If FaceTime stopped working on your iPhone after the iOS 26 update, it’s almost always a settings, network, or Apple ID issue—not that FaceTime is “broken forever.” Let’s walk through everything step by step so you can get it working again.
1. Make Sure FaceTime Is Turned On
Sometimes updates quietly flip settings.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down to Apps and then tap FaceTime.
- Make sure the FaceTime toggle at the top is ON.
- If it’s already on, turn it off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on to refresh the connection.
If you see “Waiting for Activation” or an error, keep going with the next steps.
2. Check Internet Connection (Wi-Fi or Cellular)
FaceTime needs a stable connection.
- If you’re on Wi-Fi:
- Turn Wi-Fi off and back on from Control Center.
- Try a different network if possible.
- If you’re on cellular:
- Go to Settings > Cellular.
- Make sure Cellular Data is on.
- Scroll down and check that FaceTime is allowed to use data (toggle ON).
If websites are loading slowly or not at all, fix your internet first—FaceTime will fail if the network is weak.
3. Confirm Apple ID and Phone Number in FaceTime
After an update, FaceTime sometimes loses its registration.
- Go to Settings > Apps > FaceTime.
- At the top, check that you’re signed in with the correct Apple ID.
- If something looks wrong, tap your Apple ID → Sign Out, then sign back in.
- Under “You can be reached by FaceTime at”, make sure:
- Your phone number is checked.
- Any email addresses you use are checked.
- Under “Caller ID”, make sure your main number or email is selected.
If nothing is checked here, FaceTime calls won’t go through.
4. Check FaceTime Restrictions (Screen Time)
Screen Time can quietly block FaceTime.
- Go to Settings > Screen Time.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions (if enabled).
- Tap Allowed Apps.
- Make sure FaceTime is enabled.
If FaceTime is disabled here, it won’t show or won’t work even if it’s ON in the main settings.
5. Check Date & Time Settings
An incorrect time or region can break Apple’s activation services.
- Go to Settings > General > Date & Time.
- Turn Set Automatically ON.
- Make sure the correct time zone is selected.
Then go back to Settings > Apps > FaceTime, turn it off and on again, and wait a minute to see if it activates.
6. Sign Out and Back In to Apple ID
Refreshing your Apple ID connection can fix activation after an update.
- Go to Settings > [your name] at the top.
- Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
- Make sure you know your Apple ID password first.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Sign back in with your Apple ID.
- Now go to Settings > FaceTime and turn FaceTime back on.
Wait a minute or two while FaceTime finishes activating.
7. Test FaceTime with a Known Working Contact
Sometimes it’s the other person’s device, not yours.
- Try calling:
- Another Apple device you own (like an iPad or Mac), or
- A friend or family member who you know uses FaceTime regularly.
If FaceTime works with one person but not another, the problem might be on their side (wrong Apple ID, device offline, Do Not Disturb, etc.).
8. Restart Your iPhone
It sounds basic, but after a big iOS update, a restart clears a lot of glitches.
- Press and hold the Side button + Volume Up (or Down).
- Slide to power off.
- Wait 20–30 seconds, then turn the iPhone back on.
After it boots, try FaceTime again.
9. Reset Network Settings (If Calls Won’t Connect)
If FaceTime keeps failing to connect, your network stack might be corrupted.
Note: This will erase saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, VPN and APN settings, but not photos or apps.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
When it restarts, reconnect to Wi-Fi → go back to Settings > FaceTime → toggle it off and on, and test again.
10. Check If FaceTime Is Available in Your Region / Carrier
Most U.S. users are fine here, but in some regions or with some carriers:
- FaceTime may be restricted or limited.
- If you’re using an eSIM from a carrier that doesn’t fully support Apple services, activation can be slower.
If you recently changed your SIM, number, or carrier, contact your carrier’s support and ask if FaceTime over cellular and activation SMS are supported and enabled on your line.
11. Make Sure FaceTime Works on Wi-Fi vs Cellular
To narrow down the problem:
- If FaceTime works on Wi-Fi but not cellular → likely a carrier or data restriction problem.
- If FaceTime fails on both Wi-Fi and cellular → likely an Apple ID or settings issue.
You can also try disabling any VPN you have installed; VPNs sometimes interfere with Apple services.
12. Update to the Latest iOS 26.x Build
Sometimes the first build of a big update has bugs that are quickly fixed by a minor update.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available (26.1.1, 26.2, etc.), download and install it.
After updating, restart your iPhone and test FaceTime again.
13. When to Contact Apple Support
You should reach out to Apple if:
- FaceTime still shows “Waiting for Activation” after 24 hours.
- You can’t see your phone number under Send & Receive in FaceTime.
- FaceTime is missing completely from Settings even after checking Screen Time.
- FaceTime works on other devices with the same Apple ID but not this iPhone.
You can use the Apple Support app or visit Apple’s support website to start a chat, schedule a call, or book a Genius Bar appointment.
Quick Troubleshooting Summary Table
| Symptom | Most Likely Cause | First Fix to Try |
|---|---|---|
| FaceTime toggle is greyed out | Screen Time / restrictions | Check Screen Time > Allowed Apps |
| “Waiting for Activation” for a long time | Screen Time/restrictions | Sign out/in Apple ID, reset network |
| Calls not connecting | Weak network or VPN | Test Wi-Fi vs cellular, turn off VPN |
| Works on Wi-Fi but not cellular | Carrier or data plan issue | Check cellular data and carrier settings |
| Only email works, no phone number | Number not registered with Apple ID | Check Send & Receive and SIM status |
Final Thoughts
FaceTime not working after an iOS 26 update is frustrating, but in most cases it comes down to:
- A toggle turned off
- A network issue
- An Apple ID or activation glitch
Work through these steps in order:
- Check FaceTime toggle and Apple ID.
- Verify internet connection and Date & Time.
- Check Screen Time restrictions.
- Sign out/in of Apple ID and restart.
- Reset Network Settings if needed.
In most cases, FaceTime will start working again without needing a repair or restore. If you tell me your exact error message (for example, “FaceTime unavailable,” “Waiting for Activation,” or “Connection failed”), I can tailor these steps specifically for your situation.
