FaceTime Not Working on Mac? 20 Solutions to Fix It

Written by

Ojash

Reviewed by

Hashir Ibrahim

Last updated: July 27, 2024

Expert verified

You’re all set for that crucial meeting or a long-overdue chat with a friend, and bam! FaceTime chooses this moment to go on strike, leaving you shouting, “Can you hear me now?” into a screen of frozen faces.

This guide is your ultimate lifesaver, jam-packed with troubleshooting hacks to restore FaceTime to its former glory. From baffling audio issues to pixelated video nightmares, I’ll tackle them all and equip you to fix FaceTime not working on Mac. So, let’s dive in and get that FaceTime up and running again.

Why Is Your FaceTime Not Working on Mac?

If FaceTime isn’t working on your Mac, several underlying reasons could be causing the problem. Here are some common culprits for FaceTime not working on Mac:

1. 🔄 Software Updates: Outdated macOS or FaceTime versions can lead to compatibility issues.
2. 🌐 Internet Connection: Poor, unstable, or slow internet connection on Mac can disrupt FaceTime services.
3. 📸 Camera and Microphone Access: Privacy settings might block FaceTime from accessing your camera or microphone.
4. 🍏 Apple ID Issues: Your Apple ID might not be correctly set up in FaceTime, causing authentication errors.
5. 🔥 Firewall Settings: Overly restrictive firewall settings can block the necessary ports that FaceTime requires to function.
6. 🛠️ Server Outages: Sometimes, the problem isn’t on your end at all; Apple’s servers might be down.
7. 🦠 Viruses and Malware: Malicious software can obstruct FaceTime by limiting camera access or important data access.
8. 🗂️ Corrupted Files: Key system or application files can occasionally become corrupted, affecting FaceTime functionality.
9. 👨🏽‍💻 User Error: Incorrect settings or accidentally pressing the wrong button can sometimes be the reason, too.
10. 🚫 Third-Party Apps: Other software running in the background might interfere with FaceTime’s operation.

Understanding the root cause of your FaceTime issue is the first step toward resolving it. You can use appropriate troubleshooting techniques once you’ve identified the potential problem.

FaceTime Not Working on Mac: Quick Fix

If FaceTime isn’t functioning properly on your Mac, the quickest fix often involves checking your internet connection, force-quitting, and restarting the FaceTime app. Ensure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, and then try force-quitting the app by pressing Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + Esc keys.

Restarting your Mac can also resolve a host of issues instantly. Also, make sure both your macOS and the FaceTime app are up-to-date. For more stubborn problems, head into your System Settings to ensure FaceTime has the necessary permissions to access your camera and microphone.

20 Best Ways to Fix FaceTime Not Working on Mac

Whether you’re facing audio dropouts, blurry video, or an outright refusal from FaceTime to launch, the reasons can vary widely. This section aims to be your one-stop solution, offering a range of fixes to tackle the most common to the most perplexing FaceTime issues.

1. Quit and Restart FaceTime

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. If FaceTime is acting up, try quitting the application and relaunching it. By quitting and restarting FaceTime, you refresh the application, which can often clear out minor bugs or glitches.

Here’s how:

1. Locate the FaceTime icon on your Mac’s Dock.

2. Right-click the FaceTime icon in the Dock and select Quit from the context menu.

3. If you prefer Mac keyboard shortcuts, make sure FaceTime is active and press Command ⌘ + Q.

4. Wait for a few seconds to make sure the application has completely closed.
5. Relaunch FaceTime by double-clicking its icon in the Applications folder or using the Spotlight Search (Command ⌘ + Space).

6. Once the app is open, try calling or connecting to see if the issue has been resolved.

2. Restart Your Mac

Restarting your Mac refreshes the system and clears any temporary files, causing FaceTime or other applications to act erratically. This often solves minor issues and is a good second step if simply quitting and reopening FaceTime doesn’t work.

Here’s how to restart your Mac:

1. Save any ongoing work and close all applications on Mac to ensure you don’t lose any data when your system restarts.
2. Click the Apple logo at the top-left corner of your screen.
3. From the dropdown menu, select Restart.

4. A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm that you want to restart your computer. Click the Restart button in the dialog box to initiate the process.

5. Your Mac will proceed to restart.
6. After your Mac has successfully restarted and you’re back on the desktop, open FaceTime to see if the issue has been resolved.

