What is facetime on iPhone? FaceTime app - free video calls from anywhere in the world

For a long time the function FaceTime in iOS is a popular and very convenient means of communication. Many users appreciated the opportunity to make video calls to their family and friends around the world completely free of charge. However, do not forget that in addition to video, FaceTime The audio call function is also implemented.

In contact with

It is noteworthy that it can be used to make voice calls in order to save money, for example, to call “other” networks or while roaming. Moreover, this is a feature of iPod touch in iPhone.

What is FaceTime Audio?

This useful feature allows you to make voice calls via iPhone, iPad, Mac or iPod touch using Wi-Fi or 3G/4G as long as you have an Internet connection. The technology known as VoIP has been used in the telecommunications industry for quite some time, but FaceTime it is optimized for greater ease of communication among product fans Apple.

To make voice calls, just activate on your device FaceTime and connect to the internet (). In this case, it is not even necessary to know the subscriber’s phone number - the function uses his email address (if the service FaceTime activated on his device).

Why use FaceTime?

First of all, the service is absolutely free. This means you can save paid minutes on your plan by using it to make calls over Wi-Fi while at home, at work or in a cafe. It is noteworthy that this way you can make free calls even abroad.

It is impossible not to note the high quality of communication. Used Apple The AAC-ELD codec provides high-resolution audio with low bitrate and minimal latency. Thanks to this FaceTime Audio The voice sounds much richer and clearer than when using a regular telephone connection.

An unlimited data plan for iPhone and iPad () allows you to communicate even without a Wi-Fi connection. In addition, you don't need to have an iPhone to make voice calls—owners of an iPod touch or iPad can also take advantage FaceTime.

Is FaceTime paid or free?

FaceTime is completely free. Since the connection is made via the Internet, for high-quality communication it must be sufficiently stable. In addition, when using 3G/4G, you need to remember about the tariff plan, unless, of course, it is unlimited.

How to make calls using FaceTime?

Activating the feature is very simple. This usually happens immediately when setting the smartphone settings (data input required). To check, just find someone who has an iPhone or iPad.

1 . Find the option FaceTime under the subscriber’s phone number – there should be two icons on the right (camera and phone).

2 . Click on the phone icon to make voice calls. Accordingly, for a video call you need to click on the camera icon.

In addition, you can make voice calls using the application FaceTime. To do this, you need to open the program, go to the tab Audio(on iOS 8 it's called Sound), then on the plus sign in order to add a contact or find it through the search function.

If the function FaceTime is not activated on your iOS device, you should do the following:

1 . Open the Settings app and go to FaceTime.
2 . Click on the item " Your Apple ID for FaceTime", enter your account information and click " To come in».

After the option FaceTime will be activated, you can safely select subscribers (device owners Apple, with the option enabled FaceTime) with whom you want to contact. In order to make a call, you can specify both a phone number and an email address.

Hello everyone! iMessage and FaceTime are simply wonderful services from Apple. I think hardly anyone will argue with this. Yes, they have shortcomings, but using them is a sheer pleasure. However, before you start getting this pleasure, they need to be turned on. And this is where the problems begin - failures and errors during activation, unfortunately, are not so uncommon.

Should we despair, worry, throw away our smartphone, send threats to Tim Cook and the rest of the employees of the Apple corporation? No! Is it possible to do something about this? Certainly! Let's look at all the reasons for the activation error of iMessage and FaceTime services, as well as ways to deal with this rare disgrace.

Let's go quickly and decisively!

A small digression. This instruction will discuss precisely the impossibility of turning it on for the first time. If the iMessage or FaceTime registration succeeds at first, but after a while they “ask” for it again and again (and money is constantly debited) - the solution will be a little different.

So, services are not activated - why is this happening?

Here are three main reasons:

1. The SIM card or telecom operator is to blame.
2. Problem with iPhone or iPad.
3. Apple is also not without sin.

What to do? Let's look at each case in more detail.

iMessage activation failed - problem with SIM card or operator

Yes, the first thing you should pay attention to is what SIM card you are using and whether there are any problems with it.

The fact is that to register iMessage or FaceTime, a special SMS must be sent from your iPhone to the UK. The most interesting thing is that it will not be visible in the “sent” ones. You can find out about it only by detailing expenses.

So, if the message is not sent, activation does not occur. Therefore we act:

1. Checking the account balance. The message is not very expensive (5-15 rubles), but this money must be in the account.
2. Your tariff must support sending SMS abroad. This is especially true for owners of corporate tariffs.
3. We call the hotline operator and find out if everything is fine with them?

By the way, it is the third point that is the most common cause of mass failures. When preparing this article, I read a lot of sources and noted that at different times all operators had problems with enabling iMessage. MTS, Beeline, Megafon - no difference.

iMessage does not turn on - check iOS settings

In fact, iOS almost always works “like a Swiss watch” and blaming it for errors with activating FaceTime and iMessage is a waste of time. In most cases. Although... “glitches” are still possible. That's why:

With each action, we try to disable and then enable iMessage and FaceTime - check whether it works or not?

