How FaceTime Calls Now Work for Android and Windows Users
If your friends or family use iPhones or Macs, and you’re on Android or Windows, you might think FaceTime is off-limits. But since Apple released iOS 15 and macOS Monterey, devices like iPhones, iPads, or Macs have been able to create FaceTime links, which can be sent as a regular message. These links open in the latest versions of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, requiring no FaceTime app and no Apple account.
There’s a catch: Only someone on an Apple device can create this link and approve you into the call. Without their approval, you’ll be left on a waiting screen.
Creating and Sharing a FaceTime Link
On the Apple side, the process is simple:
On iPhones running iOS 15 through iOS 18, the “Create Link” button appears at the top of the FaceTime app. On a Mac, click “New” and then “Create Link.” On an updated iPad, tap “New,” enter the contact’s information, then tap the Link button. The link can be sent via any messaging service.
If you’re sending a link to someone who isn’t expecting it, it’s smart to let them know ahead of time with a quick call or message—mystery SMS links can be suspicious.
How to Join FaceTime Calls from Android or Windows
No need to install an app: simply open the link in the latest version of Chrome or Edge. If the link opens in another browser, copy and paste it into one of these two.
Once in the call, you’ll see basic controls: mute your microphone, turn off your camera, go full screen when the option appears, or switch to your rear camera—helpful when you want to show your surroundings. In group calls, you can enable grid view from the participant list to see who’s speaking. The “More” option lets you share the link with someone else, and “Leave” ends your session.
If you’re joining from the road or a place without Wi-Fi, remember FaceTime video will use your mobile data. Make sure your data plan is sufficient if you plan to participate in longer video calls, or you could be interrupted mid-conversation.
Some Limits and Tips
If you tap “Join” and nothing happens, wait: the person who sent the link must join and approve you. Only the link creator, or another Apple participant who has already been in the call for at least 30 seconds, can admit new people. Android users cannot admit others into the call.
Browser FaceTime covers most basics, but some features remain unavailable: screen sharing and SharePlay, which let you watch movies or listen to music together, aren’t supported in web FaceTime. Android and Windows users can’t create FaceTime links or start calls themselves; this can only be done from an Apple device. FaceTime links don’t work in mainland China, and iPhones purchased there cannot create these links. If the link is deleted from the FaceTime app, new participants won’t be able to join with it.
For more open video calls—where anyone can start or host—a cross-platform app like WhatsApp or Google Meet might be easier. If you want to compare free apps that work between iPhones and Android devices, consult our video call guide.
