Hi,
It can be incredibly frustrating when a standard feature like direct calling suddenly stops working right after a system update, especially when it is coupled with severe battery drain.
These two issues—the greyed-out or broken call button and the sudden battery drain—are common side effects immediately following a macOS update.
Part 1: Why the Call Button is Broken (and How to Fix It)
Since group calling works but direct calling to your brother fails, your Mac's audio/video system is working fine. The issue is likely a broken "Continuity" or Account sync handshake caused by the update. [1]
- Check for "iPhone Mirroring" Conflict: If you are using the iPhone Mirroring app on your Mac, close it entirely. A known system limitation prevents the Mac from initiating personal calls via the Phone/FaceTime app while your iPhone screen is being mirrored.
- Refresh the Apple ID Link (The most reliable fix):
- Open the FaceTime app on your Mac.
- Click FaceTime in the top menu bar, select Settings (or Preferences), and click Sign Out.
- Restart your Mac.
- Open FaceTime again and Sign In with your Apple ID. This forces the Mac to re-verify your brother's contact details across Apple servers.
- Check Your Brother's Contact Details: Group calls handle contact routing differently than personal calls. Make sure your brother's phone number or email address is explicitly saved in your Mac's Contacts app. If the call button is still greyed out, it means macOS cannot verify if his account supports FaceTime or cellular relaying.
Part 2: Why Your Battery is Draining Fast
A rapid drop in battery life right after an update is usually temporary and normal, but it requires a little patience:
- Background Re-indexing: Following an update, macOS completely rebuilds its search database (Spotlight), reorganizes your Photos library, and optimizes system files in the background. This forces your processor to work overtime, causing heavy battery drain and heat.
- What to do: Plug your Mac into its power adapter and leave it awake overnight. This allows the background tasks to finish quickly. Within 48 hours, your battery consumption should return to normal.