Apple's problems

As noted above, Apple itself is also not without sin. In some cases, its servers simply cannot cope with the load, which means messaging and video calling services will work with errors.

Most often this happens on the days when new versions of iOS are released. And if yesterday or the day before yesterday there was a presentation of a new iPhone or iPad, failures are almost guaranteed. Although on “normal” days everything is possible. You can find out about these problems:

What is the conclusion from this? Very simple: the only thing we can do in this case is just wait. One joy - you won't have to wait long.

I guess that's all. In the end, it is worth noting that in my own experience, the most common causes of the error are problems with the SIM card (operator) or Apple servers. And they usually affect more than one person.

Therefore, be sure to write in the comments and find out that maybe you are not the only one and the failures affected absolutely everyone. It is highly advisable to indicate the cellular operator - this will make it much easier to navigate.

P.S. In general, don’t be silent, like, let’s solve the activation problem together!

In this article I will describe in detail the service built into iOS and MacOS for making audio and video calls -.

What is FaceTime? Requirements

FaceTime can be understood as three definitions:

• This is a built-in standard program for audio and video calls
• this is a technology that is used in the program of the same name
• this is the front camera of the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and the camera on Apple laptops is now also called FaceTime. Initially the camera was called iSight, then it was renamed...

FaceTime over Wi-Fi is supported on the following devices:

• iPad 2 or later (the iPad Mini line is also included in this range). The first iPad didn't have a camera. :)
• iPhone 4 or later
• iPod Touch 4th generation or later
• OS X (Mac OS) on the laptop must be 10.6.6 (Mountain Lion) or later. If you don't have FaceTime, you can purchase it from the Mac App Store for $1.

FaceTime over cellular data networks (3G, LTE) does not support:

• iPad 3 and later
• iPhone 4S and later

FaceTime may not be available or active in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan.

FaceTime requires an Internet speed of 128 kilobytes per second (modest) to work, and at least 1 megabit per second to work in HD format.

To use FaceTime, users must have the devices described. That is, you will not be able to call a user on Android or Windows via FaceTime.

How to set up FaceTime?

Setting up FaceTime is a trivial task. To do this, you need to have a registered account in the App Store (that is, you have an Apple ID and password for it). I hope you have already dealt with this (here are the instructions: http://webereg.ru/mobile/app-store).

Now you can either simply turn on FaceTime with the switch, or sign in with your Apple ID.

The first method involves having a phone number associated with your FaceTime (this is on an iPhone). But you will need to pay for activation in the same way as for activating iMessage at international rates.

The second method allows you to link an e-mail to FaceTime. And don't tie your phone. That is, I personally recommend clicking “Your Apple ID for FaceTime” and entering your Apple ID and password.

After this, in the settings you will see the following picture:

As you can see, out of the blue I added my second mailbox to iCloud.com. Theoretically, you can “Add another e-mail” for communicating via FaceTime if you don’t want to reveal your Apple ID. In the “Subscriber ID” section, you need to select your default ID. But to avoid confusion, I recommend turning off all unnecessary e-mails in the “Your address for FaceTime calls” section, leaving only one address or phone number (if you have activated it). You need to re-enter the FaceTime settings and you will see the normal picture.

Now, to call you on FaceTime, a person only needs to know your FaceTime calling address. If you call, you will clearly know which FaceTime address you are using.

How to make FaceTime calls?

There are two options.

In the first case, you can find the desired person among your contacts (standard Contacts or Phone applications), open his profile, and if he has FaceTime, you will see two icons for video and audio calls.

Second way. You need to go into FaceTime. There, enter the desired e-mail or phone number, and if this data is linked to FaceTime, then you will be able to make a call. Or search to find the desired contact. All people with an iPhone or iPad will be visible thanks to the blue icons.

Calling via FaceTime is free and limited only by your internet data. That is, abroad the calls themselves will not be charged, but you will pay for the megabytes you spend on the call (according to the tariffs of the provider you use).

FaceTime is one of the unique applications from Apple. It is designed for making calls in audio format. Using this software, it is very easy to communicate with friends who also have devices from this manufacturer.

The program was presented by Steve Jobs himself back in 2010. But it gained popularity among the masses only in 2012. This was due to the release of the sixth version of the OS, which made it possible to access Wi-Fi networks. Such restrictions were due to the fact that mobile networks have low bandwidth, and the program would not be able to work normally in them. But the modern version of the software already operates in 3 and 4G networks.

In this article you will learn what FaceTime is and how to enable and configure FaceTime on iPhone.

Now let's talk about the basic rules for using face time on an iPhone. This software can support such versions of Apple gadgets as:

• iPhone 4 and versions older than this.
• iPad 2 and all older versions.
• iPad mini (absolutely all versions).

Thanks to the data transfer mode, FaceTime can be used without a Wi-Fi network on the iPhone 4s and subsequent phone models from Apple.

