How to facetime iphone users from android

It's the first time that's been possible. Previously, FaceTime calls were limited to people using iPhones, iPads and Macs.

Now, when you start a FaceTime call from an iPhone, you can invite people using other gadgets, like a Windows computer or an Android phone. All you do is send them a link that they can open in a web browser to join the call. It means you and your family don't have to pick a different app if you have a mix of people using different software.

You have to approve anyone who tries to join using that link, which helps prevent random people who get the link from joining your call. One note: someone still needs an Apple device, like an iPhone or an iPad, to start the call. But then anyone can join.

FaceTime is a reliable way to video chat between iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. If you have one of these Apple devices, it's easy to take FaceTime for granted. 

Unfortunately, there's no way for Android users to download the FaceTime app or start their own FaceTime calls. But with 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.

How to join a FaceTime call on an Android or PC

Android and Windows users still can't start FaceTime calls. But if you have the latest version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, you can join FaceTime calls that Apple users make.

Quick tip: Google Chrome comes pre-installed on most Android phones, and Microsoft Edge comes pre-installed on all Windows PCs.

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.

FaceTime app with Create Link button highlighted with a box and arrow.

You can use the same FaceTime link to invite multiple people to a call.Abigail Abesamis Demarest/Insider

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.

FaceTime link share options.

Choose an app to share the link, or copy the link address.Abigail Abesamis Demarest/Insider

3. Once the Android or Windows user receives the FaceTime link, they need to open it in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

4. Have the Android or Windows user enter their name and tap Continue.

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.

What is the Android version of FaceTime?

There are a few other apps you can use to video chat on Android. 

Google Allo and Google Duo

Google Allo was an instant messaging app that no longer exists. Google users can now use Google Chat, an instant messaging app that lives in Gmail inboxes. All you need to use Google Chat is a free Google account.

Google Duo is a discontinued video calling app that has since been replaced by Google Meet. The latter is Google's video chatting service that is mostly meant for business and office use. 

Quick tip: Google Meet's free plan has a 60-minute time limit for video calls, but you can upgrade to a paid plan to meet for longer.

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 around the world.

FAQs

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.

Yes, however there is a maximum number of users that can be on the same group FaceTime call: 32.

Dave Johnson

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.

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Abigail Abesamis Demarest

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.