- If FaceTime is not working after iOS 26 update, a software bug or incorrect settings could be the culprit.
- Before troubleshooting iOS 26 FaceTime issue, you should check for certain factors, such as whether or not there’s a FaceTime outage.
- Otherwise, there are several ways you can troubleshoot to get the app back up and running.
In iOS 26, FaceTime supports Live Translation, displaying captions if you’re talking to someone who speaks another language. In addition, FaceTime has new screening features for unknown numbers.
If FaceTime is not working on your iPhone after iOS 26 update, don’t worry, there are a lot of things you can do to try and fix it. You just have to know where to start.
Here’s a breakdown of why your FaceTime is not working on iOS 26, and troubleshooting tips to try.
How to fix FaceTime on iOS 26
Make sure you have a working internet connection
The first thing you should do if FaceTime is not working after iOS 26 update is to make sure that your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or your wireless carrier’s cellular data network, and that you can access the internet.
If you are trying to use FaceTime over Wi-Fi, go into your settings and turn Wi-Fi off and then back on again. Learn how to fix Wi-Fi problem on iOS 26.
If you’re trying to use FaceTime over cellular, make sure that cellular data is on. Go to Settings and tap Cellular or tap Mobile Data, then turn on Cellular Data. Then scroll down to the Cellular Data section, and make sure FaceTime is enabled for cellular use in the list of apps. Learn how to fix cellular data problems on iOS 26.
You should also make sure that you are using a fast internet connection to avoid sound quality issues with FaceTime. If your cellular connection or Wi-Fi network runs slowly, or other people stream audio or video on the same Wi-Fi network, you might have these issues:
- Connection alerts or unable to connect
- Choppy video calls
- Black screen
- Dropped calls
Make sure that both you and the person that you FaceTime with use a fast Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
Update your iPhone’s software
If you are experiencing issues with receiving FaceTime calls, make sure that your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS 26. Go to Settings > General > Software Update, then install any pending updates.
Check that FaceTime is turned on
It’s possible FaceTime got turned off during iOS 26 update. Go into your iPhone’s Settings app, tap Apps, tap FaceTime, and make sure that the toggle next to FaceTime is enabled.
If FaceTime says ”Waiting for activation,” turn FaceTime off, restart your phone, then turn FaceTime back on. It might take up to 24 hours for your carrier to verify your phone number with Apple. Contact your carrier to make sure that you can send and receive SMS messages and wait up to 24 hours after you try the troubleshooting steps above.
If you aren’t seeing FaceTime at all, go from the Settings app to Screen Time, and then Content & Privacy Restrictions, followed by Allowed Apps. Then make sure both the camera and FaceTime are allowed by that device.
Make sure you’re signed in
To use FaceTime on your iPhone, you need to be signed in with your Apple Account email address or phone number. You can check this by going to Settings > Apps > FaceTime and making sure that below You Can Be Reached By FaceTime At, your phone number or Apple account email address are selected.
Make sure your date and time settings are correct
We recommend checking your iPhone’s Date & Time Settings. FaceTime won’t work on your iPhone if the date and time are incorrect, especially if your device thinks it is in the future.
Go to Settings > General > Date & Time. Then, turn on the switch next to Set Automatically if it’s not on already.
Check if FaceTime is down
There’s a chance that FaceTime is down on Apple’s end. Check Apple’s System Status page to learn whether FaceTime is experiencing a service outage.
Figure out whether the problem is on your end or someone else’s
Keep in mind that FaceTime problems can be caused by a problem with your iPhone — or with the person you’re trying to call.
Does FaceTime not work with anyone or just one person? If necessary, call several people and see whether the problem is limited to one person or to everyone.
Here’s a helpful rule of thumb: If FaceTime is not working with anyone, it’s probably a problem with your iPhone. If it doesn’t work with just one person, it’s probably a problem on the other person’s iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Check whether a FaceTime feature is available
Even if both you and the person you’re trying to contact have a FaceTime account, that may not be all of the story. FaceTime and FaceTime audio calling are not available for all countries, regions, or carriers.
You can checkApple’s website to learn which countries and carriers do and do not support FaceTime. Unfortunately, If you’re trying to use FaceTime in an unsupported area, there’s nothing you can do to make it work.