Until recently, if you wanted to use FaceTime , you needed an Apple device. There was no way around it because FaceTime was exclusive to the Apple ecosystem and was inaccessible to other platforms. But recently, in an effort to lure some users away from Zoom and Google Meet, Apple has started allowing Android and Windows users to access FaceTime. There is no native FaceTime app for Android or Windows yet, and only Apple users can initiate calls. But it’s a promising start.
Can I use FaceTime on Android?
FaceTime is a proprietary app, which means Apple controls where you can use it. For a long time, FaceTime was only available on Apple devices. But in a surprising move for Apple, the company is now offering the option to use FaceTime on Android, Windows, and other platforms.
As of September 2021, FaceTime is available on Android. However, you won't find a FaceTime app available for download on the Google Play Store or Microsoft Store.
Instead, someone with an Apple device will need to create a link to invite you to a FaceTime call. Opening that link in Chrome or Microsoft Edge will let you join the call via the web interface. Unfortunately, you can’t start a FaceTime call on Android with another iPhone; you’re limited to joining calls sent to you by Apple users.
The basics work, but not everything in FaceTime is available for Android devices. The web version lets you mute your microphone and video, use full-screen mode, and switch between the front and rear cameras. You can also change the layout of the call participants. But advanced features like SharePlay, which lets you watch media with friends over FaceTime, are limited to Apple devices.
In case this version of FaceTime isn't enough for you or you want to use a FaceTime-like app made for Android, you'll find plenty of FaceTime alternatives that work just as well on your device.
How to use FaceTime on Android
To start a FaceTime call on Android, you need an iOS or Mac user to make the call. Android users can't currently make FaceTime calls. This article will use a Mac, but the method for getting started with an iOS device is pretty much the same.
First, click Create Link in the top left corner.
The link will be automatically copied to your clipboard. But a small menu will also appear to give you sharing options. Go ahead and share the link with your Android user. They will have to open their browser and paste the link into the URL address bar.
A new section appears in your sidebar called Upcoming with a link to the FaceTime call. Click it to enter the waiting room.
The sidebar will show you at the top how many people have joined the call. You may have to manually approve that person's request to join.
When the sidebar shows someone is waiting in the waiting room, click Join at the bottom and the call will start.
Once the call is over, right-click on the call in the sidebar and delete it. This will destroy the link and prevent anyone from using it again.
To know how to use FaceTime on Windows, please read the article: How to use FaceTime on Windows for more details.
How to join a FaceTime call on Android
As an Android user, once you receive the FaceTime link from your Apple contact, follow these steps:
The Apple user who created the FaceTime link will receive a request to join on their device. Finally, they'll need to tap the green checkmark to approve your request.
The request will only appear on their screen for a second or two. If they miss it, they need to tap the Info icon (i) , tap the green check mark, then tap Done to return to the FaceTime call.
Now you've successfully joined the call. You'll see a toolbar with a number of controls, including a Full Screen button, a Mute switch , a Camera toggle to show/hide video, and more.
When your call ends, tap anywhere on the screen to bring the toolbar back up. You can't end a FaceTime call as an Android user, so just tap the red Leave button to exit the call.
Overall, it’s a pretty straightforward process that doesn’t require any special software, apps, or browser plugins, so if you’ve been wondering how to video chat with friends who own Apple devices, now you know how.
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