Why can't I make FaceTime audio calls on iOS 16.5? It is only allowing me to make video calls.

What is the model number in Settings>General>About>Model Number?

Facetime Audio is illegal in China and that feature is not available on iphones sold in that market, even if used elsewhere in the world.

Lord_Billian_II wrote:

Thank you KiltedTim. Oh no. The model is from China. However I am not in China. Is there any way around it? Can FaceTime audio be activated still?

No. There is no way to use facetime audio on a device that was originally sold in China, no matter what. Devices sold in China face some restrictions that are not enforced on any other devices, and can not be bypassed.

[Edited by Moderator]

KiltedTim wrote:

No. There is no way to use facetime audio on a device that was originally sold in China, no matter what. Devices sold in China face some restrictions that are not enforced on any other devices, and can not be bypassed.

Indeed this is the probable root cause. Similar to the restrictions imposed to devices for the UAE market, these are “burned in the silicon” and cannot be sidestepped by the OS or apps. Only workaround is resell on the local equivalent of eBay/Amazon/etc. and acquire outside the realm.

[Edited by Moderator] 

JummySam wrote:

Hello, any idea if this restriction will be lifted by Apple.

Afterall current location isn’t China

No. They won't. The restriction is placed on devices sold in China by the Chinese government. Apple does not have the legal right to remove the restriction just because the device is being used somewhere else.

Hello again~ Hmmmm…take a look here …

iMessage and FaceTime is greyed out in se… - Apple Community

There is a reply by one of our Community Specialists Stevi_S that is highlighted…give that a try.

~Katana-San~

Hello ~ Any help here by clicking on below?

If you can't make or receive a FaceTime call on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Have you restarted you iPhone? Post back if needed and takes care.

~Katana-San~

Hello ~ Do you have the Content & Privacy Restrictions turned on under Settings > Screen Time?

~Katana-San~

It is really funny cause my iphone is from china so I can’t use FaceTime audio while i live in another country which using FaceTime audio is legal, it is a big limitation

Xyx_fyve wrote:

I had same issues. I just read somewhere that it’s because my phone was made for china market. Doesn’t make any sense

Complain to the Chinese government. That's their rule.

Might be how you’re connecting and the network vagaries in between.

Most times I FaceTime my Mum, works fine using the phone number. But there are repeated occasions when only the registered and enabled email(s) work. As listed in You can be reached at… over in the destinatary’s Settings / FaceTime pane.

Needless to say, FT goes over IP so both sides need either good Wi-Fi or strong cellular with data plan. There’s a Costco where I live where if you amble to the far end of the store while FaceTiming, video will fail but voice persists as the cellular bandwidth falls from 5G to 4G or even 3G. I do NOT use those “free” public Wi-Fi hotspots offered everywhere.

Alireza-d wrote:

It is really funny cause my iphone is from china so I can’t use FaceTime audio while i live in another country which using FaceTime audio is legal, it is a big limitation

Complain to the Chinese government. Apple has no choice in the matter.

Or better yet, don't buy your electronic devices in China. Buy them in your own country.

Have the same issue. China acquired phone. This limitation makes no sense if i am permanently based outside of china. There should be a lock for china network to abide to the law but why should there be a restriction when user is outside of china.

Hello once more~ Have you force restarted? I will keep digging and see what I can find…don’t give up yet. We may have to contact Apple but give me a bit and I will get back with you! Take care.

~Katana-San~

Whether it makes sense to you or not is irrelevant. The facts are what they are. China set the conditions. They don't want their citizens buying iPhones, then taking them outside of the country and using FaceTime audio.

Complain to the Chinese government. Apple has no choice in the matter.