Apple’s FaceTime is seen in many of its commercials, but some Mac users may not realize that the application is also available for use on their desktop computer. Perhaps this is because the Mac version of FaceTime has to be purchased from the App Store for $0.99 for users not running OS X Mountain Lion or later.
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FaceTime is free to use over Wi-Fi, including international connections, and it can also be used via some cellular networks, such AT&T. However, FaceTime calls can only be made with other FaceTime users who have the application installed on a supporting device including the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and a Mac computer.
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Setting Up FaceTime
FaceTime is easy to set up after its been downloaded. Simply enter your Apple ID (you will be prompted to do so) and enable the application. You also need to designate a phone number and email address where you can be reached by other FaceTime users. You can even add more than one email account, though you’ll need to confirm each one.
FaceTime will automatically connect to your built-in iSight camera and microphone, but you can also use a supported third-party USB video cam and mic (accessed under Video in the menu bar) for more flexibility. By the way, you can also use the iPhone as a webcam, as I explained in this articleHow to Use Your iPhone as a Webcam: 5 Methods That WorkHow to Use Your iPhone as a Webcam: 5 Methods That WorkDid you know it's possible to use your iPhone as a webcam? Use it as a baby monitor, pet monitor, security camera, or more.Read More.
Just like the Phone app on your iPhone, FaceTime connects to your list of Contacts through which you can place FaceTime calls and add contacts to your list of Favorites. Any contacts you add via FaceTime will be automatically added to your main iCloud contacts list.
To make a FaceTime call, click on the phone number or email address of a contact and the FaceTime call will automatically initiate. The call will go through if the recipient has also set up FaceTime on his or her device, else it will fail. You can also right-click on the FaceTime icon in the OS X dock and select a contact in the pop-up list of recent FaceTime calls.
Before making the call, be sure the room you’re calling in is well lit, and consider using a pair of headphones instead of your Mac’s speakers to filter the audio from the other caller so that there’s no feedback noise during the call.
Calling From iPhone
Family members or other callers can make FaceTime calls to you (from another Mac or supported iOS device, including a Wi-Fi-only device) on your Mac by first tapping on the blue and white arrow next to your name in their Contact list, and then tapping on the FaceTime button.
Note: FaceTime calls can’t be initiated via the iOS Messages app, which is where some users first look for it.
In order to make FaceTime calls over your cellular network, the service needs to be enabled on the device (Settings > FaceTime > Use Cellular Data). AT&T allows iPhone users to make free FaceTime video calls over its cellular network if they have subscribed to one of the carrier’s Mobile Share data plans. Cellular FaceTime video calls can eat up a lot of data time, so it’s best to make calls over Wi-Fi when possible. Check with your cellular network to see if charges apply for FaceTime calls.
The FaceTime application does not have to be launched on your Mac in order to receive calls from other users. When you are called, the application will automatically launch and ring if your Mac is running and awake. Missed calls will be listed under Recents > Missed in the desktop application.
You can only use FaceTime with one person at a time, so if you want to take another FaceTime call, you need to click on the End Call + Answer button that pops up. If you want to block all FaceTime calls to your Mac or iOS devices, you will need to sign out of FaceTime on those devices.
You can enlarge the FaceTime window to full screen, and the small window from the other caller in the picture-in-picture display can actually be clicked on and moved around during the call. The orientation of the small window can also be changed, which is useful if there’s more than one person in the window.
FaceTime is mostly used between mobile devices, but the Mac version is still handy and more attractive to use than the Messages app, and it is better to use if more than one person will be in the call.
Let us know if you use FaceTime on your Mac, or whether you prefer Google Hangouts or Skype instead.
- Great article. One problem I have found with Facetime on Mac (OSX10.9) is that I cannot answer FaceTime calls...
when I am working at my iMac and a FaceTime call comes through, I can see the FaceTime icon appear in my dock but no option to answer it. So I have to answer it on my iPhone5.
While FaceTime is generally reliable on Mac, you might run into problems from time to time. If you’re currently facing a situation where FaceTime is not connecting no matter how many times you attempt to launch the app, fear not — there are fixes available.
These tips should help you troubleshoot common issues such as FaceTime audio not working, camera not working, poor connection, login problems, activation problems, and the inability to receive calls.
1. Check your internet connection
The most common reason why FaceTime is unavailable is due to internet connectivity issues. If you attempt to launch the app and it isn’t connecting, the first thing you should do is check your network connection.
You can instantly check your Wi-Fi connection by looking at the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. If the icon is showing no bars, then your Wi-Fi might be turned off. You can fix this by clicking on the icon and selecting Turn Wi-Fi On.