3. Check If FaceTime Is Switched On

While it may seem basic, ensuring that FaceTime is actually switched on is a crucial step. Double-checking this setting can save you from unnecessary troubleshooting steps later on.

Here’s how to check if FaceTime is switched on:

1. Open the FaceTime app by clicking its icon in your Applications folder, or use Spotlight Search by pressing Command ⌘ + Space and typing FaceTime.

2. Once inside the FaceTime app, click FaceTime in the menu bar and select Turn FaceTime On.

3. Alternatively, within the FaceTime app window, look for an option that says Turn On and click it. It’s usually in the left sidebar.

4. Wait for a moment until you see that FaceTime has been activated.

4. Check If FaceTime Is Restricted in Your Region

In certain countries, the use of FaceTime is limited. For instance, countries like Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and the UAE have regulations restricting the app’s functionality.

Interestingly, some countries have loosened these restrictions for newer software versions. In Saudi Arabia, for example, FaceTime became accessible starting with iOS 11.3. However, the service remains unavailable for macOS users.

Checking the availability of FaceTime in your region is an often-overlooked but important step. Restrictions can exist for various reasons, and confirming this can save you much time and effort in troubleshooting.

5. Check Your Internet Connection on Mac

A stable and strong internet connection is essential for a smooth FaceTime experience. An unstable or weak connection can result in dropped calls, poor video quality, or the app not working at all.

To ensure your internet connection is up to par, you can perform a quick speed test and check your Wi-Fi signal strength. Here’s how:

1. Close any apps or browser tabs consuming your internet bandwidth to get a more accurate reading.
2. Open a web browser and go to a reliable speed test website like Speedtest.net (the one I used) or Fast.com.
3. On the speed test website, locate and click the Go button.

4. Make note of the download and upload speeds.

5. Check your Wi-Fi signal strength by looking at the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner of your screen. All bars should be filled for a strong connection.

6. If you notice low speeds or weak signal strength, try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router, or consider using a wired Ethernet connection for a more stable link.
7. After making the necessary adjustments, restart FaceTime and see if the issues have been resolved.

6. Try Using FaceTime With a Hotspot

Sometimes, your home or office Wi-Fi may be the culprit behind FaceTime issues. Utilizing a different internet source, like a mobile hotspot, can help determine if the issue is with your original network.

Here’s how to go about it:

1. On your mobile device, navigate to the Settings app and select the option for Personal Hotspot or similar.
2. Turn on the hotspot feature and make sure it’s discoverable. Note down the hotspot name and password, if applicable.
3. On your Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon in the top-right corner of the screen. From the dropdown list, select the name of your mobile hotspot.
4. If prompted, enter the password for the hotspot and wait for the connection to be established.
5. Once connected to the hotspot, launch FaceTime and see if the app functions properly.

7. Quit Other Video Calling Apps

Running multiple video calling apps simultaneously can hog your system’s resources, potentially causing issues with FaceTime. By quitting other video conferencing software, you free up bandwidth and system resources, which can help FaceTime function more smoothly.

Here’s how to quit other video calling apps besides FaceTime:

1. Identify any other video calling apps currently running on your Mac. This could include Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, or others.
2. To quit these apps, locate their icons on your Mac’s Dock and right-click to choose the Quit option.
3. If you’re unsure whether all video calling apps have been closed, open Activity Monitor by going to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor.

4. Look for any running video calling apps in the CPU or Memory tabs and quit them from there.
5. Once all other video calling apps have been closed, restart FaceTime and check if the issues have been resolved.

8. Sign Out of FaceTime and Sign In Again

If FaceTime isn’t working properly, signing out and signing back into your account can be a “soft reset” for the app. It can resolve authentication or account-specific problems affecting your FaceTime experience.

Here’s how to sign out of FaceTime and sign in again:

1. Open the FaceTime app and click FaceTime in the menu bar.
2. From the dropdown menu, select Settings to open the FaceTime settings window.

3. In the Settings window, find the Sign Out button next to your Apple ID. Click it to sign out of FaceTime.

4. Wait a few seconds to ensure that you’ve been fully signed out.
5. Now, sign back into your FaceTime account by entering your Apple ID and password. Click Sign In to complete the process.
6. After signing back in, try making a FaceTime call to see if the issue has been resolved.

9. Check Your Mac’s Time and Date

Incorrect time and date settings on your Mac can interfere with FaceTime’s functionality. Ensuring these settings are accurate can help resolve any related issues you may be experiencing with the app.

