A major FaceTime flaw has shaken the confidence of Apple users and raised serious privacy concerns. The vulnerability lets someone eavesdrop on your iPhone or Mac — even if you never answer the call.
Until Apple permanently resolves the issue, it’s essential to disable FaceTime to protect your conversations and data.
🚨 What Is the FaceTime Bug?
This serious flaw affects devices running iOS 12.1 or later. Here’s how the exploit works:
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An attacker starts a FaceTime call to your number.
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Before you answer, they swipe up and add another person to the call, often by re-adding their number.
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This action tricks FaceTime into activating a Group FaceTime session, allowing the attacker to hear audio from your microphone, even if you don’t answer the call.
In some cases, further manipulation could even activate the camera, turning a missed call into a silent surveillance tool.
🛑 Apple’s Immediate Response
After users widely reported the issue across social media, Apple responded by disabling Group FaceTime servers on January 29. On its system status page, Apple confirmed: “Group FaceTime is temporarily unavailable.”
Apple introduced Group FaceTime in late 2018, and this bug represents one of the most serious privacy failures in the company’s recent history. A permanent fix, Apple says, will come through a software update — but until then, your safest move is to disable FaceTime entirely.
✅ How to Disable FaceTime
Disabling FaceTime is quick and straightforward, and it’s the most effective way to protect yourself until Apple issues a patch.
📱 For iPhone or iPad:
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Open the Settings app.
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Scroll down and tap FaceTime.
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Toggle the switch at the top to Off.
💡 Tip: After Apple releases a secure update, return to this setting and toggle it back on if you wish.
💻 For Mac:
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Open the FaceTime app.
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In the top menu, click FaceTime > Turn FaceTime Off.
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Alternatively, press Command + K.
💡 To re-enable FaceTime later, open the app and click Turn On.
👨💻 How Did This Happen?
A 14-year-old boy in Arizona first discovered the flaw on January 19, 2019. His mother recorded a video of the bug in action and immediately contacted Apple Support. Despite multiple emails, tweets, faxes, and even a developer account submission, Apple failed to respond meaningfully.
Only after a developer discovered the same issue and news broke on January 28, did Apple act, ironically, on International Data Privacy Day.
🔒 Why You Should Disable FaceTime Now
This isn’t just a minor software glitch — it’s a massive violation of user trust and security. Even if Apple has temporarily shut down the Group FaceTime feature, devices with outdated software may still be vulnerable to similar exploits in the future.
Taking proactive steps now keeps your conversations and data safe.
👥 Partner with Vision Computer Solutions
At Vision Computer Solutions, we help businesses and individuals stay ahead of emerging cybersecurity threats. Vulnerabilities like the FaceTime bug can expose sensitive conversations and compromise your privacy, but we make sure your devices stay protected and up to date.
Whether you need help applying patches, updating systems, or enforcing device security policies across your organization, our team is here to help.
📞 Take Action Today
Want expert help securing your Apple devices?
Call (248) 349-6115 or request a free consultation.
Don’t wait until your privacy is compromised — disable FaceTime today and stay protected.