The iPhone 4 FaceTime software may not work if the gadget was purchased in a number of countries (Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and some others). Or if the gadget is used in the territory of one of these states.

FaceTime on iPhone 5 what is it and how to enable it

To run the software not only on the fifth iPhone, but also on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 7, you must first open the program. Next, the system will ask the user to enter an Apple ID number. This can also be done in the FaceTime settings.

When you enter the program from a smartphone, it will automatically register the user’s phone number. And to provide your email address, you need to go to the program settings section, enter your ID, and enter it. Registration is carried out in the same way not only from an iPhone, but also from another iOS device.

FaceTime enabled and calling

So, you have entered the program. But making your first call will take time and patience. After all, you need to figure out how to configure some options. For example, to make a call, you need to find out the phone number or e-mail of another person.

There are several methods for making a call in the program:

• Open it and enter your phone number or email address in the appropriate field. Click on the call icon (regular or video).
• If you have a phone number or e-mail, you need to click on the subscriber’s name, and then on the call icon.
• You can start a video call right during a regular call. To do this, you just need to click on the program icon, and the conversation will continue in it.

FaceTime waiting feature

On iPhones with OS version 8 and older, you can use the hold function during an audio call. It provides the following features:

• End the current call and start an incoming call.
• Accept a new call and put the current one on hold.
• Dropping a new call.

Difficulties with FaceTime

If you want to use this software from Apple, but nothing works, most likely the reason lies in the following:

• The service is unavailable in your region.
• The service is not supported by your carrier.
• Sometimes call forwarding is not supported.
• Difficulties are possible when switching from a regular call to FaceTime or vice versa.

What should I do if receiving and making a call is impossible?

If the factors mentioned above have nothing to do with your device, try the following:

• Double-check that your gadget is connected to the network via Wi-Fi or cellular data network. Limit the functions of antivirus programs and other software that can interfere with the process.
• If you are using cellular data networks, make sure the Cellular Data option is enabled. You need to go to the settings of this option and enable the FaceTime icon.
• Set automatic time and date settings on your device.
• Reboot the system.
• Update the operating system to the latest version.

Connectivity and sound quality issues

Sometimes problems with software appear due to a slow Wi-Fi connection. Difficulties may also arise if other users use streaming data transfer mode.

The problems mentioned above manifest themselves as follows:

• Messages about connection impossibility pop up on the gadget's screen.
• The video is shown fragmentarily.
• Black screen, as if the device was turned off.
• At the time of the call, the connection is often interrupted or completely interrupted.

To avoid these misunderstandings, make sure that the person you are calling is using a high-speed network connection. You also need to have a broadband connection.

How to disable the program

Not all users were satisfied with this software from Apple. And most often, dissatisfaction was associated with accidental use of the application. The fact is that requests for calls can be made without the desire of the subscriber. That is why many are interested in the question of how to disable FaceTime on an Apple gadget.

To do this, you need to go into settings and select restricted mode. You can secure your decision by additionally entering a password. After this, all that remains is to move the toggle switch opposite the program image, and it will no longer appear in the list of contacts.

Unlocking the software is also very easy - you just need to move the toggle switch to its original position.

The program is a standard utility for all more or less modern Apple devices. Face Time allows you to exchange video calls with other users, provided that they have a similar utility installed.

The application is positioned primarily as a mobile application for iPhone and iPad tablets/smartphones, as well as iPod Toush players. However, FaceTime is also available for iMac and MacBook desktop users. At the same time, owners of such PCs can make video calls in HD quality.

Possibilities

• The ability to use two cameras: the front one shows the face of the interlocutor, and the back one shows everything that happens in the foreground of the camera.
• Address book integration.
• Supports 16:9 widescreen images in HD quality.
• Make free video and audio calls. Only Internet traffic is paid for.

Advantages

1. There is no need to register: your Apple ID serves as your account. The user just needs to click on the program icon to get into the contact list.
2. The application informs you about missed calls.
3. There is no need to install the application first, because... it is a standard utility in iOS and OS X.
4. FaceTime integrates with third-party softphones.

Flaws

• The utility only works on devices running iOS/OS X operating systems. You cannot download Facetime for Windows
• Recorded video calls can only be viewed by Mac desktop owners.

In addition to the video calling function, the service has an SMS pager and a voice call option. However, in the last two components, FaceTime is somewhat inferior to similar Internet phones. Therefore, if the user is not a fan of Apple gadgets and likes truly full-featured softphones, then it is better to opt for another application.

Download Facetime on a Mac OS computer in Russian

To download the FaceTime app from the Mac App Store, you need a Mac running Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later

By the way

The era of text messengers has irrevocably sunk into oblivion. No matter how original emoticons and stickers are, they will never replace face-to-face communication. Therefore, applications designed to transmit images are becoming increasingly popular. One of the most current video phones is Facetime. With its help, the user can not only see the face of the interlocutor, but also contemplate the environment around him in panoramic mode!