FaceTime is one of Apple’s longest-running services. It was announced over ten years ago, and so far, it has remained a service reserved only for Apple users. Therefore, those who own an iPhone, an iPad, or a Mac can call and video call freely using the app.
Apple has recently decided to be less inflexible on the “requirements” to use FaceTime. Although with many restrictions, they have reached out to those who use an Android or a Windows computer. The browser solution reserved for non-Apple users is in Beta. Those who have managed to use it say that the connection to the call is not too stable. Like all novelties, it may need a bit of running in before going up to speed and working properly.
How to Call and Android User With FaceTimeÂ
The first option to call an Android friend with FaceTime for iPhone and iPad is to open the FaceTime app and tap the Create Link option. Immediately, when pressed, the classic sharing screen appears, from which you can share the link to the call.
The alternatives are the typical ones offered by iOS and iPadOS, or Messages, WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, etc. Once the link to the call has been sent, you have to wait for the recipient (the Android user), but it can also be a Windows user – to press the link that opens a web page through which they can participate in the call.
The other option – the most immediate – to call an Android friend with FaceTime is to open the app and tap the New FaceTime call item. If the person to be called has an Apple device, they will receive the FaceTime call directly. If they have an Android phone, the app automatically generates a link that allows the recipient to answer the call through a web browser.
How to call from Android with FaceTime
There is no FaceTime application for Android, and it is not possible – at least not for the moment – to call an iPhone from an Android through FaceTime. You can only participate in a call created by an iPhone, and it was not so obvious that it happened. Apple for years has expressed its intention to keep FaceTime closed only to Apple users. Only recently, it has opened to the possibility of giving it a chance to Android and Windows customers.
So the scenario of a FaceTime app for Android is, at the moment, rather unlikely.
Do you need an Apple account to join FaceTime?
Android or Windows users do not need an Apple account for a FaceTime call. Just enter your name after receiving the link to take part in the call. The person who initiated the call, therefore, recognizing the name, will initiate the communication.
