How to Turn Off FaceTime

A major FaceTime bug that allowed people to listen in on conversations and even to see video without you answering a call. This issue has been present since iOS 12.1 arrived last year. Apple disabled Group FaceTime to stop the bug and prevent this spying. We expect to see an iOS 12.1.14 update arrive this week, as Apple confirmed a fix is in the works. If that’s not enough for you, this is how to turn off FaceTime on your iPhone and your Mac.

You will not be able to use FaceTime for video calls or to use FaceTime Audio if you turn this feature off, but it may bring you extra peace of mind even with Apple’s server level fix in place.

How to Turn Off FaceTime on Your iPhone & iPad

On your iPhone or iPad, you can turn off FaceTime in the settings. This takes about 30 seconds to do, but you will need to do it on each device if you want to completely turn it off. You may need to enter your Apple ID password when you want to turn it on, so don’t turn it off if you don’t know your Apple password off the top of your head.

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap on FaceTime.
3. Tap the Toggle to Off.

That’s all you need to do to completely turn off FaceTime on your iPhone or iPad. Repeat on your other iOS devices to make sure it is completely off.

How to Turn Off FaceTime on Your Mac

If you want to go a step further, you can turn off FaceTime on your Mac. This was not impacted by the latest Group FaceTime bug that we know of and there is no issue right now. Here’s what to do if you want to turn off FaceTime on your Mac. This includes video and audio.

1. Open FaceTime
2. Click on FaceTime in the upper left corner.
3. Click on Turn FaceTime Off.

There you go. FaceTime is off on your Mac. You can reverse this by clicking on Turn On in the FaceTime app on your Mac.