Fix "FaceTime Not Working on Mac after Sonoma Update"

Since its debut, FaceTime has always been a reliable and convenient tool for Apple users, allowing seamless video and audio communication with utmost security at the same time. While this video and audio calling service works just as expected in most cases, there are times when it stops functioning. Why is FaceTime not working on Mac? This guide explores common issues and provides insights on how to get FaceTime up and running on your Mac.

Why Is FaceTime Not Working on Mac (Sonoma)?

Before listing the causes of FaceTime not working on Mac, let’s understand how it works. To use FaceTime, your Mac needs to be running macOS Lion 10.7 or later, which should be easy. Then you’ll need a stable Wi-Fi, cellular data, or any broadband Internet connection. With these, the rest is to sign in a valid Apple ID and make the calls via working microphones and speakers, whether built-in or external.

Given these, you can probably figure out why FaceTime is not working on Mac:

• FaceTime requires a reliable internet connection. Issues may arise if you are having an unstable or weak connection.
• Your Mac is running an outdated version of macOS, anything before macOS Lion 10.7.
• FaceTime is not turned on, probably because you’ve manually disabled it before.
• Likely, you are not signed in with the correct Apple ID, so it’s impossible to reach out to the desired contacts.
• If you manually set the date and time, it may not match the FaceTime server’s date and time, potentially causing the issue.

How to Fix FaceTime Not Working on Mac [10 Ways]

With basic knowledge about why FaceTime not working, now we can move on to how to fix this issue. Luckily, there is a list of fixes you can try. Let’s check them out.

Restart FaceTime

Similar to any other software glitches, restarting is always a solution. Quit FaceTime by clicking its icon in the dock and selecting Quit. Then, reopen FaceTime to see if the issue is resolved. Sometimes, restarting the application can clear up temporary glitches.

Make Sure the Apple ID Is Correct

Using a different Apple ID on your Mac than on your other devices might cause FaceTime to not match with each other. If you notice the Apple ID is not corresponding, go to the Apple icon > System Preferences > Apple ID, and click Sign Out. Then sign back in with the correct Apple ID.

Check the Internet Connection

A stable internet connection plays a vital role in running FaceTime, so internet issues are often the primary cause of problems.

To quickly check your WiFi status, look at the WiFi icon in the menu bar. If it shows no bars, your WiFi might be off. Toggling WiFi off and on can quickly restart the connection if it’s unstable.

For more advanced settings, go to System Preferences and select Network. Click Details next to the connected network. If the WiFi tab indicates your Mac is connected but the internet isn’t working, try restarting your router or connecting to a different network if possible.

Check and Set the Date & Time

Ensuring your Mac operates in the correct time zone is crucial for FaceTime to work properly. Manually setting the date and time can cause discrepancies with the FaceTime server’s time, resulting in FaceTime not working on Mac. To fix that, go to System Settings > Date & Time. Check ‘Set time and date automatically’.

Make Sure Apple Servers Are Working

On rare occasions, FaceTime not working on your Mac might be due to issues with Apple's server infrastructure rather than a problem on your end. Unfortunately, when the server malfunctions, there’s very little you can do to troubleshoot it.

To check Apple server status:

1. Go to the web: apple.com/support/systemstatus.
2. Locate FaceTime. The green dot indicates everything is fine, while yellow or red signifies a connection problem.

Check the Mac Microphone and Camera

If you're wondering ‘why can’t I see myself on FaceTime on Mac’, it’s highly likely there is something wrong with the camera, along with the microphone on your Mac.

To make sure Mac’s microphone & camera are working:

Go to System Settings > Sound. Click on the Input tab and see if the noise levels rise when you speak.

To test your camera quickly, open any other app that requires it such as QuickTime Player. If your video appears fine, then your Mac’s camera is working properly. You can further make sure you’ve enabled the camera while face-timing.

Keep the macOS Updated

For Mac users who are still running the Lion or anything before, it’s time to shift. Click on the Apple icon > About This Mac, and you can see a software update notification. To update your macOS, refer to our delicate article here:

Related Article: How to Update Mac to the Latest macOS Version

Reset the FaceTime on Mac

If your FaceTime app is stuck in a perpetual ‘Waiting for Activation’ prompt, try the ultimate method of turning it off and back on again - resetting FaceTime on Mac.

How to reset FaceTime on Mac:

1. Open the app and go to FaceTime > Settings.
2. Next to ‘Enable this account’, deselect it, then select it again to turn the account off and on. This simple step should be enough to get the app working again.

Flush DNS Cache

The DNS cache stores recent DNS lookups, which helps your Mac quickly load websites. Sometimes, this cache can become corrupted or outdated, leading to connectivity issues that might affect FaceTime. Fortunately, BuhoCleaner offers a simple way to flush the DNS cache, ensuring that your Mac can connect to the internet without any DNS-related problems.

How to Use BuhoCleaner to Flush DNS Cache on Mac:

1. Download, install, and launch the BuhoCleaner app on your Mac.
2. Navigate to the Toolkit on the left panel. Locate the Flush DNS Cache feature on the right window.
3. Click on the Start button to flush the DNS cache.

Check DNS Settings

Mac uses DNS (Domain Name System) to access the websites. However, slow, unreliable, or incorrect DNS server settings can prevent you from signing into FaceTime on your Mac. so, if the above-mentioned DNS flushing method doesn’t work, adjusting these settings can resolve DNS-related FaceTime issues:

1. Go to System Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Select your Wi-Fi network and click Details.
3. Navigate to the DNS tab.
4. To add a new server, click the plus sign under the left window and enter the DNS server address recommended by your internet provider. Alternatively, you can use Google’s public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
5. Click OK to apply the changes and then restart your Mac.

FaceTime Not Working on Mac but Works on iPhone, Why?

If the FaceTime not working issue is limited to your Mac, it narrows down the causes to Mac-related factors, including:

• An updated macOS that does not support FaceTime feature
• Incorrect Mac date and time settings
• FaceTime is not enabled on your Mac
• The Apple IDs of both devices do not match each other

Then you can refer to the solutions above to fix FaceTime not working.