Here’s how to check and change the date and time on your Mac:

1. Navigate to the Apple Menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.

2. In the System Settings window, click General and select Date & Time.

3. Check if the time and date are correct. If they’re not, toggle off the Set date and time automatically option, correct them manually, and then toggle it on again.

4. After confirming or adjusting your time and date settings, relaunch FaceTime and test to see if the issue has been fixed.

10. Make Sure You Verified Your Email Address

The first time you use FaceTime, confirming your email address is essential. Upon signing up, Apple sends a verification link to the email you used for registration. If you don’t click this link, it could result in difficulties logging into FaceTime.

If you don’t remember whether you’ve verified your email address or not, you can check the verification status of your account by following these steps:

1. Navigate to the FaceTime menu at the top of your screen and select Settings.

2. If the status shows Verifying…, this could explain why you’re experiencing issues with FaceTime.

11. Check the Apple System Status

If you’ve tried multiple solutions and FaceTime still isn’t working, it could be due to an issue on Apple’s end. Apple’s System Status page provides real-time information about the operational status of various Apple services, including FaceTime.

Here’s how to check the Apple system status:

1. Open your web browser and navigate to Apple’s official System Status page.
2. Look for FaceTime in the list of services. If it’s indicated with a green dot, the service is operational. A yellow or red indicator suggests there are issues.

3. If there are issues, Apple usually provides an estimate for when the service will be restored. You might need to wait until then to use FaceTime effectively.

12. Check the FaceTime Phone Number and Apple ID

Incorrect or outdated contact information in FaceTime settings can be another reason for FaceTime not working on Mac. Ensuring your phone number and Apple ID are correct in the app’s settings is essential for a seamless FaceTime experience.

Here’s how to go about it:

1. Open the FaceTime app on your Mac, click FaceTime in the menu bar, and select Settings.

2. Check the You can be reached for FaceTime at section to see which phone numbers and email addresses are enabled.

3. Make sure the correct phone number and Apple ID (email) are listed and checked.
4. If you find an incorrect or outdated phone number or Apple ID, remove it by unchecking the box next to it.
5. Once updated, sign out and back into FaceTime and try making a FaceTime call to see if the issue is resolved.

13. Check the Microphone and Camera Settings on Your Mac

Hardware issues like a disabled microphone or camera can affect your FaceTime experience. Ensuring both are properly configured in your Mac’s settings can resolve potential issues.

Follow these steps to check the microphone and camera settings on your Mac:

1. Click the Apple logo and select System Settings.

2. In the System Settings window, click Sound to check your microphone settings.
3. Go to the Input tab and ensure the correct microphone is selected and its input level is registering sound.

4. Return to the System Settings window, click Privacy & Security, and select Microphone in the right pane.

5. Toggle on FaceTime to allow it to access the microphone.
6. Go back to Privacy & Security and select Camera from the right pane.

7. Make sure FaceTime is checked, allowing camera access.
8. Close the settings and restart FaceTime to apply any changes.
9. Test your FaceTime call to see if the microphone and camera are functioning correctly.

14. Disable FaceTime Content Restrictions

Content restrictions or parental controls on your Mac can limit FaceTime’s functionality. If you find FaceTime not working on Mac, disabling these restrictions may solve the problem.

Here’s how to disable FaceTime content restrictions on Mac:

1. Click the Apple logo and select System Settings.

2. In the System Settings window, select Screen Time.

3. Navigate to the Content & Privacy section in the Screen Time settings.

4. Click App Restrictions.

5. Toggle on the Allow Camera and Allow FaceTime options.

6. Restart FaceTime to apply the changes and test if the app is working properly now.

15. Reset FaceTime Camera

A malfunctioning camera can cause issues during FaceTime calls, such as frozen or black video. Resetting the camera might resolve these glitches and ensure a smoother FaceTime experience.

Here’s how to reset the FaceTime camera on your Mac:

1. Close any apps that might be using the camera, including FaceTime.
2. Open the Terminal application. You can find it in Finder > Applications > Utilities or by using Spotlight (Command ⌘ + Space) and typing Terminal.

3. Once the Terminal window is open, type the following command and press Enter:

sudo killall VDCAssistant

4. You’ll likely be prompted to enter your Mac’s password to execute the command with administrative privileges.
5. After entering your password, press Enter again.
6. After the command is executed, close the Terminal window.
7. Restart your Mac to ensure the changes are fully applied.
8. Open FaceTime and test your camera by making a FaceTime call.

