How to Turn off FaceTime

FaceTime is automatically enabled once you’ve installed it on your phone, tablet, or computer. So, if you want to free up some resources or just have some quiet time, disabling FaceTime is a quick solution to getting back your private time.

How to Disable FaceTime in iOS

It only takes a couple of minutes to disable FaceTime on your iPhone or iPad. Once disabled, your iOS device cannot send or receive FaceTime calls, nor will the FaceTime app appear on the home screen.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, tap Settings.

2. Scroll down until you see FaceTime.

3. Tap FaceTime to see the settings for the app.

4. Tap the toggle switch so it moves to the left, deactivating FaceTime.

   The switch will turn from green to white\gray once deactivated.

5. To re-enable FaceTime, toggle the switch back to the right, and it should turn green.

How to Restrict FaceTime Access

Perhaps you need to hide the app from little prying eyes. By using either Screen Time in iOS 12 and later or the Restrictions settings in iOS 11 and earlier, you can hide the app securely.

Restrict FaceTime in iOS 12 and later

With the release of iOS 12, there are no longer Restriction settings. It’s now known as Screen Time, but works very much the same. Below is how to restrict FaceTime with Screen Time.

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.

2. Tap Turn On Screen Time.

3. Tap Continue.

4. Tap This Is My iPhone.

5. Select Content & Privacy Restrictions.

6. Tap the Content & Privacy Restrictions toggle switch. It should turn green.

7. Tap Allowed Apps.

8. Tap the FaceTime toggle switch to disable the app. It should turn from green to white/gray.

   To re-enable, tap the toggle switch again and it should turn green.

Restrict FaceTime in iOS 11 and earlier

1. Tap Settings.

2. Tap General.

3. Tap Restrictions to view settings.

   Restrictions may be disabled, so you'll have to enable it to restrict FaceTime.

4. In the Set Passcode screen, set up a 4-digit passcode.

5. Under the Disable Restrictions section, find and tap the FaceTime slider to the right to enable. It should turn green when enabled.

How to Disable FaceTime on Mac

It never hurts to be security conscious. Luckily, disabling FaceTime on Mac is a breeze. It’s about the same as doing so on an iPhone.

1. Open FaceTime on your Mac.

2. Click FaceTime in the top menu bar on the left side.

3. Click Turn FaceTime Off.

4. If you decide you’re ready to have a little FaceTime back in your life, click Turn On and you’re back in business.

   Alternatively, Open FaceTime, select FaceTime in the top left corner, then click Turn FaceTime On.

Log Out of FaceTime on Mac

If you don’t want your family or roommates accessing FaceTime while using your Mac, you can just log out of your FaceTime account.

1. Open FaceTime and log in on your Mac.

2. Click FaceTime in the top left menu bar.

3. Click Preferences.

4. Click Sign Out.

   To use FaceTime, you must log in with your credentials again.