what does it mean when it says facetime unavailable

What does it mean when it says Facetime unavailable?

If your Facetime says it is unavailable, it means you cannot make a Facetime call using your device.

This can be very frustrating, especially if you need to connect with several people.

If Facetime is unavailable, the most likely reason is poor network connectivity. Make sure your device has a connection to the Internet. If you connect to Wi-Fi, try changing your connection and see if it fixes the issue. If you are using Facetime over cellular data, make sure Cellular Data is ON.

In order to work, Facetime needs an Internet connection and a device that supports the app.

As long as you have a compatible device, you can make and receive Facetime audio and video calls. If you encounter an issue, it may be due to the reasons listed below.  

What Does It Mean When It Says Facetime Unavailable? Causes of the Error

facetime unavailable

The error Facetime unavailable is fairly common. If you encounter it, don’t panic.

You will find the possible reasons in this post and the steps you can fix them. 

Poor Network Connectivity

Check your network connection. If your Facetime is currently not available, the most likely reason is your device is not connected to the Internet.

Disconnect your Wi-Fi and reconnect again by enabling the Airplane Mode. Tap the Airplane icon from the Control Center to turn it on.

Wrong Facetime Settings

Make sure your Facetime settings are correct. Open the Settings app and make sure the app is enabled.

While in the Facetime Settings, make sure you have the valid Apple ID and phone number listed.  

Contact Information Not Correct

Verify that your contact information is correct. Check the boxes next to the email addresses, or phone numbers under You Can Be Reached for FaceTime At.

Facetime Does Not Work In Your Country

If you bought your Apple device from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, or the United Arab Emirates, the feature might not be available in your country.

Check on Apple’s website if you can use the app. If you can’t, you may need to use a VPN in order to enjoy Facetime.

Once you know the reason why Facetime isn’t available for your device, you can take the necessary steps to solve the problem.

Below are simple methods you can do on your own.

How to Fix Facetime Unavailable or Not Working Issue

Now that you know the answer to your query, “What does facetime unavailable mean?” you can enjoy the features of the app with these Do-It-Yourself solutions.

Solution #1: Check Internet Connection

check ios internet connection

Facetime needs an Internet connection to work. Whether using Wi-Fi or mobile data, make sure your device is connected.

You can check it from the Control Center on top of the screen of your Apple device.  

Here’s how to test Wi-Fi on your Apple device:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi and see if it is turned ON.
  3. Check if you’re connected to a network.

Here’s how to test mobile data on your Apple device:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Cellular.
  3. Select Cellular Data.
Note: Make sure your mobile data is ON, and your device has a good signal. Also, make sure that Facetime is toggled ON from the list of apps allowed.

Solution #2: Perform a Hard Restart

If your device keeps throwing the Facetime unavailable error, restart it. Here’s how to restart your Apple device.

  1. Push the Up Volume button and release it.
  2. Push the Down Volume button and release it.
  3. Push the side Power button and hold it.
  4. Wait for the Apple logo to appear and release it.
  5. On an iPad, you can press and hold the Top button instead.
Note: To turn your device back on, press and hold the side/top button until you see the Apple logo.

Solution #3: Make Sure Your Facetime Settings are Correct

facetime settings

Your Facetime settings should be correct in order for you to use the app successfully. The app won’t work if your device is not in sync with the Facetime servers.

Here are the steps on how to change your Facetime settings on an iPhone, iPad, and Mac:

iPhone and iPad

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Facetime and make sure it is ON.
  3. Go to You Can Reach Me By Facetime At or Caller ID sections.
  4. Check your contact information and make sure it’s accurate.

You can also do this on a Mac by opening Facetime and selecting Preferences on the menu.

Here, you can make sure that your contact information is correct so you will be able to use Facetime.

Note: Adjust the date and time settings on your device is incorrect.

If not set correctly, this can trigger unrelated problems like your Facetime being unavailable.

Solution #4: Log Out and Log Back In on Facetime

Another way to fix your Facetime unavailable problem is signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in again.

  1. Go to Settings and tap Facetime.
  2. Tap your Apple ID and hit the Sign Out.
  3. After you’ve logged out, enter Facetime again. 
  4. Enter your Apple ID and password again.
Note: If you have a Mac, open the Facetime app. Go to Facetime, then tap Preferences to sign out.

Solution #5: Disable Screen Time for Facetime

disable screentime

Screen time may be blocking you from using your device camera and Facetime app, so make sure you turn it off.

iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Open Screen Time and tap Content and Privacy Restrictions.
  3. If ON, tap Allowed Apps and enter your Screen Time passcode.
  4. Click the button next to Facetime and Camera to allow access.

If you are using a Mac, you can disable this particular setting by going to System Preferences and selecting Content and Privacy.

Select Apps, and check the one for Facetime. It might ask you to enter your password.

Note: If your Mac has a firewall or security software that could be interfering with Facetime, disable your firewalls and open ports to fix the issue.

Solution #6: Update Your Device Software

Updating your device software can fix a lot of issues, including that of your Facetime not working.

Get the latest software version of your device to fix bugs, install security patches, and support new features.

Here are the steps on how you can update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch:

  1. Plug in your device and connect to the Internet.
  2. Go to Settings > General.
  3. Tap Software Update.
  4. If you see an update available, choose the one you want to install.
  5. Tap Install Now.
Note: For Mac, go to System Preference > Software Update > Update Now.

If your Facetime is not working, check your Internet connection. Make sure you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, or your Mobile Data is ON. If you have Network Connection, but Facetime is still unavailable, try restarting your device.

Read Next: How to Fix iPhone Static Noise When Calling?

Last Thoughts

If you know, what does it mean when it says Facetime unavailable, you can perform the appropriate solutions to solve the issue.

The most likely culprit is your Network connection, so make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi, or your Cellular Data is ON.

If this post answers your questions about your Facetime not working, but you have another issue with your Apple device, you will definitely find what you’re looking for in this blog.