Is FaceTime Safe?

If you use or plan to use FaceTime, you need to know: Is FaceTime safe? 

Below, we explain whether FaceTime is: 

• Safe to use. 
• Good for privacy. 

We also look at some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this online service. 

What Is FaceTime?

FaceTime is a video and audio calling service developed by Apple, allowing users to make video and audio-only calls over the internet. 

Launched in 2010, FaceTime is a popular feature among Apple users due to its ease of use and integration across Apple’s ecosystem. It is available on various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, and Macs. 

IOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey users can also connect with Windows or Android users on FaceTime.

In addition to one-on-one calls, FaceTime supports group calls, allowing up to 32 participants to join a single video chat.

The service leverages Wi-Fi or cellular data to connect calls, making it accessible from virtually anywhere with an internet connection. 

Because FaceTime is integrated with Apple’s other services, such as Messages, users can initiate FaceTime calls directly from a text conversation. 

Is FaceTime Safe?

FaceTime is considered a relatively safe and secure platform for video and audio calls, especially compared to other communication services. 

FaceTime calls are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only the call participants can access the communication content. Even Apple cannot decrypt these calls. 

Apple says it doesn’t store the contents of FaceTime calls. 

Apple frequently updates its software to patch vulnerabilities, which helps keep FaceTime secure.

In 2019, a bug in FaceTime let users hear what the person they were calling was saying and see through their front-facing camera before they accepted or rejected the call. 

No data breaches have been associated with FaceTime at the time of writing.

Is FaceTime safe for couples?

Yes, FaceTime is generally considered safe for couples because FaceTime calls are end-to-end encrypted. This means that only the call’s participants can access the content of the communication, and not even Apple can decrypt these calls. 

Is FaceTime safe to use?

Yes, FaceTime is generally seen as safe to use.

This is for two main reasons: 

1. FaceTime calls are end-to-end encrypted. Not even Apple can access the contents of the call. 
2. Apple collects only minimal information about users’ FaceTime usage, but, according to the company, this information can’t identify users. 

That said, no system is foolproof. 

While there have been no reported FaceTime breaches, in 2019, a bug in FaceTime allowed users to overhear audio and, in some cases, even access the front-facing camera of the person they were calling, even before the recipient accepted or declined the call.

Is FaceTime safe, according to Reddit?

Reddit users have mixed opinions on the safety of FaceTime.

Some Reddit users say that FaceTime is end-to-end encrypted and also peer-to-peer and, therefore, relatively safe.

However, other Redditors are skeptical about FaceTime’s end-to-end encryption, saying that Apple doesn’t explain what type and level it is. 

Is it safe to sleep on FaceTime?

Depends what you mean by “safe.”

FaceTime calls are end-to-end encrypted, meaning that only you and the person you’re communicating with can access the content of your messages or calls. 

However, you should always make sure you’re communicating with someone you trust and be cautious about what might be audible or visible during the call, particularly if there are other people around. 

In terms of whether it is safe to sleep on FaceTime from the perspective of your health, responses on Apple’s community forums suggest that the worst outcome from sleeping on FaceTime is probably battery drain. 

That said, it’s better not to fall asleep with your device (and on FaceTime) because it might impact the device’s ventilation, especially if it’s on a charger, causing it to heat up. 

Is it safe to FaceTime overnight?

Yes, using FaceTime overnight is generally considered safe.

FaceTime is end-to-end encrypted, so no one but the receiver and the sender can access the audio or video sent. Only use FaceTime overnight with people you trust, as they’ll have access to your audio and video feed while you sleep.

Keep in mind that running FaceTime all night will consume significant battery power. If your device isn’t plugged in, it may drain completely by morning. However, keeping your device plugged in all night while on FaceTime might generate additional heat, which, over time, may affect battery health.

Is FaceTime safe for kids?

Not entirely. 

According to Macworld, the danger of kids encountering strangers and being groomed on FaceTime is lower than other chat, messaging, and calling services. 

On FaceTime, kids can communicate with their own contacts (and vice versa). 

However, while communicating with someone new is more difficult, it is not impossible. 

