FaceTime camera not working? 8 ways to fix it on iPhone, iPad and Mac

This guide includes eight troubleshooting steps to follow if your device’s camera (iPhone, iPad, and Mac) isn’t working for FaceTime calls. If you’re having issues with your Mac’s webcam (also known as the “FaceTime HD camera”), refer to this article instead.

Before trying the suggestions below, make sure that no other apps are using the camera on your device. There’s a green indicator next to your Mac’s FaceTime HD camera. It lights up when an app is using the camera. On iPhone and iPad, check the green indicator in the status bar — right above the network signal bars.

If the green indicator light is on, close apps that may be using your device’s camera and check if your device’s camera works in FaceTime. Think video calling apps (Zoom, Skype, Teams), instant messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram), social networking apps (Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram), video recording apps, or even browsers. your. Restarting your device can also fix your FaceTime camera not working issue.

1. Check Internet Connection

The video calling application may not transmit images during a video call if the internet connection is slow or unstable. If your device’s camera doesn’t work during a FaceTime call, make sure your mobile data or Wi-Fi connection is working properly. Visit the website on your browser or use other internet dependent applications and check if they work.

Contact your internet service provider if you are using mobile data. For a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection, move your device closer to the router or restart the router. Turning airplane mode on and off can also refresh your device connection and get the FaceTime camera working properly again.

2. Turn on FaceTime Camera

If your video tile shows a black screen during a FaceTime call on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you may have accidentally turned off the FaceTime camera.

In iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, tap the screen during a call and select camcorder icon until the FaceTime camera works.

On earlier versions of iOS and iPadOS, tap the screen during a call, swipe up the card at the bottom of the screen, and tap Camera is off to activate the FaceTime camera.

If the camera is on but your cell in a FaceTime call shows a black screen, turn it on Camera is off and turn it off.

The FaceTime client on Mac also comes with a camera switch. If the crossed out camera icon is highlighted, the FaceTime HD camera is disabled for that call.

Select the icon to turn the camera back on or press Camera is off on the Touch Bar if your Mac has one.

3. Restart FaceTime Calls

If the FaceTime camera is turned on but the other party still can’t see you, end the call, close and reopen FaceTime, and then restart the call. On a Mac, force quit FaceTime, rejoin the call, and check if your FaceTime camera is now active.

Press Request + Right to buy + Escape on your Mac’s keyboard, select FaceTime in the “Force Quit Apps” window and select Forced escape.

4. Try another app

Open the apps that use your device’s camera and check if they work. Launch the Camera app or third-party video calling apps like Zoom and Skype. If your camera works on these apps, then FaceTime is the problem. Restarting your device or reinstalling FaceTime may fix the problem.

Note that you will still be able to make and receive FaceTime calls even after deleting the FaceTime app.

1. Press and hold FaceTime application icon and select Uninstall apps.

2. Option Delete apps on the delete application menu.

3. Finally, choose Delete.

Visit the FaceTime page on the App Store and reinstall the app on your device. Restart your iPhone or iPad if the problem persists.

5. Enable Camera in Screen Time Settings

FaceTime (and other apps) won’t receive video signals from your Mac if there’s a camera limit in Screen Time settings. Go to Screen Time security and make sure your apps are allowed to use your Mac’s camera.

1. Open System Preferences and choose Used Time.