
About FaceTime
FaceTime is Apple’s free video and audio calling app. It is built directly into Apple iOS and macOS devices. FaceTime users may only contact other FaceTime users. To use FaceTime, you must have a compatible device and connection to WiFi or cellular data (only certain devices).
Compatible Devices
Mobile Devices
Apple iOS – compatible
System requirements: You can use FaceTime on any of these iOS devices on Wi-Fi: iPhone 4 or later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad 2 or later, iPad mini (all models), and iPod touch 4th generation or later (only iPod touch 5th generation or later support FaceTime audio calling). With a cellular data plan, you can also use FaceTime without Wi-Fi on any of these devices: iPhone 4s or later, iPad Pro (all models), and iPad (3rd generation or later).
Make sure your iOS device’s software is up-to-date with the latest operating system.
- How to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch – written instructions with pictures
- How to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch – video
If you cannot locate your FaceTime app, check out this support page.
Computers
Mac – compatible, requires OS X 10.9 or later
System requirements: To make FaceTime audio and video calls on your Mac (OS X 10.9 or later required), you must:
- Be connected to the internet
- Be signed in to FaceTime with your Apple ID
If you don’t have an Apple ID, go to the Apple ID account website to sign up for one for free. - Have a built-in or connected microphone; for FaceTime video calls, you also need a built-in or connected camera
FaceTime will work best if your macOS device’s software is up-to-date with the latest operating system.
- How to find out which macOS your Mac is using
- How to update the software on your Mac – video
Instructions
Mobile Devices – iPhone, iPad, & iPod Touch
One-on-one FaceTime Calls
How to use FaceTime on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch – written instructions with pictures
Turn on FaceTime
Open the FaceTime app and sign in with your Apple ID. You can also do this from Settings > FaceTime.
If you’re using an iPhone, FaceTime automatically registers your phone number. To also register your email address on your iPhone, go to Settings > FaceTime > Use your Apple ID for FaceTime, and sign in with your Apple ID.
If you’re using an iPad or iPod touch, register your email address by tapping Settings > FaceTime > Use your Apple ID for FaceTime, and sign in with your Apple ID.
How to set up FaceTime on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch – video
Make a FaceTime call
To make a FaceTime call, you need the person’s phone number or registered email address. There are a few ways to make a FaceTime call:
- In the FaceTime app, tap the plus button
and type the person’s phone number or email address. Tap the number or address, then tap Audio
or Video
.
- If you have the person’s phone number or email address saved in your Contacts, you can start typing their name and tap the name when it appears. Then tap Audio
or Video
.
- You can also start a FaceTime video call from your iPhone during a phone call. Tap the FaceTime icon in the Phone app to switch to FaceTime.
How to use FaceTime on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch – video
Group FaceTime Calls
How to use Group FaceTime on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch – written instructions with pictures
You can have up to 32 people on a Group FaceTime call.
How to use Group FaceTime on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch – video
How to block FaceTime calls on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch – written instructions with pictures
Mac
How to use FaceTime, including Group FaceTime, on Mac – written instructions with pictures
If FaceTime is not working on your Mac – support article
Need more help?
Please contact us at info@ndassistive.org or 800-895-4728. We welcome your requests for additional support materials and will do our best to accommodate them.