In FaceTime on my iPad that camera is off and tapping the camera doesn’t turned it on

Greetings, 7grdkd.

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities. It sounds like your front facing camera isn’t working as expected in FaceTime. We can see why you’d want a resolution.

Take a look at these steps: If the camera or flash on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch isn't working

If the issue continues, consider answering the following questions. 

• Does the camera work in other apps?
• Which iPadOS version are you using?
• Has the camera ever worked in FaceTime before?

Warmly. 

Check that the person on the other end hasn't disabled FaceTime Live Photos in Settings > FaceTime.

No need to touch the camera app.

Just click the FaceTime icon and it does the rest.