If you don’t have the Wi-Fi icon in your menu bar, you can go to System Preferences > Networkand check your internet connection there. If you are connected but the internet isn’t working, you might need to restart your router.
Turn off your router and unplug it from the mains. Wait 30 seconds and plug it back in. Switch the router back on and wait for your Mac to reconnect. You’d be surprised at just how many internet connectivity issues are fixed with a simple off-and-on.
2. Check Apple’s servers
If the issue is with Apple’s FaceTime server, then it’s both good news and bad news.
Good news that the problem isn’t with the app at your end. Bad news that there isn’t anything you can do but wait until Apple fixes the problem.
To check the FaceTime server status, go to Apple’s System Status page and look for FaceTime in the list. If the circle next to it is green, the server is working fine. If not, it’s down and Apple will be working on restoring connectivity.
If the FaceTime status is green but the app still isn’t working for you, it could be that the issue is only affecting your area. In this instance, Apple might not know about the problem so it’s worth getting a second server status reading from a website like Down Detector or Outage.Report. Both of these tools shows maps so that you can easily identify if your area is affected.
3. Check that FaceTime is switched on
Sometimes the biggest problems can be resolved in the simplest ways. Is FaceTime switched on? It’s worth a look.
Launch the app and go to FaceTime > Turn FaceTime On. Wait for the activation to confirm that it’s switched on.
4. Reset the app
If your FaceTime app is stuck in perpetual “Waiting for Activation” use the tried-and-trusted method of switching it off and back on again.
You can reset FaceTime by launching the app and going to FaceTime > Preferences. Move the slider to the off position and then switch it back on. This little prod might be all the app needs to kick it back into life.
5. Check for software updates
The best way to keep your system running smoothly is to make sure all software is kept up-to-date.
To check for (and install) updates, open up the App Store and click on Updates in the toolbar. Click on the Update button next to any of the available updates to download and install them.
6. Check the Date & Time
Make sure your Mac is operating in the correct timezone. Go to System Preferences > Date & Time to bring up the date and time settings.
In the Date & Time tab, check the box next to Set date and time automatically and from the drop-down menu choose the correct server (Apple America/U.S. if you’re in the United States, Apple Europe if you’re in Europe, etc.).
In the Time Zone tab, select Set time zone automatically using your current location.
7. Check your emails
To use FaceTime you firstly need to verify your email. Apple sends out a verification email the moment you sign up which includes a link to verify your email address.
Go to FaceTime > Preferences and look to see if the status says “verifying…” If it does, head over to your inbox and hunt down Apple’s verification email. Don’t forget to check your spam folder too!
8. Check your Apple ID
Are you signed in to FaceTime using the same Apple ID used on your other Apple devices? Go to FaceTime > Preferences to check. If your Mac doesn’t match your other devices, click on Sign Out and sign back in using an Apple ID that matches the one used on your iPhone or iPad.
9. Does it work where you are?
FaceTime is not currently available in Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, or the United Arab Emirates, which if you are visiting or living in those countries, might explain why FaceTime is unavailable.
10. Change DNS Settings
If you're still struggling to get FaceTime working, try changing the DNS settings from Mac’s settings to Google’s.
![Facetime for mac download free Facetime for mac download free](/uploads/1/2/6/2/126248096/716539266.jpg)
1. Go to System Preferences > Network > Select Network (WiFi) > Advanced and click on the DNS tab.
2. Click on the + button to add Google’s open DNS and type in 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
3. Hit OK and then Apply to confirm the settings.
![Facetime For Mac Google Facetime For Mac Google](/uploads/1/2/6/2/126248096/219889709.jpg)
11. Flush the DNS cache
A lot of network and connectivity problems can be fixed by flushing the DNS cache. How you do this depends on what version of MacOS or OS X you’re currently running (Apple likes to change the command line with each OS release). We’ve written a guide that shows you how to flush the DNS cache manually for different Mac operating systems that you can read here. However, a much simpler option that will work regardless of what version of the macOS you have installed is to use CleanMyMac X's Maintenance feature.
CleanMyMac X is a fantastic tool designed to clean, optimize, and maintain your Mac — basically getting rid of all the things you don’t need to help keep your system running smoothly. And using it couldn’t be simpler.
- Download CleanMyMac X.
- Launch the app and click on the Maintenance tab.
- Select Flush DNS cache.
- Click Run and wait for the app to do its thing.
Like we said at the top of the article, FaceTime is typically reliable. It’s a built-in Mac app and you rarely encounter problems with those. However, if you are trying to make or receive a call and you find that FaceTime is connecting, run through these troubleshooting tips. There’s a good chance one will provide the solution you need. And remember to download CleanMyMac X if you want to flush the DNS cache.