How to Use FaceTime on iPhone and iPad

Want to see a friend or family member while you talk, rather than just hear their voice? FaceTime makes it easy to have video calls on an iPhone or iPad. You can also use it for audio-only calls when you do not want to turn on the camera.

If you are learning how to use FaceTime, the good news is that you only need a few simple steps. This guide explains how to check your settings, call someone, answer an invitation, and make a group call. It also covers what to try if FaceTime is not working.

What you’ll need

• An iPhone or iPad that supports FaceTime.
• An internet connection through Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Your Apple Account, which is the account you use for Apple services.
• The phone number or email address associated with the person you want to call.

FaceTime is Apple’s calling service. You can use it to call other people on supported Apple devices, and in some cases people using a web browser through a FaceTime link.

Step 1: Make sure FaceTime is turned on

Before making your first call, check that FaceTime is enabled on your device.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Scroll down and tap Apps.
3. Tap FaceTime.
4. Make sure the FaceTime switch is turned on.
5. Check the section showing where you can be reached. Select the phone number or email addresses you want people to use, if those options are available.
6. If prompted, sign in with your Apple Account.

On some older versions of iOS or iPadOS, FaceTime appears directly in the main Settings list rather than under Apps. If you cannot find it, use the search field in Settings and search for FaceTime.

Good to know: FaceTime needs an internet connection. It does not use ordinary mobile voice minutes, although mobile data charges may apply if you are not connected to Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Make a one-to-one video call

Once FaceTime is turned on, you can call someone from the FaceTime app.

1. Open the FaceTime app.
2. Tap New FaceTime.
3. Type the person’s name, phone number, or Apple Account email address in the To field.
4. Select the correct person when their details appear.
5. Tap FaceTime to start a video call. If you prefer an audio-only call, tap the audio call option if it is shown.
6. Wait for the person to answer.

You can also start a FaceTime call from the Contacts app. Open the person’s contact card and tap the FaceTime button beside their phone number or email address, if available.

Tip: If you often call the same person, check your recent calls in FaceTime. You may be able to tap their name there to call them again.

Step 3: Answer an incoming FaceTime call

When someone calls you, your iPhone or iPad displays an incoming call screen or notification.

1. If your device is unlocked, tap Accept when the call appears.
2. If the device is locked, follow the on-screen instruction to answer. The exact control can vary by iOS or iPadOS version.
3. Once connected, speak normally and look toward the camera if you want the other person to see you.
4. Tap the red End button when you are ready to finish the call.

If you cannot talk at that moment, you can decline the call. Depending on your settings and device, you may also see an option to send a message or set a reminder to call back.

Step 4: Use the FaceTime controls during a call

The controls help you manage your sound and picture while you are talking.

1. Tap the screen if the controls are hidden.
2. Tap the Mute button to turn your microphone off or on.
3. Tap the camera control to turn your video off or on, if shown.
4. Use the camera switch control to change between the front and rear cameras.
5. Tap the red End button to hang up.

The layout can look different depending on your device and software version. Some versions also include effects, reactions, or other features. You do not need to use these extras to make a normal call.

Step 5: Start a group FaceTime call

FaceTime also lets you talk with several people at once. This is useful for family catch-ups or a small group conversation.

1. Open the FaceTime app.
2. Tap New FaceTime.
3. Enter the names, phone numbers, or email addresses of the people you want to invite.
4. Tap the video-call button to start the call.
5. Wait for each person to join.

You can add people during a call on supported versions by opening the call controls and choosing the option to add participants. The exact wording may vary.

A group call can include people using supported Apple devices. You can also invite someone who does not have an Apple device by creating a FaceTime link, where the feature is available.

Step 6: Invite someone with a FaceTime link

A FaceTime link can let someone join a call from a supported web browser, even if they do not have an Apple device. The person creating the link needs a compatible Apple device.

1. Open the FaceTime app.
2. Tap Create Link.
3. Choose how you want to share it, such as through Messages or Mail, or use the copy option if available.
4. Send the link to the people you want to invite.
5. When someone opens the link, you may need to approve their request to join.

People joining through a browser may have fewer features than someone using the FaceTime app. Only share a meeting link with people you intend to invite.

Troubleshooting: What if FaceTime is not working?

If you cannot make or receive a call, try these checks.

Check your internet connection. Open a website or another app to confirm that Wi-Fi or mobile data is working. If the connection is weak, move closer to your router or try another network.

Check FaceTime settings. Open Settings > Apps > FaceTime and make sure FaceTime is turned on. If you use an older version, search for FaceTime in Settings.

Check the contact details. Make sure you are using the correct phone number or email address and that the other person can receive FaceTime calls at that address.

Check camera and microphone access. If the other person cannot see or hear you, check that the camera and microphone are not covered or muted. Also check any Screen Time or privacy restrictions that may limit access.

Restart the device. Close the FaceTime app, restart your iPhone or iPad, and try again.

Check for updates. Open Settings > General > Software Update and install an available update if appropriate. Menu wording may differ slightly on older software.

If FaceTime is missing or unavailable, it may not be supported in your region, on your device, or under your current account or restrictions. Apple’s support site can help you check availability and resolve activation issues.

Enjoy staying in touch with FaceTime

FaceTime makes it easy to see and speak with people from your iPhone or iPad. Turn it on in Settings, choose a contact in the FaceTime app, and tap the call button. Once you have made one call, answering and starting the next one should feel familiar.