This should reinitialize the app and all of its resources.
Follow the guide below to refresh FaceTime:
- Access your iPhone’s settings.
- Now, go to FaceTime.
- Tap the toggle switch next to FaceTime to disable it.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Enable FaceTime afterward.
5. Refresh Your Apple ID
Refreshing your Apple ID can also address problems with FaceTime. This also resolves issues with iCloud, App Store, and other Apple-related services.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Now, tap on your Profile.
- Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
- Provide your Apple ID password and follow the prompts.
After 2-3 minutes, re-login your Apple ID.
6. Check Date & Time Settings
Having the wrong date and time on your device can also cause FaceTime to malfunction. The servers might flag your device as suspicious and restrict access from the service.
To avoid this, make sure that the correct date and time is set on your device.
For iPhone and iPad users:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone/iPad.
- Go to General > Date & Time.
- Find the Set Automatically option and enable it.
For Mac users:
- Click on the Apple Menu in the upper left corner.
- Go to System Settings.
- Click on General > Date & Time.
- Enable Set Time and Date Automatically and Set Time Zone Automatically.
7. Reinstall FaceTime
If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, you can try reinstalling FaceTime if it still drops calls randomly.
There might be an issue with FaceTime’s installation package.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Go to your home screen.
- Find FaceTime from the list of apps.
- Press and hold its icon until the options menu appears.
- Tap on Remove App.
- Confirm your action by tapping Delete.
Go to the App Store afterward to reinstall FaceTime.
8. Restart Your Router
Unstable internet can also cause FaceTime to drop calls unexpectedly.
To confirm this, perform a speed test on your network to check if you’re getting the correct speed indicated on your subscription.
If not, power cycle your modem or router to refresh the connection with your ISP.
- Unplug your router from the outlet.
- Wait for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Plug back in your router.
Note
If your router is not plugged into the wall, find the power button to turn it off.
Perform another speed test to check if your connection is stable. If not, contact your service provider and ask for assistance.
