Hello, dear readers! I think quite a large number of you use video calls in your daily life. And I am sure that the overwhelming number of calls are made using the well-known Skype service. But today I will tell you about a slightly different service with almost the same functionality, but this service was made by all of us, our beloved company Apple. I'm talking about FaceTime. Let's talk about him!
As you all know, Apple positions this service as the only possible service for video calls. And they were right in some ways until a certain time, because Skype for mobile platforms was released relatively recently and now FaceTime needs to prove itself more interesting than its competitor. And they succeed, but for some reason the service is very popular in the West and most of Europe, but not here. The service is very interesting, but contains some shortcomings.
So, as I mentioned above, FaceTime is essentially Apple's Skype. But it’s just very simplified. How to use it? After all, on the main screen of your device you will not find a separate program called FaceTime - it is, so to speak, “hidden” in the system and finding it, at first glance, is not so easy, but only at first.
How to enable FaceTime
In order to use the service, you need to do the following:
- You should understand the system of this service. So, FaceTime is “linked” to the user number that is entered in the address book in your contacts.
- Also, FaceTime may not be enabled by default in your settings. To activate it, simply go to Settings > FaceTime > move the toggle switch to position "On"
- And then, if you do not have your Apple ID entered in your system, then enter it and enter your phone number in the empty field. FaceTime will “link” to it.
- Also, do not forget to check whether the data transfer option is enabled specifically for FaceTime.
After this, FaceTime needs to be activated via the Internet, and also, quite possibly, sent an SMS (I will mention this at the end). Activation will take place after you click on the “Use this Apple ID with FaceTime” button.
Apple System Status Page
Not long ago, many users experienced an issue that resulted in an error when connecting to iCloud. Whenever something is wrong with your device or services stop working, first check the Apple systems status page.
Apple's systems status page lets you know if all services are working correctly
It shows whether there are any errors in the services and whether they are working correctly at the moment. If the circle next to the system name is green, it means that everything is in order. If red or yellow, a failure has occurred. Now you can understand exactly what is wrong and on whose side the problem is. Apple usually fixes glitches on its end fairly quickly.
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How to use FaceTime
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In order to make a call using FaceTime, simply turn on the mobile Internet (or connect to WiFi), then call the subscriber and click on the FaceTime icon in the conversation settings. After pressing it, the person you are calling will be asked to switch to video call mode; if he agrees, you will start a video conversation; if he refuses, the conversation will simply disconnect.
You can also call a subscriber by going into your correspondence with him in messages or viewing the subscriber’s contact information.
That's all the wisdom!
Also, finally, I would like to talk about one “pitfall” that awaits users when activating facetime. This thing is connected with the fact that the FaceTime service sends SMS, and even to the UK. Confirmation of this has recently appeared online. The network also recommends going into the settings and disabling the possibility of spontaneous program actions. But in essence this is not entirely true - no such settings exist.
Yes, the program sends SMS, but only to activate this same FaceTime and will not send anything else. The price of SMS varies and depends, oddly enough, on the iPhone model. Each model has a dedicated number to which the service sends SMS to activate the service and send general usage statistics that Apple collects. So be prepared for this.
Why IMessage doesn't work
When activating an iPhone, iMessage often does not work . Users may see different types of system messages, but they all indicate that iMessage is waiting endlessly for activation.
The problem with iMessage activation occurs not only on new iPhones, but also on those that have been used for a long time
- Waiting for activation (in iOS settings);
- Login failed, check your network connection;
- Activation failed;
- An error occurred during activation;
- Failed to contact the iMessage server.
No Face Time - how to install
If you cannot find the Face Time program on your device:
- Face Time may not appear on iPhones and iPads purchased or used in the UAE, Pakistan, or Saudi Arabia. With iOS 11.3 and later, FaceTime is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch in Saudi Arabia.
- If you are sure that the phone was not purchased in Asia, then go to Settings -> Screen Time -> Content and Privacy Restrictions -> Allowed Programs and make sure that the FaceTime and Camera options are included. If Screen Time is turned on for your camera, you won't be able to use FaceTime.
- An even easier way is to search for FaceTime in Spotlight or using Siri. If FaceTime was removed from the Home screen, you will need to restore it.
