How to Fix FaceTime Black Screen on iPhone or iPad (iOS 26 Guide)

After updating to iOS 26, many iPhone and iPad users have reported that FaceTime sometimes shows a black screen instead of video during calls or you can also see issues with facetime when you open it and the camera doesn’t work or facetime stuck on waiting for activation after iOS Update or facetime activation error. This can happen when the camera is already in use by another application or due to temporary software glitches as well.

If you are facing this issue, don’t worry there are several easy solutions to fix it. Below are step-by-step solutions you can try to get FaceTime working normally again even you have updated your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.

1. Close Other Apps Using the Camera

FaceTime requires full access to your iPhone or iPad’s camera. If another app (such as Camera, Instagram, or WhatsApp) is already using a camera in the background, FaceTime may only show a black screen and you need to close apps running in background.

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-press the Home button on older models).
   
2. Close all apps that might be using the camera.
   
3. Reopen FaceTime and try your video call again.
   

2. Rotate the Camera or Switch Apps

Sometimes the black screen is a temporary glitch. Rotating your iPhone or iPad between portrait and landscape will work.

Another quick fix is to switch briefly to another app and then return to FaceTime. This forces the system to tap the camera settings again may fix the issue .

3. Reset All Settings

If the issue persists, resetting your iPhone settings can clear hidden conflicts. This won’t delete your photos or data, but it will reset system preferences like Wi-Fi networks, wallpapers, and privacy settings.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → General.
   
2. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
   
3. Choose Reset → Reset All Settings.
   
4. Enter your passcode (and Screen Time passcode, if set).
   
5. Confirm by tapping Reset All Settings again.
   

After the reset, reopen FaceTime and test a call.

Also Read:

1) FaceTime Reactions Gestures Not Working iPhone 15, 14, 13

2) Why Can’t i Share My Screen on Facetime on iPhone iOS

3) How to Fix iMessage and FaceTime Waiting for Activation error on iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro or Plus or Max

4) How to Fix Facetime Volume too Loud on iPhone and iPad

5) How to Fix iMessage and Facetime Stuck on Verifying Phone Number on iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12

4. Force Restart Your iPhone or iPad

A force restart clears temporary system glitches that can affect the camera and FaceTime.

Steps (for Face ID models):

1. Quickly press and release Volume Up.
   
2. Quickly press and release Volume Down.
   
3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
   

For older iPhones or iPads with a Home button, hold Home + Power button together until the Apple logo shows.

5. Update iOS and Apps

Apple frequently releases minor updates after a major iOS release to fix bugs like FaceTime glitches.

• Go to Settings → General → Software Update and install the latest version.
  
• Also, open the App Store → Updates and update FaceTime-related apps (if applicable).
  

6. Check Camera Functionality

Open camera app on your iphone and check if it is showing  black screen and if it is not showing black screen then camera is working fine and if camera show black then there is an hardware issue with your iphone. Contact apple support and ask them to repair.

Standard Fixes (Still Useful)

• Rotate the device (portrait ↔ landscape) during FaceTime call.
  
• Force-close FaceTime and reopen.
  
• Make sure camera lens is clean / not physically blocked.
  
• Check for hardware issues: if camera doesn’t work in any app, may need service.

Mostly this issue will be fixed by following above solutions and facetime camera will not work if there are camera related apps running in background without your notice or software glitches and by changing settings on iphone will fix the issue. In case if you have updated your iphone to the latest iOS version then downgrading or contacting apple support in this case.

Explanation: Why These Fixes Often Work

• iPhone Update: After iOS update, the   FaceTime app sometimes encounters software bugs and by Toggling camera switching or restarting will fix these software glitches.
  
• After updating iphone to latest iOS versions – Changes in Permissions & privacy settings may be changed or reset and when update is in progress it may change camera settings and will affect facetime camera functionality after updates gets complete.
• Apps running in the background may be taking control over the camera and this can cause FaceTime to not be able to access the camera properly.
• If you are installing Apple beta version then they contain bugs for sure and can cause not only facetime but other apps to malfunction as well. You need to wait for Apple to release the next iOS version.

Common Community Reports & Device-Specific Cases

• iOS 26 Beta builds: Users on beta version “DB4” reported that the back camera is not recognized in some apps, causing a black screen. Restarting doesn’t always help. Reddit
  
• iPhone Model Notes: Several users say iPhone 14 / 15 Pro have more occurrences of black screen in FaceTime when switching cameras (front ↔ back) several times in a call. Sometimes hardware sensor delay or camera driver instability seems to be the cause.
  

Camera Works in “Camera app” but Not in FaceTime: A frequent complaint is this mismatch — camera is fine when using the Camera app, but FaceTime remains black. Suggests FaceTime’s camera permission/access may be blocked or conflicting with another process.