Can’t Send FaceTime Video Messages in iOS 18 on iPhone/iPad? 9 Fixes!

Times when you wish to send a sweet message to your loved ones without letting the unavailability issue dampen your spirits, FaceTime video message comes into the picture. This is one of the best additions to Apple’s video calling app. Having given this new add-on a try ever since it arrived in the latest iteration of iOS, I must say that it’s further enriched the profile of FaceTime. Recently some users have reported that they can’t send FaceTime video messages in iOS 18 on iPhone and iPad. If you have also found it misbehaving on your device, try out these 9 viable tips and tricks to fix the FaceTime video message issues. 

Fix FaceTime Video Message Not Working on iPhone and iPad 

Before looking for ways to get rid of the issue, let’s briefly discuss what could be the prime reasons why you are unable to record and send a FaceTime video message. 

What could be preventing the FaceTime Video Message from functioning properly on iPhone or iPad?

To me, the biggest culprits of the FaceTime video message could be the inability to check off the basic requirements. Apart from the prerequisites, you should also never rule out the possibility of a hidden FaceTime bug and the server issue that might be coming in the way. Not to mention, the ill-functioning internet connection could also be equally responsible for the whole issue. 

Sending FaceTime video messages

1. Ensure That Both the Devices are Running iOS 17 or Later 

To get started, make sure that both the devices are running iOS 17/iPadOS 17 or later. Yeah, you got that right! If your friend’s iPhone is not updated to iOS, they can’t receive your FaceTime video message. 

2. Keep This Important Thing in Mind!

It’s worth pointing out that the option to record and send the FaceTime video message only appears when someone does not pick up your FaceTime call. Therefore, be sure to keep this important thing in mind before wondering why you can’t leave a FaceTime video message to your friend. 

3. Force Quit FaceTime on Your iPhone or iPad 

Probably the quickest way to fix the FaceTime video messages not working issue is to force quit the FaceTime app. 

  • On your iPhone or iPad without the Home Screen: Swipe up from the Home Bar -> then, swipe up the FaceTime app to force kill it. 
  • On iPhone and iPad with the Home Button: Double-press the Home Button to bring up the app swiper -> find the FaceTime app and swipe it up.
  • After that, try recording and sending the FaceTime video message again to check if the issue is gone. 

4. Be Sure You Have a Stable Internet Connection

Since sending FaceTime video messages requires a strong and stable internet connection, make sure your internet connection is up to the mark. 

  • On your iPhone or iPad; head into the Settings app -> Cellular/Wi-Fi -> turn off/on the toggle. 

5. Disable/Enable FaceTime 

Should the problem persist, I would recommend you disable/enable FaceTime on your iPhone or iPad. At times, just reactivating FaceTime can let you troubleshoot the related issues.

  • Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> FaceTime -> turn off the toggle next to FaceTime. 
  • Now, restart your device. Once it has rebooted, go back to the same FaceTime setting and turn it on. 
Disable:Enable FaceTime 

6. Force Restart Your Device 

Never miss out on this reliable tip whenever you are up against a miscellaneous iOS issue. 

  • To begin with, press the volume up button -> press the volume down button.
  • After that, immediately hold down the power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. 

7. Ensure That FaceTime Is Not Facing Any Technical Issues 

No luck as yet? Fret not! Now, it would be apt to head over to Apple’s system status website to ensure that FaceTime is not facing any technical outage. If Apple’s video-calling is going through an outage, you can’t do anything but wait until the tech giant sorts it out. 

8. Update the Software 

Considering the fact that iOS 17 is embroiled in many common and weird issues, I would suggest you go for the software update. Keeping a tab on bugs that crop up from time to time, Apple unleashes software updates bundled with many improvements and bug fixes. So, I hope the software update will let you bring this new FaceTime feature back on track. 

  • Dive into the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> General -> Software Update -> Download and install the latest version of iOS/iPadOS on your device. 
Update Software in iOS 18

9. Factory Reset Your iPhone or iPad 

The reason why it makes sense to try out the factory reset solution is that it has a commendable history of fixing annoyances. If you are new to factory reset, do note that it will clean up all the custom settings but none of your precious media and data will be deleted. 

  • Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad -> Reset -> Reset All Settings and confirm the action. 
  • After that, set up FaceTime from scratch.
Reset All Settings

Fixed FaceTime Video Message Not Working on iPhone and iPad 

There you go! I hope your FaceTime video message is back on track and so has the fun-loving experience of using FaceTime. Feel free to share your feedback and the handy tips that have managed to rescue you. 

Read more: 28 Ways to Fix iPhone StandBy Mode Not Working

Posted by
Rajesh Mishra

Editor-in-Chief: Rajesh Mishra is a Shakespearean poet at heart who turned a tech nerd while having a secret rendezvous with iPhone 4. When that rendezvous turned obsession, he let go of his hard-core political journalism in favour of the lifelong love-affair with technology. In a career spanning one and a half decades, Mr. Mishra has crafted over 8K articles. When he is not at his desk, you may find him either engrossed in a Deathmatch or chasing Wordsworth!

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