FaceTime is a reliable way to video chat between iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. Unfortunately, there's no way for Android users to download the FaceTime app or start their own FaceTime calls. But since the release of iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey, anyone can join a FaceTime call from their web browser.
Here's how to send a FaceTime invite from an Apple device and how to join that FaceTime call on your Android phone or Windows PC.
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How to join a FaceTime call on an Android or PC
Android and Windows users can't initiate FaceTime calls. But if you have the latest version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, you can join an Apple user's FaceTime call.
First, someone with an Apple device needs to start the FaceTime call. To do this, they'll need:
- An iPhone running at least iOS 15
- An iPad running at least iPadOS 15
- A Mac running at least macOS Monterey
1. Have the Apple user open the FaceTime app on their device and select Create Link at the top of the app.
2. In the pop-up, the Apple user then needs to select how they'd like to share the link — via Messages, Mail, AirDrop, or another app. It doesn't matter which method they use, the Android or PC user just needs to have the link.
3. Once the Android or Windows user receives the FaceTime link, they need to open it in their browser. You can join a FaceTime call from any browser as long as it's up to date.
4. Have the Android or Windows user enter their name and tap Continue. This isn't any official login information like an Apple ID, but you can type in any name you please for identification purposes only.
5. Have the Android or Windows user hit the green Join button in the pop-up. They might need to give FaceTime permission to use their microphone and camera.
6. The Apple user will then need to accept their request to join.
7. Once both parties have entered the call, they'll both see the same options to mute themselves, show or hide their camera, leave the call, and more. The Android user won't be able to use iOS-specific features like SharePlay, screen sharing, or FaceTime filters, but most of the necessary features will be present.
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What is the Android version of FaceTime?
There are a few other apps you can use to video chat on Android.
Google Meet
While Google Meet is mostly meant for business and office use, you can also use it for video calls. This app has eclipsed Google's previous video calling app Google Duo, which has been discontinued in favor of Meet.
You can also use Google Chat, an instant messaging app that lives in Gmail inboxes. All you need to use Google Chat is a free Google account.
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Skype
Skype is a free video calling service that allows you to make phone or video calls right from your computer or mobile device. You can call one person or start a group call with friends and family worldwide.
Zoom
Zoom remains one of the best video calling options for both iOS and Android users, and is made to support conference calling or screen sharing for educational and business purposes. The free version supports 40-minute calls with up to 100 users, but paid plans are available for longer sessions.
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WhatsApp has arguably the best interface for mobile users out of the Android and PC alternatives to FaceTime, and boasts security as its major draw. It's not intended for business use (or any calls larger than eight users) but is a great all-in-one messaging, calling, and video chatting platform for those traveling internationally. Owner Meta has baked many of WhatsApp's features into Facebook Messenger and Instagram, allowing you to make calls and video chats through those platforms.
FAQs
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Can Android users initiate a FaceTime call?
No. FaceTime is an Apple service, so Android users can only join FaceTime calls set up by Apple users.
Will FaceTime ever be fully available on other platforms?
With FaceTime links, Android and PC users can now join FaceTime calls and enjoy many FaceTime features like muting or unmuting their microphone, turning their camera on or off, using full-screen mode, and switching the camera view. However, this seems to be the extent of what Apple is willing to provide to those who don't use its products. It seems to be less of a decision to increase integration and more of a marketing choice to give Android and PC users a taste of the iOS experience.
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Can multiple users join the FaceTime link?
Yes, however, the maximum number of users can be on the same group FaceTime call is 32.
Freelance Writer
Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest is a contributing writer for Insider based in New York. She loves a good glazed donut and nerdy deep dives into the science of food and how it's made.