If someone has your child’s details (phone number or email address), they can call their iPad or iPhone through FaceTime. 

Macworld also warns that FaceTime is video-based, so if someone calls your child, they’ll be able to see them and their surroundings. 

In general, it’s a good idea to talk to your child about the dangers of FaceTime and ask them to tell you immediately if they encounter anything suspicious. You can also set up restrictions, i.e., a passcode to stop your child from being able to access FaceTime. 

Is FaceTime safer than WhatsApp?

Depends. 

Both FaceTime and WhatsApp use end-to-end encryption, which means only the recipient and the sender can see the contents of the messages and calls. 

WhatsApp uses the open-source Signal Protocol for encryption, allowing security experts to assess its reliability (FaceTime’s code is closed-source). However, only the encryption protocol is open-source; the rest of WhatsApp’s code is proprietary.

A FaceTime bug in 2019 allowed callers to eavesdrop on recipients before they accepted the call (Apple promptly fixed the issue). WhatsApp has been targeted by sophisticated spyware like Pegasus, exploiting vulnerabilities to access user data.

Apple collects minimal user data and does not sell it to third parties or use it for targeted advertising. WhatsApp shares certain user data with its parent company, Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), which has faced criticism over privacy practices. Data collected can be used to inform advertising on other Meta platforms, although WhatsApp itself does not display ads. 

WhatsApp appears in PCMag’s list of the best private messaging apps. It also appears on TechRadar’s best encrypted messaging apps list and Tom’s Guide best encrypted messaging apps list.  

Is FaceTime Private?

FaceTime is generally regarded as good for privacy. 

Apple’s approach to privacy is to collect as little data as possible. For FaceTime, this means that Apple does not store any information about the content of your calls.

The company says it might collect and store some information about your FaceTime usage, but only in a way that doesn’t identify you. 

Since FaceTime is tightly integrated into Apple’s ecosystem, there’s less risk of third-party apps or services accessing your data compared to some other communication platforms.

FaceTime’s privacy policy is the same as Apple’s general policy. In it, the company outlines what data it collects, why, and with whom it shares it. 

Apple says that it does not sell or share personal data. 

Terms of Service; Didn’t Read, a project that rates internet services’ terms of service and privacy policies, gives Apple overall a “Grade D.” This means “The terms of service are very uneven or there are some important issues that need your attention.”

Mozilla’s *Privacy Not Included buyer’s guide gives FaceTime a “Thumbs Sideways,” i.e., FaceTime is neither a “Thumbs Down” (and therefore a warning) nor is it a “Best Of.” 

How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy On FaceTime

Follow the steps below for a more private and secure experience while using FaceTime. 

• Use a strong password. Ensure your device is secured with a strong passcode, password, or biometric security like Face ID or Touch ID.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Add an extra layer of security by enabling 2FA on your Apple ID to prevent unauthorized access to your account.
• Limit reachability. Go to Settings > FaceTime and control where you can be reached, such as by limiting it to just one email address or phone number.
• Set your Caller ID. Choose to display only your email address instead of your phone number for added anonymity when making FaceTime calls.
• Review app permissions. Ensure only trusted apps have access to your camera and microphone by checking Settings > Privacy > Camera and Settings > Privacy > Microphone.
• Limit contacts access. Control which apps can access your contacts to be more selective about who can reach you through FaceTime.
• Block unwanted contacts. Manage your block list by going to Settings > FaceTime > Blocked Contacts to prevent calls from unknown or unwanted people.
• Turn on Do Not Disturb. Use DND to silence FaceTime calls temporarily when you need privacy, and consider scheduling it for specific hours.
• Keep your software up-to-date. Regularly update your device’s operating system for the latest security patches and privacy features.
• Turn off FaceTime when not in use. Turn off FaceTime in Settings > FaceTime if you don’t use it regularly, reducing the risk of unauthorized calls.
• Be cautious with shared devices. If sharing your device or Apple ID with others, be aware they might access your FaceTime logs or answer calls.
• Turn off FaceTime Live Photos. Go to Settings > FaceTime and turn off FaceTime Live Photos to prevent others from taking Live Photos during calls.