FaceTime is calling and instant messaging application owned by Apple and used only by Apple users all around the world. FaceTime is installed only on iOS devices and users cannot install FaceTime on Android. It is enabled on iOS devices by default, however user can always disable FaceTime at any time they wish. While FaceTime is popular for variety of features a recently uncovered bug has allowed users to eavesdrop on someone else without their knowledge, this bug puts people’s privacy and security on high risk. Apple company has been stating that they are working on solutions to fix. They made a statement on Monday that they know about the glitch and they are doing their best to fix the bug on the latest version of iOS.
How does the FaceTime bug work?
The bug which was in the latest version of iOS and FaceTime works when users attempt to call others on the newly added group FaceTime feature. On Group FaceTime conference call is, audio is transmitting from the recipient’s device whether or not they have accepted the call. By the mean FaceTime allows for users to eavesdrop on others while a call is still ringing or even when it is rejected. This can be a big deal in putting FaceTime users privacy in danger. Although Apple has stated that the company would disable FaceTime group calls you can always do it manually to make sure you protect your privacy and security.
How to know if I am affected by FaceTime bug?
Before you be worried that your privacy was at risk or not you should check out to see whether your device is affected by the glitch through FaceTime or not. While the bug only exists on iOS devices with the latest version of iOS software updates, starting with October iOS 12.1 release that introduced Group FaceTime feature, so you first must check your iOS version. In order to do so open the “Settings” app on your device then scroll down and select “General,” on the “About” section check line titled “Version” followed by the operating system on your device. In case your iOS is 12.1 or 12.1.1 or 12.1.2 or 12.1.3, then your FaceTime privacy might have been at risk and you better disable FaceTime to stop it. However if the iOS version is older there is no risk while the glitch only exists on iOS 12 or later versions.
You must also check the current version on your Mac in case you use FaceTime there to and your privacy can be at risk. To check the software version on Mac tap on the Apple icon in the top left of your screen and then tap on “About This Mac” option. There you can see the version and you need to make sure that it is not the latest version of MacOS which is 10.14.3. keep in mind that you can always disable FaceTime on Mac as well as iPhone and iPad.
How to disable FaceTime on iOS devices?
In case you have checked the iOS version of your device with following the instruction above and you have made sure that your device can be at risk by FaceTime then you can choose to disable FaceTime on your device. Follow the instruction below step by step.
- On the desired iOS device, open “Settings” app with the gear icon.
- Scroll down to “FaceTime” and tap on it.
- Toggle the FaceTime switch off to disable it on your device immediately.
- Make sure that the switch is gray and all the app’s options such as your app settings, should disappear and are disabled.
According to Apple you do not need to the app on your home screen to disable FaceTime app in case you do it through the setting by following the steps below. However it is up to you in case you want to do so. You can always re install and enable the app again when the bug is disappeared.
It is important to keep in mind that if you disable FaceTime through the setting the you are not going to be able to receive any kind of FaceTime video calls, audio calls or group chat. However disabling FaceTime would not affect regular phone calls or iMessage messages.
How to disable FaceTime on Mac?
If you are using FaceTime on Mac you can be at risk too. In case you have made sure that your Mac is at risk using FaceTime by following the instruction mentioned above then you may consider to disable FaceTime on Mac. Follow the steps below in order to do so.
- On your Mac, open the FaceTime app.
- Then tap on FaceTime in the menu bar.
- Select “Turn off FaceTime.”
And that’s it. You have just disabled FaceTime and you do not need to be worried about your privacy being at risk using FaceTime.
