FaceTime is a popular Apple-exclusive video calling app that allows you to connect with your loved ones in real-time. However, despite its convenience, you may often experience that you can’t use the app without Wi-Fi.
If you’re wondering why you can’t FaceTime without a Wi-Fi connection, this is likely because the cellular data option on your iPhone or iPad is disabled for the calling feature. To resolve this, turn on the cellular data switch for FaceTime in your phone settings. If the problem persists, ensure you’ve not exhausted the data usage limit or the Low Data Mode isn’t enabled on your iOS device.
In this article, we’ll explore why you can’t FaceTime without Wi-Fi and how to stay connected even when the wireless connection isn’t available.
Why Can’t I FaceTime Without Wi-Fi?
Here are some reasons why you can’t FaceTime without a Wi-Fi connection:
- Cellular data is disabled for FaceTime
- Exhausted data plan
- Outdated device firmware
- Corrupted network settings
- Active Low Data Mode
How Do I Fix Can’t FaceTime Without Wi-Fi?
If you can’t FaceTime without Wi-Fi, here are a few fixes that can help you make audio and video calls on your iOS device and stay connected with your friends and family.
Enable Cellular Data For FaceTime
It is possible that the cellular data option for FaceTime is disabled on your iPhone or iPad, causing the app to only work on a Wi-Fi connection.
Therefore, enable the cellular data option for FaceTime on your iOS device with these steps:
- Open “Settings.”
- Tap “Cellular.”
- Locate “FaceTime” and toggle on the switch to enable cellular data usage.
Upgrade the Data Plan
FaceTime consumes significant cellular data to give you a smooth video calling experience. But if you’ve exhausted the data limit, your service provider may slow down your connection, leading the app to only work on Wi-Fi.
To avoid this from happening, contact your service provider, upgrade your cellular data plan, and see if you can FaceTime without Wi-Fi.
Disable the Low Data Mode
Low Data Mode restricts the amount of data used by certain apps and services to reduce your data consumption and improve battery life.
However, FaceTime may not work correctly with active Low Data Mode and will try to switch to Wi-Fi automatically.
Therefore, disable Low Data Mode for FaceTime on your iOS device this way:
- Open “Settings.”
- Tap “Cellular.”
- Select “Cellular Data Option.”
- Tap “Data Mode.”
- Now, set the Data Mode to “Standard” or “Allow More Data on 5G” instead of “Low Data Mode.”
- Afterward, launch the “FaceTime“ app and see if you can video call without Wi-Fi.
Note: You can also try turning on and off the Airplane mode on your iOS device to refresh the data network.
Reset Network Settings
Corrupted network settings can also prevent FaceTime from working without Wi-Fi, even if there is nothing wrong with your cellular data connection.
To fix this, reset the network settings on your iPhone or iPad with the following steps:
- Open “Settings.”
- Tap “General.”
- Scroll down to “Reset” and tap it.
- Select “Reset Network Settings.”
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Tap “Reset Network Settings” to confirm.
After resetting network settings, reconnect to your cellular network and try FaceTime again.
Note: This method will erase all saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, and VPN settings.
Update the Device Firmware
If your device is running on outdated firmware, it may cause FaceTime to malfunction, including the inability to use the app without Wi-Fi.
So, make sure to keep your iOS device firmware updated with these steps:
- Open “Settings.”
- Tap “General.”
- Select “Software Update.”
- If an update is available, tap “Download and Install.”
- Tap “Update Now.”
- After the update, launch the “FaceTime” app and see if it works without Wi-Fi.
Ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi or cellular data connection and enough battery life to complete the update process.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored why you can’t FaceTime without Wi-Fi on your iPhone or iPad and also provided tried and tested solutions to overcome this issue.
Hopefully, you can now make video or audio calls with your friends and family on the go using FaceTime. However, if the problem persists, reach out to Apple Support and see what they have in store for you.