If your camera turns off or shows a black screen during a FaceTime call, first tap the screen and check the Camera button in the FaceTime controls; if it has a line through it, tap it to turn your video back on. If the camera still doesn’t work, make sure no other app is using it, check that Camera isn’t restricted in Screen Time, restart your iPhone or iPad, and update iOS. The other person may also have paused their video, which shows as a black screen on your end.
Below are the fixes in order and what each symptom means.
What you’re seeing and what it means
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| “Camera off” or a crossed-out camera icon | Your video was turned off in the call |
| Your tile is black but the camera is on | Another app is using the camera, or a glitch |
| Their video is black or paused | The other person turned off video or switched apps |
| Video freezes and comes back | Weak connection |
| Camera option missing | Screen Time restrictions |
1. Turn your camera back on
- During the call, tap the screen to show the controls.
- Tap the Camera button so it isn’t crossed out.
Video also pauses when you switch to another app during a call. Return to FaceTime and it resumes.
2. Close other apps that use the camera
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-click the Home button) and swipe away apps like Camera, Instagram, Zoom or Snapchat, then return to FaceTime.
3. Check Screen Time restrictions
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap Allowed Apps & Features.
- Make sure Camera and FaceTime are turned on.
4. Restart FaceTime and your device
End the call, close FaceTime, and restart your iPhone or iPad. Then start a new call.
5. Test the camera
Open the Camera app and try both the front and back cameras. If the Camera app also shows black, the problem isn’t FaceTime. Clean the lens, remove the case, and check for an iOS update. Persistent camera failure may need repair.
6. Improve your connection
FaceTime may lower video quality or pause video on a weak connection. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router, switch between Wi-Fi and cellular, or turn off a VPN.
7. Update iOS
Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple regularly fixes FaceTime bugs in updates.
On a Mac
- Make sure FaceTime has camera access in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera.
- Quit other apps that might be using the camera, such as Zoom or Photo Booth.
- Choose the right camera in FaceTime’s Video menu if you use an external webcam or Continuity Camera.
Related: fix a FaceTime call that fails immediately.
Related: check camera permissions on an iPhone.
Frequently asked questions
Why does FaceTime turn off my camera when I switch apps?
For privacy, FaceTime pauses your video when it isn’t on screen. Your video resumes when you return to FaceTime.
Can the other person see me if my camera is off?
No. They’ll see a paused or blank tile, and audio continues.
Why is the camera off on group FaceTime?
Each person controls their own camera. Large group calls may also show some people as tiles without live video to save bandwidth.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.