Do you get a “Call Failed” error every time you make FaceTime calls on your Mac? Prompted by a “Why do my FaceTime calls keep failing?” question from a SwitchingToMac reader, we highlight nine (9) possible solutions to FaceTime call failures. Show You’ll get this error due to a variety of reasons ranging from poor internet connectivity to temporary system glitches, outdated or bug-ridden macOS version, incorrect date and time settings, FaceTime server downtime, and so on. Try the following troubleshooting solutions and see which one works the magic for you. Check Internet ConnectionYou need a fast and active internet connection to enjoy the optimal FaceTime experience. If FaceTime calls keep failing on your Mac, test your network connection by visiting a webpage on any browser. If you can’t access web pages, turn off your Mac’s Wi-Fi, turn it back on, and rejoin the network. If the problem persists, connect your Mac to another Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) network and try again. You should also consider pausing any ongoing download(s) as that could reduce available bandwidth and slow down your internet connection. Read this comprehensive guide on getting faster internet for more troubleshooting tips. Disable VPNIn addition to slowing down your internet connection, VPNs can also interfere with FaceTime calls. Open your VPN settings and ensure the connection isn’t routed to a country where FaceTime isn’t available. Better yet, disable your VPN connection and check if you’re able to make and receive FaceTime calls without issues. Force Quit FaceTimeFaceTime calls may also fail if the FaceTime app is malfunctioning. Force stop the app and try again.
Reopen FaceTime and check if that fixes the “Call Failed” error. Check FaceTime Server StatusThere are times when the problem stems from Apple’s end. FaceTime will present all sorts of errors if the servers powering the service are down or unavailable, unresponsive, or are experiencing downtime—perhaps due to routine maintenance. Head to the Apple System Status page and check the color code next to FaceTime. Green means FaceTime is operating correctly, Yellow denotes issues with the service, while Red indicates an outage. If there’s an issue with FaceTime’s servers, the best (and only) thing you can do is to wait until Apple fixes the problem. Adjust Date and Time SettingsIncorrect date and time configurations can also disrupt FaceTime operations. Ensure your Mac’s date and time zone settings are configured to update automatically.
Re-Enable FaceTimeAnother way to fix FaceTime call failures is by turning off and re-enabling the service. There are several ways to disable FaceTime on Mac.
Restart Your MacRestarting your Mac could fix temporary system glitches causing FaceTime calls to keep failing. Click the Apple logo at the top-left corner of the menu bar and select Restart. Proceed to the next troubleshooting solution if the problem continues when your Mac comes back on. Sign Out of FaceTime (Reactivate FaceTime)If the “Call Failed” error continues after trying the fixes mentioned above, disconnect your Apple ID from FaceTime, and sign back in.
That’ll reactivate FaceTime on your Mac and hopefully fix the call failure issue. If you’re having difficulties reactivating FaceTime, refer to this article on fixing FaceTime activation issues. Update macOSSometimes, new macOS releases harbor software bugs that cause FaceTime calls to keep failing. If the issue begins after installing a new update, you can either wait until Apple fixes the bug or downgrade your Mac to a stable, bug-free macOS version. Outdated macOS versions can also result in call failures. If you haven’t updated your Mac in a very long time, head to System Preferences > Software Updates and install any update available on the page. Last Resort: Contact Apple SupportWe’re confident that at least one of these fixes should resolve the FaceTime call failure issue. If not, contact Apple Support for assistance or visit a nearby Apple Genius bar to have your Mac examined. |