FaceTime video calls grayed out on MacBook Pro

FaceTime isn't working on my MacBook Pro (15 inch from 2018). I am unable to make video calls to anyone and I am unable to receive any calls (video or audio). The option to video call my contacts is grayed out (see picture below) in FaceTime and anytime someone tries to call me using FaceTime, it goes to my phone (iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 26.2.1) instead of my laptop. Voice calls were also grayed out earlier but one of the setting I changed (sorry, I don't remember which setting it was) managed to make that work but now it says "using your iphone" and if I try to switch to video the call drops. I've tried all the troubleshooting I can think of (restarted computer, restarted FaceTime, logged out of my Apple account then back in, my clock is set to the correct timezone, checked as many settings as I can think of on both my MacBook and iPhone, updated my MacBook software to Sequoia 15.7.3...). My camera is functioning just fine and the correct camera is selected in FaceTime. Can anyone think of why this might be happening? I assume it's some obscure setting that's wrong (i.e. FaceTime video on my iPhone wouldn't work until I toggled on "Content & Privacy Restrictions" in the Screen Time settings) but I can't figure out which it would be on my MacBook.


Posted on Feb 3, 2026 11:52 AM

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5 replies

May 5, 2026 4:40 AM in response to dryllama

It appears that a bug has been introduced within the 26.4.x updates for Mac, iPhone and iPad that affects the Contacts / FaceTime Apps.


In brief, the issue is characterised by the Contacts App contact-cards, for Users known to use FaceTime, now being shown with the corresponding FaceTime video icon/button ghosted (i.e. unavailable).


At this time there appears to be a limited workaround. A FaceTime video call can be successfully made from within the FaceTime App - by tapping the green "New" button; this will open the New FaceTime dialogue. Here you can enter the target recipient's name within the "To" field - and then selecting the corresponding recipient from the candidate list. The FaceTime video call can then be initiated - demonstrating that the target recipient is (a) signed-in to the FaceTime service, and (b) can receive FaceTime calls.


Interestingly, the problem does not appear to be universally experienced by all users that have updated their devices. By example, my wife (having also updated her iPhone and iPad to the latest version) has not yet encountered the problem. Having checked, our individual device and App settings appear consistent between our devices. We obviously have different Apple Accounts and are signed-in to Apple services using our individual account credentials; of itself, this might suggest that the problem is in some way associated with the impacted User's Apple Account.


You and others that encounter this issue need to submit a Bug Report to Apple via its Product Feedback portal:

Feedback - Apple


You might be wise to submit multiple Bug Reports to Apple - one report each for the Contacts and FaceTime App - in addition to individual bug reports for each specific affected device (such as iPhone, iPad and Mac). In submitting multiple reports to Apple, you will hopefully reach the appropriate team. Drafting the body-text your Bug Report offline - and then using cut and paste - can usefully facilitate effective and quick submission of your bug reports without the hassle of trying to type the entire report multiple times.


Here's another discussion in the same vain:

FaceTime icons grayed out for some contac… - Apple Community


Every report counts - as until Apple receive a sufficient number or reports, it is perhaps unlikely that resources will be assigned to investigate and resolve the issue.


When submitting your Bug Report(s), please ensure that you include as much detail as possible within the body of the report - including your iPad model and installed version of the OS and the impacted Apps and Apple services; don’t rely upon the pick-list alone, as this rarely includes the full range of device models or most recent versions of macOS/iOS/iPadOS.


Mar 14, 2026 9:58 AM in response to dryllama

Troubleshooting Grayed Out FaceTime Video Calls on MacBook Pro

If the FaceTime video call option is grayed out on your MacBook Pro, several factors could be causing this issue. Here are some steps to help you resolve it.

Check Your Camera

  • Ensure that your Mac's camera is functioning properly. Open another application like Photo Booth to see if the camera works there.
  • If the camera is not detected, restart your Mac and check again.

Network Connection

  • Make sure your Mac is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
  • If you experience connectivity issues, try toggling Airplane Mode on and off or restarting your router.

FaceTime Settings

  • Open FaceTime and go to FaceTime > Preferences. Ensure that you are signed in with your Apple ID.
  • If you are signed in, try signing out and then signing back in.

System Preferences

  • Check if FaceTime is restricted under System Preferences > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. If it is, disable the restrictions temporarily.
  • Ensure that your date and time settings are correct under System Preferences > Date & Time.

Software Updates

  • Make sure your macOS is up to date. Go to System Preferences > Software Update to check for any available updates.

Guest Account Test

  • Log in as a Guest user to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is specific to your user account.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider contacting Apple Support for further assistance.



May 4, 2026 9:05 AM in response to dryllama

I did the iOS update late cause I didn't have enough space on my phone for a while, but once I did it at the beginning of November, I started having the same issue!! What's weird is that it didn't happen immediately, but a few weeks after, like the the update needed some time to adjust or something.


I get regular phone calls to my phone and MacBook, but not FaceTime video calls; and I get a weird screen when I try to make FaceTime video calls. Similar to OP, the FT video icon is grayed out and has been ever since. I have a 2015 13" MacBook Pro and iPhone 11. MacBook Pro is running Catalina 12.7.6 and can no longer be updated.

FaceTime video calls grayed out on MacBook Pro

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