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How to Fix a Black Screen on FaceTime
Try these tips to resolve audio, settings, and other issues
By Simon Chandler Simon Chandler Writer University of Reading King's College London Simon Chandler is a former Lifewire writer who covered cryptocurrency, social media, AI and other topics. His work has appeared in Wired, TechCrunch, and The Verge. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on October 20, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Video Calls Facetime Skype The whole point of FaceTime goes away if all you end up with is a blank or black screen. While audio communication is effective, there's nothing like seeing someone's face. Here's why your FaceTime calls are only a black screen and how to resolve the issue. Causes of a Black Screen on FaceTime
There are several reasons for a black screen on FaceTime. The issue could be something as simple as a software setting to a hardware failure. Here are some potential causes for a black screen on FaceTime: The camera is off or disabled.The camera isn't working.The camera is in use by another app.Something is obstructing the camera lens.A poor or no internet connection. How to Fix FaceTime Black Screen Issues
Most fixes for a black screen on FaceTime are things you can do at home. With a bit of time and patience, you should be able to get FaceTime back up and running. Let's review a few potential fixes below. Is this an audio-only call? Check that you haven't accidentally chosen an audio-only call. When you make an audio-only call, you see a FaceTime button in the middle of the screen when speaking. Select this button to switch to a video call. Is the camera lens blocked? Check that you or your caller aren't blocking the camera lens. It can sometimes happen when a misplaced thumb or finger puts the device's camera out of action, leaving you with a black screen. Which camera are you using? Check to see which camera is selected. You might have the front camera enabled instead of the selfie camera. Have you turned off the device lately? If not, restart your iPhone or restart your iPad. Yes, this is another simple option, but it sometimes works, given that restarts close all open apps. It might be what's needed to get FaceTime working correctly again. Is the camera busy? Check that another app isn't using your device's camera. If one is, close the app to get the FaceTime video working again. Check your internet connection. One possible reason your FaceTime video isn't working is that your internet connection is experiencing a problem or isn't particularly strong. If you use a Wi-Fi network, ensure you're as close to the Wi-Fi router as possible. Check that you or your caller doesn't have a restriction on FaceTime. You and the other caller should go to Settings and check Restrictions (in iOS 11 or earlier systems, via General) or Screen Time (in iOS 12 or later). See if you need to update your MacBook or download and install the latest iOS update. Updates can resolve underlying software issues that may cause a FaceTime black screen. If you still experience issues, factory reset your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Doing this is drastic, so only do it after backing up your device. Make an Apple Store appointment or go to an authorized repair shop. FAQ How do I fix a poor connection on FaceTime? To fix FaceTime lag from a poor connection, hang up and try again in the hopes of a stronger signal. Close and reopen the FaceTime app and try the call again. You can also try repositioning yourself to get a better Wi-Fi signal, restarting your iOS device, and troubleshooting your internet connection. How do I fix FaceTime on a Mac? If FaceTime isn't working on your Mac, ensure you're signed in with your Apple ID. Also, check your date and time settings: Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Date & Time and choose Set date and time automatically. Try quitting FaceTime and restarting your Mac. Ensure FaceTime isn't in use on another device with your Apple ID. How do I fix the sound on FaceTime? To fix it when FaceTime audio isn't working, ensure you and your call recipient haven't muted your microphones. Also, check your volume and internet connection, and ensure the microphone isn't being accessed by another app. You should also try restarting your device. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What to Do When FaceTime Audio Is Not Working 12 Ways to Fix It When FaceTime Is Not Working How to Fix a Steam Cloud Error How to Fix It When WhatsApp Isn't Working How to Fix FaceTime Lag How to Fix It When a Fire Stick Is Not Loading How to Fix a YouTube Black Screen How to Fix an Authentication Error in Minecraft How to Use Your iPad or iPad Mini as a Phone How to Fix Vizio TV Black Screen of Death What is FaceTime? How to Fix the Oculus Quest Black Screen of Death How to Fix It When Your iPhone Microphone Isn't Working How to Fix Black Screen on Android Phones How To Fix Windows 11 Black Screen Issues How to Fix It When an Instagram Story Isn't Uploading Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies