How to join a FaceTime call with your Android phone or Windows PC

You might assume that FaceTime is something you can only use if you own an Apple device. For years this was the case, just like with iMessage. But it turns out you can actually use FaceTime on an Android phone or Windows PC. It doesn’t work as seamlessly and you still need someone who owns an Apple device. But you don’t have to feel left out of your friends’ chats if they all have iPhones and you don’t. All you need is an internet-connected device and an updated web browser.

The ability to use FaceTime on multiple platforms is not new. In fact, it returned in 2021 with iOS 15 and macOS Monterey, but not everyone knows that’s an option. Of course, there are plenty of other cross-platform options for video calls. WhatsApp, Telegram, Zoom, Google Meet – the list goes on. But FaceTime is usually the first option that comes to an iPhone user’s mind, since the app comes pre-installed on every Apple device.

The bad news is that you can’t start a FaceTime call from an Android phone or Windows PC. But an iPhone (or iPad, or Mac) user can invite you to a FaceTime call using a link. To participate, simply open the link and enter your name. Your browser may ask you for permission to use your camera and microphone. Grant permissions and tap Join. Apple’s only recommendations are to have a strong internet signal to keep the call stable and to use the latest version of Chrome or Edge. You don’t need to have an Apple account.

After that, you will make a FaceTime call through your web browser on a non-Apple device. It’s not perfect, but it works (and supports FaceTime audio and video calls). You’ll have access to standard FaceTime calling options when you use this method, such as switching to full-screen video, muting your microphone, and flipping the camera to show what’s in front of you.

However, you cannot use FaceTime screen sharing on a non-Apple device. The SharePlay feature, which allows you to enjoy music, movies, games and other content together during a call, will also not work.

On the iPhone side, inviting someone to a FaceTime call is simple. Open the FaceTime app and tap New call. You will see a green link button in the lower left corner of the screen. Tap it to send the calling link to the person (or group) you want to invite, then choose an option to send it, such as Messages or WhatsApp. With this link, the other person can join your FaceTime call through a browser.

If you really want everyone to feel included, try using a cross-platform app for your calls. Most of them are easy to set up, and the experience of using a native app is generally better than using a web browser. But if FaceTime is your only option, at least now you know it’s not limited to Apple devices.