Have you ever wanted to FaceTime family or friends who use Android phones instead of iPhones? I ran into the same issue trying to connect with my cousin who is on Android. For the longest time, Apple’s FaceTime video chat only worked between other Apple devices like iPhones, iPads and Macs.
But with iOS 15 and later, you can now finally use FaceTime to video call people no matter what device they are on! Android, Windows, you name it. I was so excited to learn about this update since FaceTime always provided way better call quality compared to apps like WhatsApp.
In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step on exactly how to get FaceTime working with Android devices. I’ll also compare FaceTime to other popular video chat apps, analyze special features that make FaceTime unique, provide troubleshooting tips, and answer frequently asked questions.
Let‘s get started bringing all your friends and family together on FaceTime, no matter which phone or computer they use!
Why Choose FaceTime Over Other Video Chat Apps?
Before we get into the how-to, let‘s discuss what sets Apple‘s FaceTime apart from apps like Zoom, Skype, Google Meet etc. when it comes to video chat capabilities:
| Feature | FaceTime | Skype | Zoom | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Call Quality | HD video & audio | Ok quality | Ok quality | HD quality |
| Security | End-to-end encryption | End-to-end encryption | Encryption varies | Encryption varies |
| Ease of Use | Seamless Apple ecosystem integration | Requires separate app download | Requires separate app | Requires separate app |
| Group Calls | Up to 32 people | Up to 8 people | Up to 50 people | Up to 100 people |
| Screen Sharing | One-tap share iPhone/Mac screen | Can share Android/iPhone screen | Easy desktop screen share | Easy desktop screen share |
As you can see in the table above, FaceTime delivers a very streamlined, high-quality experience specifically for Apple users. The security and ease of use when making calls between two iPhone owners is unmatched.
However, FaceTime historically lacked the cross-platform capabilities of other apps that connected both mobile and desktop devices across operating systems.
That all changed with iOS 15 and MacOS Monterey…
FaceTime now enables sharing video call links that Android and Windows users can click on to join your FaceTime calls from whichever device they are on. No app download required!
This brings FaceTime up to speed on one of the last remaining feature gaps. Now you really can use FaceTime to chat with nearly anyone.
Next, let me show you exactly how to get started making FaceTime work with Android!
Step 1: Open FaceTime App on Your iPhone
First things first, launch the FaceTime app on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 15 or later.
- FaceTime usually comes pre-installed out of the box
- If not, just search “FaceTime” in the App Store and install for free
Here’s how the FaceTime app looks on my iPhone:
Simple enough so far! Now onto creating the special FaceTime link we’ll share with Android friends…
Step 2: Generate a FaceTime Link to Share
Creating a shareable FaceTime link to send to Android users takes just a couple quick taps:
- Open the FaceTime app
- Tap “Create Link” in top left corner
- Enable FaceTime permissions when prompted
- Copy the unique FaceTime call link created
And we’re already halfway there!
This link allows friends to join your FaceTime call from any device that can open a web browser. Next let’s spread the word about our call…
Step 3: Share FaceTime Link with Android Friends
I like texting the FaceTime call link tofriends, but you can share it however you normally communicate:
- iMessage
- Facebook Messenger
- etc.
Here’s an example iMessage with the FaceTime link I sent to my Android cousin:
She clicked on the link from her Android phone and was ready to video call me through FaceTime!
But first I still had to initialize my end of the call on iPhone before she could join…
Step 4: Join the Call Yourself on iPhone
Don’t forget about your own device! Join the FaceTime call yourself first before friends can start hopping on:
- In FaceTime, tap the “Join” button
- Enable camera and mic access when prompted
- Get your video feed connected
From there, you have full control of the FaceTime room as friends try requesting access. Speaking of which…
Step 5: Accept Requests to Join FaceTime Call
As your Android and other friends open the FaceTime link you sent, they’ll see prompts like this requesting to join your call:
Back in the FaceTime app on your iPhone, you’ll then see notifications of call join requests.
Approve each request to add friends one-by-one! Once accepted, FaceTime pulls them right into your video call.
And that’s all there is to it! Have fun FaceTiming across iPhone and Android.
Troubleshooting Tips
Hopefully everything goes smoothly. But in case you run into trouble getting FaceTime links working with Android devices, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Update to latest iOS – Make sure your iPhone or iPad is running iOS 15 at a minimum. Only the newest updates have Android FaceTime compatibility.
Check permissions settings – Enable camera, microphone, and contacts access for FaceTime in iOS settings to successfully create call links.
Restart devices – Ask Android user to restart their phone and retry joining link. Or try resetting network settings on your iPhone.
Use better internet – Switch to solid WiFi on both ends. Cellular data and weak connections cause more droppage.
Stuck dealing with other issues? Reach out in the comments below!
FaceTime Android FAQs
Let’s wrap up with answers to some common questions when using FaceTime on non-Apple devices:
Can Android users initiate FaceTime calls themselves?
Unfortunately no. Without an iPhone, you cannot start your own FaceTime call or install the FaceTime app. But Android users can fully participate once you create a link and invite them!
What Android devices work with FaceTime?
The latest versions of Android phones and tablets should be able to click on a FaceTime link and join calls. Make sure they are running Android 9 or later for best compatibility.
Does video/audio quality change when FaceTiming Android users vs iPhones?
Nope! The quality should remain high regardless thanks to Apple’s optimization. As the iPhone call initiator, make sure you have good WiFi to provide enough bandwidth for a smooth call.
How many people can join a FaceTime call with Android/Windows?
Up to 32 people total can join a FaceTime call, including a mix of any iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows devices. First create a link then keep approving caller requests!
Bring Everyone Together on FaceTime
I don’t know about you, but I love that Apple finally expanded FaceTime beyond just iPhone and Mac users. This was the last barrier preventing me from ditching WhatsApp and only using FaceTime with all my family and friends across various devices.
The call quality blows WhatsApp out of the water. And being able to screen share things on my Mac or iPad to Android friends seems game-changing.
I hope this guide helps you seamlessly get Android and iPhone users together on your next FaceTime calls! Let me know if you have any other questions.