- If the above methods do not help, update iOS to the latest version.
Features of the program
The first program worked limitedly - via Wi-Fi, this is due to the low data transfer speed of other types of connections. In iOS, the problem was solved, and now the utility runs on 3G and 4G networks. The program is available on iPhone devices from version 4, iPad from version 2, iPod from 4th generation, Mac OS X from version v10.6.6. Being part of the OS included in the software on Apple devices, it does not require downloading installers. FaceTime on iPhone allows you to conduct audio conferences simultaneously for up to 9 participants, video conferences for 4 participants. The front camera is used during transmission.
Reboot and update, the simplest but most effective
When you encounter these problems that may seem so common when it comes to FaceTime calls, the most common solution is to reset your device. So, if there is any bug in the operating system that is affecting the service, it can be easily resolved by stopping all active processes and restarting them when you restart the iPhone. As we say, it's quite simple, but in most cases it can work.
Another consideration to keep in mind when it comes to bugs is software updates. You must keep your device updated to the latest version available from Apple. This way, all the necessary feature fixes will be applied to achieve the most optimized version possible, allowing you to enjoy FaceTime calls with the highest quality.
Steps to activate Facetime video calling app
On Mac and iPhone, you need to follow a series of steps to activate Facetime . In this section, we will tell you everything you need to do on both devices to enjoy this Apple-signed video calling app.
On iPhone
To activate and be able to use Facetime on iPhone , you can directly open the app and sign in with your Apple ID. However, there is another way, safer and more reliable. Follow the instructions we provide below to apply it:
- With your phone turned on, go to the Settings through the icon that has several gears inside it.
- Once there, you will see the "FaceTime" among the first sections of the screen. You just need to click on it.
- Now you need to activate this application by clicking on the indicator to the right of it.
- Below you will also find a login section. Click on the one that says "Apple ID" to connect to it.
- Now you need to sign in to the Apple email address registered in your account , as well as the access password.
- Once this is done, you will be able to change some values , such as how they can contact you through the app or who you want them to be seen with.
- Take it out and open it . Now you can make video calls with anyone you want and also use this application.
On Mac
The important thing to remember when activating on a Mac is that a webcam is required to send the image. Once you receive it, follow these steps:
- When your Mac is turned on, open the Simplement application by clicking on its icon.
- When it is running, you must connect to enter the requested data.
- Begin by entering your Apple ID in the available field. Then also write down the access password (not forgetting the capital letters, if any).
- After completing the login, you need to check if the program is activated correctly to receive or make calls.
- To do this, also click “ FaceTime ” Then click on the “Activate FaceTime” . If it's already activated, " Disable FaceTime " will appear.
- You have already activated the program and are ready to make calls and chat on your Mac.
If you want to properly sync everything between your iOS devices, it's recommended that you sign in with the same Apple user account. This way you will also save your contacts and call history.
Having trouble activating iMessage or FaceTime on Mac?
Check your Apple ID
- Messages: Select Messages > Settings > Accounts . Select your iMessage account and click Sign Out. And log in again.
- FaceTime: Select FaceTime > Settings > Preferences . Tap Sign Out. Then log in again.
Reset your Mac's NVRAM
Sometimes problems with iMessage and FaceTime are related to settings stored on your Mac. NVRAM. So let's reset it!
Resetting NVRAM (also called PRAM)
- Turn off or restart your Mac, then turn it back on, then press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R
- Release the keys after about 20 seconds or when you hear the second start tone (depending on model). For iMac Pro, release the keys after the Apple logo appears and disappears a second time.
Disable firewalls or third-party security software
If your Mac has a firewall, VPN, other security software, or third-party networking software, make sure that software isn't blocking any network ports used by iMessage and FaceTime.
Try disabling this software temporarily and see if you can access iMessage or FaceTime.
For more information about Mac, see this article.
Check your internet connection
FaceTime calls are not regular calls; they take place over the Internet. This is why both the recipient and the sender should always have the most stable connection possible. These connection issues can cause the video stream to be interrupted or interrupted during a call with the typical "weak internet signal" message. That's why it's recommended that you stay close to your router when you're at home for best performance. But when you're outdoors, you may always have poor coverage, which also affects the quality of calls or the ability to simply make them. This is the main requirement.
