If your family or friend reunions have been interrupted by otherworldly static during FaceTime, relax. You are not alone.
That is not an alien joke. The forums are full of people who are complaining of the static whenever they use FaceTime and worse even while talking on it.
Besides hearing distortion, here have also been bizarre problems like the FaceTime caller listening to the person at the other end before they have “Accepted” or “Rejected” the call. Talk about an invasion of privacy.
Apple’s FaceTime Fix
Apple has published some articles advising people on how to get around these bugs. Brushing aside conspiracy theories like “Planned obsolescence,” it also claims that only a few people are facing these issues. As far as we are concerned, for a premium phone, even that “small number” could spell trouble – especially when it is leading to creepy discussion like these.
There’s been lots of advice online on how to handle this issue, but Apple has come up with their own effective solution. Here are a few ideas for you.
1. Update
Yeah, pretty obvious, but upgrading your phone to the latest version might take care of the problem permanently. This complaint has been around since 2017 at least, and apple might have worked in the solution in the latest upgrade.
2. Interference
There are some usual sources of interference. Try using your phone away from them. Microwave ovens, florescent lights and power cables etc. are responsible for static interference a lot of times.
3. Do Not Disturb
We wish we could tell this directly to Static Gods, and they would just leave us alone. The alternative is to go to Settings > Do Not Disturb. Then check if it is set to Off.
4. Clean Up A Bit
Okay, don’t get defensive! You could be the tidiest person but very rarely do people think about cleaning the speakers on their phones. So remove all the guards, protective films and your smart case and see if the receiver is dirty. If you do detect some grime (not your fault at all!), be sure to use a soft brush. And, um, make sure that the brush is clean too.
These were the suggestions that Apple has given to solve your FaceTime static problem. However, in case none of the above works, there are other methods that you might want to try.
5. Restore to Old Backup
- This will restore your phone to factory settings. Below are the steps detailing how to do this:
- Connect your phone to iTunes via a USB cable
- Then press and quickly release the Volume Up Button
- Similarly, press down on the Volume Down button quickly
- The, press and hold the Side Button to get the recovery mode screen.
- iTunes will give you two options: Restore or Update. Go for Restore.
- Once you are through with this process, sign in your Apple ID via iTunes to activate your phone.
- Restore all information from a previous backup. viii. Tap Continue.
- Restart and check again if FaceTime static is gone.
6. Restart
Another method to get rid of the distortion on your iPhone is to press the Home Button and the Power Button on the side simultaneously for Ten Seconds. The device will restart itself. Sign back in, and the static should be gone.
7. Earphones
In case you’re using Earphones, check to see if the problem is not with them. Sometimes, older earbuds or earphones with fraying wires can cause that static sound.
8. Mute
If you are chatting with a group of people on FaceTime, it is good advice to “Mute” everyone and let only one person do the talking at a time.
If none of these work for you, get in touch with Apple Support. Happy FaceTiming!
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