Adverts
In most cases, FaceTime does not work on Mac or suddenly stops working due to incorrect settings, temporary or network issues. Once this happens, it will be impossible to make FaceTime video and audio calls from your computer.
To fix this problem, here are 14 reliable solutions. Once you follow them, FaceTime won't work, wake up or connect on Mac should be a thing of the past. Take a look.
Adverts
1. Make sure you are signed in to the correct account
First, make sure you're signed in to FaceTime with the correct email and phone number.
To check this, open the FaceTime app on your MacBook. If you see the login screen, enter your Apple ID and password to sign in. Once you do this, you will be able to make FaceTime calls.
Adverts
If you don't see the login screen, it means you're already logged in, which is great. On the keyboard, press Command + Comma (,) . Or you can click FaceTime in the top left corner of the screen and choose Preferences .
Here, make sure you see your correct Apple ID. Also, make sure the email and phone number in You can be reached for FaceTime at It is Start new calls are configured correctly. If the options here are disabled, check the boxes to enable them. If the Apple ID is incorrect or belongs to someone else (such as a family member), click To go out and sign in using your correct Apple ID.
2. Set the correct date and time
For FaceTime to work on your Mac, your data and time settings must be accurate. The easiest way to ensure your computer has the correct date and time is to set it to update automatically.
click on the apple icon > System Preferences > Date and time . If the options here are grayed out, click the padlock icon in the bottom left corner and enter your Mac password. Now turn on Automatically set date and time .
Then click on the tab Time zone and activate Set time zone automatically using current location .
3. Force Quit and Reopen FaceTime
On your Mac keyboard, press the keys together Command + Option + Esc . Now select FaceTime and click Force Quit . You can also do this by clicking the Apple icon and choosing Force Quit. After a few seconds, open FaceTime again on your Mac and it should work.
4. Quit other video calling apps like Zoom
Are there other video calling apps like Skype, Zoom open in the background and using your Mac's camera and microphone? If so, consider closing these apps. You can do this by right-clicking the application icon in your Mac's Dock and choosing Quit.
5. Restart your Mac and Wi-Fi router
This is an important troubleshooting step that you shouldn't dismiss thinking it's too basic.
click on the icon from the Apple in the top left corner and choose Restart . While this happens, make sure to turn off your Wi-Fi router and turn it back on within a few seconds. After your MacBook and router are restarted, FaceTime should work perfectly.
6. Make sure your Mac is connected to the internet
As you already know, FaceTime works over the internet. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your Mac is connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet and has working internet. Once this is done, you will not see errors like “FaceTime unavailable”.
To check, open Safari and try visiting a website. If it loads quickly, your internet connection is fine. Move on to the next solutions to fix FaceTime issues.
7. Check Apple System Status When FaceTime Not Working
On rare occasions, it may happen that everything is working in your favor. But it's Apple's fault, that's why FaceTime doesn't let you make calls.
To check this, visit Apple's system status page . If you see a green dot for FaceTime, it means everything is fine. If you see an orange or red dot for FaceTime, Apple ID, or iCloud Account and Login, wait until Apple fixes the problem.
8. Run microphone, camera and speaker tests
Press Command + space-bar to launch Spotlight Search. In this, type photobooth and open it.
In the lower left corner, click the video recording icon and then click the button engraving red . You had to see his face. This proves that your Mac camera is working well.
Now say something out loud. Once done, stop recording the video and click its thumbnail at the bottom to play the recording. If you hear your voice, your Mac's microphone and speakers are working properly. You can also check your Mac's microphone and speaker using the Voice Memos and Music apps.
Are there multiple microphones or cameras connected to your Mac? If so, during a FaceTime call, click Video in the top menu bar and select the desired (working) microphone and camera.
9. Log out of FaceTime and log back in
If the solutions above don't resolve the issue, this one should help.
Open the FaceTime app and press Command + K to turn it off. After one minute, press Command + K again to turn it on. See if this quick fix works for you or not.
Otherwise, press Command + Comma (,) to open the FaceTime Preferences . Then click To go out .
Now restart your Mac. Once done, open the FaceTime app and log in. FaceTime should start working perfectly.
10. Update to the latest version of macOS
For regular users, it's a good practice to keep your Mac up to date. This ensures you have the latest operating system with all the latest features and security updates. For example, you can enjoy group FaceTime only if you are on macOS Mojave or later.
So, if FaceTime is not working or some features are missing, open the System Preferences and go to Software update . From here, download and install the update.
11. Sign out of Apple ID, remove your Mac and sign back in
Signing out of Apple ID and signing back in can help you fix FaceTime issues successfully. Follow these steps if you have trouble activating FaceTime or when none of the above solutions work for you.
1) Go to System Preferences > Apple ID > Overview It is skirt from here. When requested, you can keep a copy of contacts, calendars, etc. Even if you don't, they will sync once again when you sign in with your Apple ID (step 3 below).
2) If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can follow these steps to remove a device from your Apple account. Otherwise, visit iCloud.com on your Mac and sign in with your Apple ID. Then click Account configurations and select your Mac under My Devices. click on the x next to your Mac's name and remove it.
3) Open the System Preferences and click To enter . Make sure you're using the correct Apple ID.
Now, you shouldn't have any problems with activating FaceTime or using it. Open the FaceTime app on your Mac and enjoy your video calls.
12. Use Google DNS to fix FaceTime issues
Did nothing mentioned above work for you? In that case, consider using Google DNS for a while. If your FaceTime problem is due to your Internet Service Provider (ISP), changing your Mac's DNS may help.
13. Some things to keep in mind
1) Make sure your FaceTime microphone is not muted. If you are using an external camera, make sure it is not covered or unplugged.
2) Make sure the other person is on FaceTime. For this:
Enter the contact's name, email, or phone number. Wait a few seconds and if the button Video turns green, it means the person is on FaceTime. If only the Audio button or none of the buttons turn green, it means the person is not on FaceTime.
Or, in the FaceTime app's call list, click the information icon (i) next to a person. If they are on FaceTime, you should see the word FaceTime, and their icons would be blue and active. Otherwise, they would be grayed out.
14. Are you in a country where FaceTime is restricted?
FaceTime is not available in all regions and with all carriers. For example, if you are in the United Arab Emirates or Pakistan, FaceTime may not be available to you. You can check region and carrier availability on this official website. Apple support .
Finally, if your office or organization's networks use firewalls, follow these steps to use FaceTime and iMessage behind that firewall.
Want to stay up to date with the best games and anime. Check out our partner's website Hello Nerd!
Discover our online store, with the best prices! Check it out by clicking here
