FaceTime is automatically activated as part of the overall setup process you go through the first time you turn on a new iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, or Mac. If, for some reason, it isn't activated, or if you want to restrict access for your children, or even turn it off entirely, you can do that too.

How to turn on FaceTime

  1. Launch the Settings app from your Home screen.
  2. Tap on FaceTime.

  3. Tap the switch next to FaceTime to turn it on.

    Launch Settings, tap FaceTime, tap the switch to enable

FaceTime will start the activation process and you'll soon be able to make video calls.

How to turn off FaceTime

  1. Launch the Settings app from your Home screen.
  2. Tap on FaceTime.

  3. Tap the switch next to FaceTime to turn it off.

    Launch Settings, tap FaceTime, tap the switch to disable

If you ever want to re-enable FaceTime, you can just pop back into settings and turn it on again.

How to disable FaceTime over cellular

  1. Launch the Settings app from the Home screen of your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Select Cellular.
  3. Scroll down to the the Use Cellular Data For section.
  4. Find and toggle the switch next to FaceTime Off.

To reenable FaceTime access over cellular data, repeat the procedure and toggle the switch to On.

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How to use parental controls to restrict FaceTime in iOS 11 and earlier

  1. Launch the Settings app from the Home screen of your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad.
  2. Tap on General midway down the list.

  3. Tap on Restrictions midway down the list.

    Launch Settings, tap General, tap Restrictions

  4. Tap on Enable Restrictions if they're not enabled already.
  5. Enter a passcode.

  6. Tap the switch next to FaceTime to disable it.

    Tap Enable Restrictions, enter a passcode, enter it again to confirm, tap the switch next to FaceTime to disable it

This will effectively hide the FaceTime app on the Home screen and hide the FaceTime feature in the Phone app for iPhone as well.

To remove the restriction, repeat the above process and toggle the FaceTime slider back to the ON position.

How to restrict FaceTime in iOS 12

Since iOS 12 has a new Screen Time feature that lets you monitor and curb usage, so restrictions have moved into that section in iOS 12.

  1. Launch Settings from your Home screen.
  2. Tap Screen Time.
  3. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.

  4. Set a four-digit restrictions passcode. Re-enter it to confirm.

    Tap Screen Time, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, enter a four-digit passcode

  5. Tap the switch next to Content & Privacy.
  6. Tap Allowed Apps.

  7. Tap the switch next to FaceTime to disable the app.

    Tap the switch next to Content & Privacy, tap Allowed Apps, tap the switch next to FaceTime

You now won't be able to see FaceTime on your Home screen. You'll have to follow the above steps and allow FaceTime again for it to work.

Updated July 2018: Added a section on how to restrict FaceTime in iOS 12, since Restrictions have moved under Screen Time in Settings.

FaceTime: The Ultimate Guide

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