I am having difficulty connecting from a MacBook Air with my family who have i-Pads. Facetime rings and then says connecting but within a few seconds it fails.

Hello mgfr,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.

First you need to determine which device might be running into the issue. If you are unable to connect to any FaceTime caller, not only the person you posted about in your original post, then the issue is perhaps with FaceTime on your computer. To troubleshoot that please follow the steps below.

Troubleshooting FaceTime for Mac

You can make FaceTime calls using the FaceTime app. You can call FaceTime users whose contact information is in Contacts. You can add contacts and edit contact information in either FaceTime or Contacts. To place a video call, you may use a phone number or email address.

If you encounter issues making or receiving FaceTime calls, try the following:

• Verify that FaceTime is enabled in FaceTime > Preferences.

  If the issue persists, or if you see the message "Waiting for Activation", try toggling FaceTime off and then on.

• Verify that the Date, Time, and Time Zone are set correctly:
  1. From the Apple () menu, choose System Preferences > Date & Time > Date & Time.
  2. Enable "Set Automatically".
  3. Click the Time Zone tab and confirm the closest city is correct.
• Verify that both parties are connected to an active broadband Internet connection.
  • See Mac OS X: Troubleshooting a cable modem, DSL, or LAN Internet connection.
  • Consult Using FaceTime behind a firewallfor necessary ports to open in firewalls, security software and routers.
  • If you encounter issues using a Wi-Fi network, use standard Wi-Fi network troubleshooting to resolve interference and other issues.
• Verify the phone number or email address being used is the correct one activated for FaceTime.

  You can verify that you are using a valid Apple ID at appleid.apple.com. You can also create an Apple ID or reset your password from this website.

• Verify that both parties have installed the latest software updates for their Mac and/or device. See:
• Mac OS X: Updating your software
• iOS: How to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

FaceTime for Mac: Troubleshooting FaceTime

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4185

If the person who you are trying to contact cannot receive any FaceTime calls, and not just from you, then the issue is on their end. Have them follow the steps in the article below.

iOS: Troubleshooting FaceTime

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3367

Take care,

Alex H.