16. Update the FaceTime App

Running an outdated version of FaceTime could lead to various issues, including connectivity problems and reduced functionality. Updating the app to the latest version may fix these issues and offer new features or improved performance.

Here’s how to update an app on your Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and select App Store.

2. Click the Updates tab in the App Store window.

3. If an update for FaceTime is available, click the Update button next to it to begin the installation. You might need to enter your Apple ID and password to proceed.
4. Wait for the update to download and install. Once the update is complete, restart FaceTime to ensure the new changes take effect.

Alternatively, you can use MacKeeper’s Update Tracker to update apps on macOS:

1. Download and install MacKeeper.
2. Launch MacKeeper and click the Update Tracker tab in the left sidebar.

3. Click Scan for Updates.

4. MacKeeper will scan your Mac for outdated apps and display a list. If an update for FaceTime is available, check the little box next to it.
5. Click Update.

6. Wait for the update to complete.

7. You’ll get an Update Completed notification. Click Rescan if you want to update more apps. 

17. Delete the DNS Cache Data

Corrupted or outdated DNS cache data can sometimes lead to connectivity issues, affecting services like FaceTime. Deleting this cache can refresh your network settings and potentially resolve such problems.

If you’re running macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and Catalina, follow the steps below to manually flush DNS cache on your Mac:

1. Open the Terminal application by navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal or by searching for it using Spotlight (Command ⌘ + Space).

2. In the Terminal window, input the following command and then press Enter:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

3. You’ll be prompted to enter your Mac’s admin password to proceed. Do so and press Enter to execute the command.
4. After you enter the command and authenticate, your Mac’s DNS cache will be flushed.

18. Change Your DNS Resolver

Network issues can sometimes be the culprit when FaceTime is not working as expected. Changing your DNS (Domain Name System) resolver can improve your internet connectivity and potentially fix issues with FaceTime.

1. Click the Apple logo and select System Settings.

2. In the System Settings window, click Network.

3. Select the network connection you are currently using, which is likely either Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

4. Click the Details button next to the Wi-Fi connection you’re using.

5. Navigate to the DNS tab. Here, you’ll see your current DNS servers listed.

6. Click the + button to add a new DNS server. You can use popular ones like Google’s DNS, which is 8.8.8.8, or Cloudflare’s, which is 1.1.1.1.
7. Remove the old ones after adding the new DNS server by selecting them and clicking the – button.
8. Click OK and then Apply to save the changes.
9. Restart your Mac and open FaceTime to see if changing the DNS has resolved your issue.

19. Scan Your Mac for Malware

Malware and other malicious software could interfere with FaceTime’s functionality, blocking the camera or affecting its access to essential data. Running a malware scan can help you identify and remove these threats.

Here’s how to run a virus scan on your Mac using MacKeeper:

1. Download and install MacKeeper.
2. Launch MacKeeper and navigate to the Antivirus tab in the left sidebar.

3. Initiate an instant virus scan by clicking the Start Scan button.

4. If any viruses are detected during the scan, click the Fix Items button to resolve the issues.
5. If your system is threat-free, you’ll see a No threats found message. You can tap the Restart button to run the scan again.

6. Enable real-time antivirus protection to safeguard your Mac from future threats by clicking the Enable button.

Once you have configured your security settings, MacKeeper will continue to operate in the background, diligently scanning for threats and actively blocking any malicious activity.

20. Update Your macOS

Outdated operating systems can be a breeding ground for glitches and bugs, affecting apps like FaceTime. Updating your macOS to the latest version can solve many issues and enhance your overall user experience.

To update your macOS, follow these steps:

1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings from the drop-down menu.

2. Click General and select Software Update.

3. If any updates are available, click Update Now to install them.

Start Group Calls With Your Friends on FaceTime

Now that you know how to fix FaceTime not working on Mac, you can start video calling your friends and family. Here are a few more tips to make sure your experience is smooth and flawless:

• If you think clutter is causing your FaceTime app to behave erratically, delete FaceTime calls on MacBook to rule out this possibility.
• Sometimes, it’s not FaceTime but your Mac camera not working that causes issues with your video calls.
• You may have trouble hearing the other person on the call if your Mac volume is low.

Frequently Asked Questions