iOS: Using FaceTime

With FaceTime, you can participate in video calls with another iPhone 4 or later, iPad 2, iPod touch (4th generation), or a FaceTime for Mac user over a Wi-Fi network connection. This article outlines how you can get in touch with other FaceTime users.
Note: FaceTime may not be available in all countries or regions.

What information do I need to call someone using FaceTime?

To call someone using FaceTime, you need their phone number or email address. Which one you use is determined by the device you are calling:

• When calling someone using an iPhone 4 or later: Try the phone number of the person you are calling first. If the person has registered an email with FaceTime, you can use that as well.
• When calling someone using an iPad 2, iPod touch, or FaceTime for Mac: Use the email address designated for FaceTime of the person you are calling.

On iPad 2, iPod touch, and FaceTime for Mac, you need to add a person as a contact using the FaceTime or Contacts app before you can call them.

How do I make a FaceTime call?

You can make a FaceTime call in multiple ways, depending on your device:
iPhone 4 or later: You can place a FaceTime call using the following apps:

• Phone: While on a phone call, you can tap the FaceTime icon to invite the other party to a FaceTime call.
• Contacts: Tap the FaceTime icon to place a FaceTime call to the contact you are viewing.

iPad 2, iPod touch (4th generation), and FaceTime for Mac: You can place a FaceTime call using the following apps:

• FaceTime: Place a FaceTime call using your contacts list.
• Contacts: Tap the FaceTime icon to place a FaceTime call to the contact you are viewing.

Note: There is no FaceTime app on iPhone. Use the Phone app instead.

Additional Information

Troubleshooting FaceTime calls

If you're unable to activate or make FaceTime calls, try turning FaceTime off and on again using the following:

• iOS: Settings > Phone
• FaceTime for Mac: FaceTime > Preferences

If you can't place a FaceTime call to a particular contact, try the following:

• Verify that you have the correct phone number or email address.
• Use the correct method of contacting the person. If you are calling:
  • An iPhone 4 user: Use the phone number
  • An iPad 2, iPod touch, or FaceTime for Mac user: Use the email address
• Check that each person has an active Wi-Fi connection.
  • If you are using router, firewall, or security software that restricts Internet access, verify that port forwarding is enabled.
• Verify that the date and time are set correctly on your iOS device or Mac.
• The Apple ID you are using to register FaceTime on iPad 2, iPod touch, or FaceTime for Mac must be an email address.
  • If your Apple ID is not an email address, you can change it on appleid.apple.com. 
• When calling someone using their email address, they must verify that email address for use with FaceTime and be signed in to their Apple ID account. They can verify they are signed in using:
  • iOS: Settings > FaceTime
  • FaceTime for Mac: FaceTime > Preferences
  • Note: If verification is pending, follow the instructions in the email that was sent to that email address to complete verification.