Check you're on Wi-Fi or mobile data with FaceTime allowed (Settings → Cellular → FaceTime), confirm FaceTime is on and activated in Settings → Apps → FaceTime, set date and time automatically, check Screen Time content restrictions, then sign out and back in.

Why this happens

FaceTime needs an internet connection, an activated phone number or email, and permission for the camera and microphone. Screen Time can block FaceTime entirely, and FaceTime isn’t available in a few countries or on some carrier-sold devices.

What you'll see

  • Calls show “Connecting…” then fail.
  • “FaceTime unavailable”.
  • Can't find FaceTime or can't turn it on.

What causes it

  • Weak connection or FaceTime cellular data off.
  • FaceTime not activated or signed out.
  • Screen Time restrictions.
  • Wrong date/time or Apple outage.

How to fix it

  1. Check connectionTest web browsing; allow FaceTime under Settings → Cellular.
  2. Check FaceTime settingsSettings → Apps → FaceTime: FaceTime on, your number/email ticked under You can be reached by FaceTime at.
  3. Date and timeSettings → General → Date & Time → Set Automatically.
  4. Screen TimeSettings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Allowed Apps: make sure FaceTime and Camera are on.
  5. Sign out and inTap your Apple Account in FaceTime settings → Sign Out, then sign back in.
  6. Check Apple System StatusLook for FaceTime outages.
How to tell it worked: You can place and receive FaceTime audio and video calls.

Stop it happening again

Keep iOS updated and date/time set automatically.