For too long, Android users have been excluded from Apple’s blossoming apps and services, including iMessage and FaceTime. While text from Android devices to iPhones will continue to stay green for the foreseeable future, Apple has been a bit more generous in sharing its video calling platform.
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While Android users still won’t be able to initiate a FaceTime call or download a dedicated app, Apple users can now send an invitation link to their Android friends to make a video call, just like a link. One-way zoom. Here’s a breakdown of how to do it.
How to set up and receive FaceTime calls
As sender/host: Go to the FaceTime app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and select the “Create Link” option in the top left corner. You’ll then be provided with a unique link to distribute to a contact — regardless of their phone brand. You can also attach a name to the link for a more formal or personal feel.
As a recipient: Once your Apple ally has sent you a FaceTime invitation, click the link from your messaging app and your internet browser will open a new window. Then allow your browser to access your camera and microphone if you haven’t already. Once the link has loaded, you’ll be prompted to enter your name before joining the call. Hit “Continue” when you’re done.
An Android user’s FaceTime link view. Screenshots of Christina Darby/ZDNET
As sender/host: After you send the link, Apple will automatically send a message to the recipient, prompting the user to join your FaceTime. After your guest clicks the invite, you’ll be prompted to accept or decline their request to join by clicking the check mark or X, respectively. Make sure to check the app regularly so you don’t leave your guests unattended.
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As a recipient: Android users, it’s your turn. All you need to join FaceTime is a call link and a stable Internet or Wi-Fi connection. To join, simply click the link and then the green Join button. If all goes well, your face will appear in a small box in the bottom right corner. If the call organizer has not joined, the surrounding screen will remain black with the message “Waiting for others to join” at the top.
FaceTime host’s point of view. Screenshots of Christina Darby/ZDNET
As sender/host: From here, you’re free to use FaceTime on your iPhone as you normally would. You can add stickers or Memoji filters, take screenshots in the app, and chat as you like. However, this functionality is more limited for Android users. More on that later. When you’re done with the call, hang up as usual.
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As a recipient: In classic Apple fashion, you won’t be able to use the full FaceTime experience from your Android device. Unlike Apple users, you can’t apply Memoji stickers or filters to give your calls a little more color and pop. You also can’t take a photo with the FaceTime screenshot button like you can on an iPhone. However, you can take screenshots manually. And unlike on Apple devices, other users won’t be notified that you’ve taken a photo. Use that information wisely.
While ZDNET’s Sabrina Ortiz can dress up as her new favorite robot — Amazon’s Astro — I can’t do the same from my Android device. Screenshots of Christina Darby/ZDNET
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Frequently asked questions
Which iOS do you need to FaceTime on Android?
For successful iPhone-to-Android FaceTime calls, Apple users need to be running iOS 15 or later on their iPhone, MacOS 12 Monterey or later on their Mac, and iPadOS 15 or later on their iPad.
Can Android phones initiate FaceTime calls?
Since FaceTime is an Apple-owned service, it’s not. Android users can only join FaceTime calls hosted by Apple users.
Is there a FaceTime app for Android?
Unfortunately, FaceTime is not available on the Google Play store. However, there are alternative apps like Meet Google provides the same direct call experience on mobile devices.
Can I send a FaceTime link to multiple people?
If you have an Apple device, you can send a FaceTime link to multiple people, and multiple users can join.
