There are a few potential reasons why Facebook Live may not be working on your iPad:
Outdated App Version
One of the most common reasons Facebook Live won’t work is because you need to update to the latest version of the Facebook app. Facebook is constantly updating their apps with new features and bug fixes. If you aren’t running the most up-to-date version of the Facebook app, certain features like Facebook Live may not be available.
To update the Facebook app on your iPad:
- Open the App Store app
- Tap on your profile icon in the top right
- Scroll down to see pending app updates and install any available Facebook updates
Updating to the latest Facebook app version should enable Facebook Live if it was disabled due to an outdated app.
Restricted By Device Settings
iPad settings can also sometimes disable access to Facebook Live. Check the following settings on your iPad:
- Restrictions: If you have any restrictions enabled under Screen Time/Parental Controls, such as limiting app functionality or adult websites, this can inadvertently restrict Facebook Live as well.
- Cellular Data: Make sure cellular data is enabled on your iPad if you are trying to use Facebook Live when not on WiFi.
- Camera Access: Check that Facebook has access to your iPad’s camera in the device settings or privacy settings.
Resetting any relevant restrictions, allowing cellular data use, and providing camera access permissions may help get Facebook Live working properly again.
Outdated iOS Version
In addition to the Facebook app needing to be up-to-date, your iPad’s iOS operating system also needs to be running a reasonably recent version. Typically you need to be running the current major version of iOS or one version back for all app features to work properly.
If you are running a very outdated version of iOS (for example, iOS 10 or earlier), Facebook may have dropped support for Facebook Live in that iOS version. Updating your iPad’s iOS could restore Facebook Live functionality if it stopped working due to your previous iOS being too old.
To update your iPad’s iOS version:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap General > Software Update
- Install any iOS updates that are available
Server or Account Issues
Less commonly, issues with Facebook’s servers or your Facebook account could prevent Facebook Live from functioning properly. Some troubleshooting steps for server/account issues include:
- Force closing and reopening the Facebook app
- Double checking your internet connection is working properly
- Trying Facebook Live from another device to see if it works there
- Logging out and back into your Facebook account
If Facebook Live stops working suddenly, it’s possible Facebook is having a temporary server outage or other technical issue on their end. Trying again later often resolves this.
Problems with your individual account could also block Facebook Live, like if your account has been temporarily locked or suspended. Logging out and back in may help, or you may need to contact Facebook support if account access was restricted.
Incompatible iPad Model
Facebook Live requires hardware that can support capturing and streaming video from your device’s camera. As such, it may not be compatible with older iPad models that lack sufficient camera specs and processing power.
Generally speaking, you need at least an iPad Air 2 or newer, or an iPad Mini 4 or newer, to use Facebook Live. Earlier iPad models either lack a camera entirely or have cameras that are too low resolution without enough image processing capabilities to support Facebook Live.
If you have an older iPad without at least a 5MP rear camera, Facebook Live will not function. Upgrading to a supported iPad model is the only solution if your hardware is not sufficient.
Incorrect Facebook App
One other possibility is you may not have the official Facebook app installed. Facebook Live is only available in the official Facebook for iPad app. If you are using the mobile website or a third-party Facebook app, Facebook Live will not work.
Be sure to download the free Facebook app from the App Store to ensure you have the right app for Facebook Live capabilities.
Conclusion
To summarize, the main reasons Facebook Live may not be working on your iPad and how to fix them include:
- Updating to the latest Facebook app version
- Adjusting iPad settings like restrictions, cellular data, and camera access
- Updating your iPad’s iOS version
- Checking for Facebook server issues
- Using a supported iPad model from iPad Air 2 and later
- Installing the official Facebook for iPad app
Following the troubleshooting steps for each of these potential issues should help you isolate why Facebook Live is not working and what needs to be done to restore functionality. If problems persist after trying all troubleshooting, you may need to contact Facebook support for additional help getting Facebook Live operational on your iPad.
With some effort, you should be able to get Facebook Live up and running on your iPad again so you can resume streaming live video to your Facebook friends and followers.