In this article, you'll learn how to enable and use FaceTime for video or audio calls on your iPhone or Mac computer.
How to Enable FaceTime on Your Mobile Device
Step 1. Open the Settings App
Launch the Settings app by tapping on the gray gear icon on your home screen.
Step 2. Scroll Down and Tap on FaceTime
Scroll down and select FaceTime. This option is located on the Settings page.
Step 3. Tap on Use Your Apple ID for FaceTime
Tap on Use Your Apple ID for FaceTime. This option is in the middle of the page.
Step 4. Enter Your Apple ID Email and Password
Input your Apple ID email and password. This is the account you use to log into Apple.
Step 5. Tap Sign In
Tap Sign In. This option is located below the input fields for your credentials. Additional FaceTime features will be activated.
Step 6. Ensure Your Phone Number and Email Address are Correct
Make sure your phone number and email address are correct. Check the details listed under "You can be reached by FaceTime at."
- Numbers or email addresses that can reach you will be marked with checkmarks.
- To deactivate an address or number, tap on it.
Step 7. Turn on the FaceTime Switch
Toggle the switch for FaceTime to the ON position. It is located at the top of the screen and will turn green, indicating that FaceTime is enabled.
- If the switch is already green, FaceTime is active.
How to Enable FaceTime on Your Mac
Step 1. Open the FaceTime App
Launch the FaceTime app by clicking the green icon with a white camera in your dock.
Step 2. Enter Your Apple ID Email and Password
Input your Apple ID email and password. Enter the credentials you use to log into your Apple account, then press ⏎ Return.
Step 3. Click on FaceTime
Click on FaceTime. This option is found in the upper left corner of the screen.
Step 4. Click on Preferences
Click on Preferences. This option is located at the top of the FaceTime menu.
Step 5. Activate Your Email Address
Activate your email address by checking the box next to "Enable this account," which is located under your Apple ID at the top of the page.
Step 6. Review Additional Phone Numbers and Email Addresses
Look over the additional phone numbers and email addresses. Your phone number and email addresses will be displayed under "You can be reached by FaceTime at" in the middle of the page; check the boxes next to each number and address you wish to be reachable at.
- You can also click "Add Email Address" to include another email address in your FaceTime profile.
Step 7. Click on the FaceTime Window
Click on the FaceTime window to switch to it. You can now make video calls from your Mac using your Apple ID and receive calls on any registered email address.
How to Make a Call on Your Mobile Device
Step 1. Open the FaceTime App
Launch the FaceTime app by tapping on the green icon with a white camera on your home screen.
Step 2. Select a Contact
Choose a contact. Tap the text field at the top of the screen, enter a name (or phone number or email address), and then tap the contact's name when it appears on the screen. The selected contact's information will open.
- Alternatively, you can tap the "+" icon in the upper right corner of the screen to scroll through the contacts and select a name.
Step 3. Tap the Call Icon
Tap the Call icon. Tap the video camera icon to make a video call or tap the phone icon to make a voice call. These icons are located on the right side of the screen next to the contact's name.
Step 4. Wait for the Contact to Answer
Wait for the contact to pick up the call. If you are making a video call, the contact will appear on the screen within seconds.
- If the contact is calling you via FaceTime, tap the green "Accept" button to answer the call.
Step 5. Switch the FaceTime Camera
Toggle the FaceTime camera. Tap the camera icon in the lower left corner of the FaceTime screen to switch between the front and rear cameras of your phone.
- For voice calls, press the FaceTime button to switch to a video call.
Step 6. Mute Your Microphone
Mute your microphone. Tap the microphone icon in the lower right corner of the FaceTime screen to prevent the contact from hearing you.
Step 7. End the Call
End the call. Tap the red circle at the bottom of the screen to hang up.
How to Make a Call on Your Mac
Step 1. Open FaceTime
Launch FaceTime by clicking on the FaceTime icon in the dock.
Step 2. Enter the Contact's Name, Email Address, or Phone Number
Type in the contact's name, email address, or phone number in the text box at the top of the FaceTime window.
- You can also click the "+" icon to open your contacts list.
Step 3. Click on the Contact's Name
Click on the contact's name. It will appear below the text input area. The contact's information will open.
Step 4. Click the Call Icon
Click the Call icon. You'll find it to the right of the contact's name. Click the video camera icon to make a video call, or click the phone icon to make a voice call.
Step 5. Wait for the Contact to Answer
Wait for the contact to answer the call. You'll see or hear the contact.
- If the contact is calling you via FaceTime, click the green "Accept" button to answer the call.
- To end the call, click the red "End" button.
