ghettinger

Q: FaceTime unavailable error.  I tried all the "troubleshooting" and none of that works.

FaceTime unavailable error.  I tried all the "troubleshooting" and none of that works.

iPad Mini, iOS 9.1

Posted on Nov 17, 2015 8:06 PM

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Q: FaceTime unavailable error.  I tried all the "troubleshooting" and none of that works.

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  • by sterling r,

    sterling r sterling r Nov 19, 2015 7:01 AM in response to ghettinger
    Community Specialists
    Nov 19, 2015 7:01 AM in response to ghettinger

    Hello ghettinger,

     

    It sounds like you're trying to use FaceTime on your iPad but are getting a message that FaceTime is unavailable. Without knowing exactly what troubleshooting you have done, then I would start by asking you to sign out of FaceTime in your Settings:

     

    FaceTime

    1. Tap Settings > FaceTime.
    2. Tap your Apple ID, then tap Sign Out.

    Sign in with a different Apple ID on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203983

     

    Then quit the Settings and FaceTime apps:

     

    Force an app to close in iOS
    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201330

    1. Press the Home button two times quickly. You'll see small previews of your recently used apps.
    2. Swipe left to find the app you want to close.
    3. Swipe up on the app's preview to close it.

     
    When you have done that restart the device and test the issue again:

    iOS: Turning off and on (restarting) and resetting
    http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201559
     

    If the issue persists then I would recommend taking a look at this information from the following article about FaceTime issues:

     

    Get help if you can‘t make or receive FaceTime calls

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204168

    If you can't make or receive FaceTime calls

    If none of the above reasons apply to you, and you still can't make or receive FaceTime calls, follow these steps:

    1. Make sure that your device has a Wi-Fi connection to the Internet or a cellular-data connection.
      Learn more if you're using router, firewall, or security software that restricts Internet access. 
    2. If you're trying to use FaceTime over cellular, make sure that Use Cellular Data is on for FaceTime. Go to Settings > Cellular > Use Cellular Data For, and turn on FaceTime.
    3. Go to Settings > FaceTime and make sure FaceTime is turned on.  
         
      • If you see "Waiting for Activation," turn FaceTime off and then on again. Learn what to do if you can't activate FaceTime.
      •  
      • If you don't see the FaceTime setting, make sure that Camera and FaceTime aren't off in Settings > General > Restrictions.
      •  
      • Make sure that you have the correct phone number or email address listed. 
    4. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically.
    5. Update your device to the latest version of iOS.

     

    Let us know how that goes! Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.