Fix FaceTime not working/not showing up on iOS 17/17.6.1

Just because there’s no FaceTime app and button in iOS 17.6.1 doesn’t mean Apple no longer supports these features. It’s likely a software update bug. While it’s annoying, especially in urgent situations, it’s a relatively simple problem that you can fix quickly. Here are some troubleshooting steps if you can’t use FaceTime.

Why is FaceTime not working after iOS 17.6.1 update?

There are several possible reasons why FaceTime is no longer available on your iPhone after installing the iOS 17.6.1 update. You may have deleted the app, your internet connection may be spotty, Apple’s servers may not be working properly, or your content restrictions may be affecting FaceTime.

How do I enable FaceTime on iOS 17.6.1?

Try these quick and easy solutions before diving into the more complex solutions:

• Check Apple’s servers: Go to the Apple System Status page and look for FaceTime. Stop troubleshooting if you see a red or orange icon next to the relevant section, as these indicate server issues. Live servers have a green circle next to them.
• Download FaceTime from the App Store: Go to your App Library and look for FaceTime – you may have accidentally deleted the app. You can only make and receive FaceTime calls on iOS 17.6.1 if you have the native app, which wasn’t the case on older versions.
• Switch between networks: Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data networks. The FaceTime feature should reappear in the Phone app once your internet connection is stable.

1. Enable FaceTime settings

2. Disable content and privacy restrictions

Check your iPhone’s Screen Time restrictions. You may have FaceTime restrictions enabled. If so, the FaceTime button will appear grayed out in your contact list.

1. Open Settings > Screen time.
2. Scroll down to Content and privacy restrictions.
3. Open Allowed apps and switch the button for FaceTime.

NOTE

You can also check the Screen Time limits of any other apps or features that are grayed out on your iPhone.

3. Adjust your focus mode settings

You can’t receive FaceTime calls in Focus mode. You’ll need to manually configure Focus settings—all modes block FaceTime notifications and activity by default.

1. Go to Settings > focus.
2. Select the Focus mode you want to customize.
3. Knock Apps under Allow notifications > Add apps > FaceTime. Repeat this process with your other focus modes.

4. Configure your DNS servers

Try connecting your device to a different DNS server. Your ISP may be inadvertently blocking the ports and networks Apple uses for FaceTime calls.

1. Open Settings and tap the Information symbol (i) in your preferred network.
2. Choose Configure DNS > manual > Add server.
3. Enter your preferred public DNS server.

Here are some public DNS servers that you can safely use for troubleshooting:

Google Public DNS

• IPv4: 8.8.8.8 And 8.8.4.4
• IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 And 2001:4860:4860::8844

Cloudflare DNS

• IPv4: 1.1.1.1 And 1.0.0.1
• IPv6: 2606:4700:4700::1111 And 2606:4700:4700::1001

OpenDNS

• IPv4: 208.67.222.222 And 208.67.220.220
• IPv6: 2620:0:ccc::2 And 2620:0:ccd::2

5. Try FaceTime on other Apple devices

Try using FaceTime on all your Apple devices. If FaceTime is unavailable for just one contact, they may have blocked your number, declined your call, or turned off FaceTime.

1. Open Settings or System settings on your Apple device.
2. Choose Sign in to your (device)and then enter your Apple ID username and password.
3. Try to start FaceTime.

6. Reset your iPhone to factory settings

As a last resort, you can reset your iPhone to factory settings. This should restore all the hidden functions and features that affect FaceTime, but it will also erase all your files. Be prepared to set up your iPhone from scratch afterward.

1. Open Settings > Generally > Transfer or reset iPhone.
2. Knock Reset > Reset all settings.

Contact Apple Support if you still can’t use FaceTime. Not getting FaceTime support after the iOS 17.6.1 update is one thing, but losing account access is another. Send your affected devices in for repair. Just make sure you back up your iPhone beforehand, as Apple’s technicians may need to delete your files.