FaceTime on Android Phones: Everything You Need to Know

Apple is known as a gatekeeper for its apps and services, which can keep Android users away from coveted features like iMessage and FaceTime. That's why in 2021, Apple surprised many of us by announcing that Android and PC users could join FaceTime calls. The move was the first of several Apple has made to open up its gated community, albeit in what critics say is limited in scope.

For example, while iMessage remains exclusive to iOS, Apple announced RCS support as part of iOS 18 at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June. Rich Communication Services is used widely on Android phones for texting and Apple's adoption should improve the messaging experience between iPhone users and those on Android devices. This doesn't mean the end of blue and green bubbles. The announcement is another sign that Apple sees value in giving Android users access to some of its most well-known features, on its own terms.

When Apple announced it was expanding FaceTime access, many were under the impression that Apple had made FaceTime for Android when in reality the company had made it possible for people to join a FaceTime call from a web browser. This means Android and PC users can participate in FaceTime conversations, but there's a catch: they can't initiate calls directly, they can only join when invited. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to initiate FaceTime calls to Android users if you're an iPhone user, and how to receive FaceTime calls if you use an Android phone.

FaceTime: How to video chat on Android or a PC

Like with any call, someone has to initiate it. And if you're on an Android phone or using a PC, that person is going to have to be someone with an iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Here's how to initiate a FaceTime call as an iOS user:

1. Open the FaceTime app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Create Link.
3. A screen will slide up from the bottom that says FaceTime Link.
4. Click Add Name to enter a name for your chat. 
5. On the same screen, you'll see options to share the FaceTime link via Messages, Mail, Calendar or other apps on your iPhone or iPad. You can also choose to copy and paste the link yourself.

The process is nearly identical to generating a FaceTime video call link from a Mac.

If you're an Android user, here's how to join a FaceTime call:

1. Click the FaceTime call link sent by an iOS user. 
2. The link will open in your browser (you'll need the latest version of Chrome or Edge).
3. Enter your name, and tap Continue. 
4. Wait for the iOS host to let you in.
5. Enjoy your cross-platform FaceTime conversation.

If you're on a PC, this process works as well.

Remember, Android alternatives including Google Meet, Zoom and Microsoft Teams allow Android users to initiate video calls, and remain great options for video calls between Android and iOS devices.