How to resolve FaceTime limitations on an iPhone China variant?

China does not allow it for devices intended for their regions distribution. Of course they are not going to allow it just by changing the region or using a VPN to bypass their very strict regulation of devices that are intended to be sold there. As for a fix, that would only happen if China lifts the restrictions on those devices.

Purchase a phone intended for your countries distribution and you will be good. You can find the model of the phone by going to Settings > General > About > Model Number. It is the last 4 characters that determine the location, for example yours probably shows "CH/A". There are also minor differences in Cellular bands between regions and configuration with eSIM's on some models.

To the best of my knowledge, there's no way to enable features that are not available on the Chinese version. This is one of the many reasons it's unwise to buy a phone outside of your own country/region.

IdrisSeabright is correct, the iOS on an iPhone is also country specific and restricted features can not be used until a newer iOS version for this region/country enables these features.

Changing your location does not help, the iPhone will always download install the country specific software, no matter where you download it.

China is not the only country that restricts iPhone features.

I believe that the case of iPhones sold in Japan and South Korea, you cannot fully silence the camera "shutter" sound. There are laws or regulations requiring phone cameras to make a sound – meant to make it harder for perverts to get away with "upskirt" photography.

Google AI claims that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Pakistan are other areas where you might face restrictions or bans on features like FaceTime and Voice-over-IP (VoIP).

In the U.K., you may find your Apple Account restricted (as if you were a child) unless you can show that you are an adult. (If you're asked to confirm that you’re an adult – Apple Support). If I'm not mistaken, the UK wanted Apple to build in back doors that would let the UK government bypass Advanced Data Protection. Apple refused (Apple can no longer offer Advanced Data Protection in the United Kingdom to new users – Apple Support) – and withdrew the feature from the UK.

FYI, another feature missing from Chinese iPhones is Apple Intelligence. It looks like that might finally be coming to iPhones (that have the hardware needed to run it) in July 2027.

Reuters (November 9, 2026) – Apple Intelligence AI service registers with Chinese regulator for use on tablets, laptops