FaceTime missing from iphone5 setting

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Level 1

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FaceTime missing from iphone5 setting

Please note that I have both iPhone 4 and iPhone 5. Using them in Lebanon, Beirut. I noticed that the FaceTime on iPhone 5 has disappeared from under setting. I called my service provider and they said they have no restriction on FaceTime. They suggested that there might be some programming problem, but I checked with another person having the iPhone 5 and found the same problem.

I tried so many fixes but all failed as it is not showing under settings.

iPhone 5, iOS 6.1.2

Posted on Mar 17, 2013 9:54 AM

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Answer 1

Rudegar

Level 10

170,604 points

Mar 17, 2013 9:59 AM in response to ussalman

many if not most countries in the middle east force apple to remove the feature from the rom

a religious thing I suppose

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Answer 2

Mar 17, 2013 10:01 AM in response to ussalman

This is not a programming problem.

If the iPhone was designated by Apple to be sold in a Middle Eastern country that restricts FaceTime, it is the country that required the restriction with the iPhone designated by Apple to be sold in that country, not the carrier.

If the iPhone does not have a FaceTime setting, you will not be able to make it avaialble.

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Answer 3

ussalman Author

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Mar 17, 2013 10:08 AM in response to ussalman

Please note that I used this iPhone 5 in Kuwait and the FaceTime appeared under setting, and used it and was working perfectly. However, when I used it in Lebanon the FaceTime disappears from setting. Still iPhone 4 is available and working in Lebanon. I checked with Lebanon and they said that they don't have any restrictions on FaceTime.

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Answer 4

wegras

Level 6

15,305 points

Mar 17, 2013 10:25 AM in response to ussalman

Basic Troubleshooting

try a reset

restore

first as new and then as new if required

if no change take it to Apple store if you have one or in the country you purchased

the iPhone 5 new as it will still have residue of warranty

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Answer 5

ussalman Author

Level 1

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Mar 17, 2013 10:33 AM in response to ussalman

I did all types of resets, and restores, including network reset with no success. I noticed that when I use Kuwait SIM card in Lebanon, the FaceTime appears under setting and I can use it. But when I place Lebanon SIM card in the iPhone 5 again FaceTime disappears from settings. The SIM card provider they claim that it is a programming problem as they don't have any restrictions as I clarified that an iPhone 4 FaceTime is working fine with the same SIM card provider.

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Answer 6

wegras

Level 6

15,305 points

Mar 17, 2013 10:38 AM in response to ussalman

Good

So you have solved the issue it is a Carrier issue

and since The Lebanon does NOT have any Apple supported carriers

you have your answer their service is NOT compatible with the iPhone 5

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Answer 7

ussalman Author

Level 1

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Mar 17, 2013 10:41 AM in response to ussalman

From this I understand that the service provider is only compatible with iPhone 4 FaceTime not the iPhone 5 FaceTime. Is this correct.

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Answer 8

wegras

Level 6

15,305 points

Mar 17, 2013 10:48 AM in response to ussalman

I have NO idea but could be that .but since they are not an iPhone carrier

???????

But it isclearly not an Apple issue

so don't see how much any one else can help from

this User to User forum

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Answer 9

KiltedTim

Level 10

195,141 points

Mar 17, 2013 11:18 AM in response to ussalman

Read this document: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1937?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

Particularly this footnote for "Middle East":

FaceTime may be unavailable if your device originates from this region and becomes unlocked or is used in another country.

If you purchased the phone in a Middle East country where it is not banned, it may be removed if you attempt to use it with a SIM from a different country. This is done to pacify the governments in the Middle East and prevent the feature from being used in a country where it is banned by law.

Since the iPhone is not legitimately available at all in Lebanon, there is nothing much you can do.

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Answer 10

ussalman Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 17, 2013 12:11 PM in response to ussalman

Does this mean I can use this facetime feature and overcome this problem if the iphone 5 was purchased from a country outside the middle east. And if I place a Lebanon SIM card facetime will still be working or not?

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Answer 11

Mar 17, 2013 12:15 PM in response to ussalman

No.

Copied from KiltedTim's previous post.

If you purchased the phone in a Middle East country where it is not banned, it may be removed if you attempt to use it with a SIM from a different country.

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Answer 12

ussalman Author

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Mar 17, 2013 12:25 PM in response to ussalman

Ok, what if I bought an iphone5 from the UK or from the USA and place a Lebanon SIM card. Will facetime be workinh or it will be removed after putting the Lebanon SIM card?

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Answer 13

Mar 17, 2013 12:28 PM in response to ussalman

Whatever the current iPhone 5 has available with FaceTime when using the Lebanon SIM card - which didn't have this problem before using the Lebanon SIM card, will be the same with an iPhone 5 purchased in the UK, in the USA, or in any other country where the government doesn't restrict FaceTime access.

There will be no change.

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Answer 14

ussalman Author

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Mar 17, 2013 12:43 PM in response to ussalman

This means that I can buy an iphone5 from UK or USA and use it in Lebanon with a Lebanon SIM card and facetime will be working or restricted, because of Lebanon SIM card?

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Answer 15

Mar 17, 2013 12:47 PM in response to ussalman

We can only answer this so many times and in so many ways.

It will be restricted since it is restricted now with the iPhone 5 that had FaceTime access and use previously in another country with another carrier's SIM card.

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