How to use FaceTime on Android

Plus FaceTime on Windows

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Applelikes to keep its apps exclusive to iPhones and iPads to dissuade its users from switching to Android. It’s why Applenever brought iMessage to Android, for instance.

WithiOS 15, Apple will relax a bit on this policy: FaceTime users will be able to video chat with friends or familyon Android phones, Windows PCs, or really any device with a functioning browser.

Along with end-to-end encryption, the new FaceTime app on iOS 15 supports SharePlay, which means people can share music, videos, links or other media with everyone else on the call. We don’t think Android users will have the option to access Apple apps through FaceTime, but third-party apps should hypothetically be fair game.

If you don’t own an iPhone, you can’t initiate a FaceTime call. Still, we’ll walk you through how to share a FaceTime link from an iPhone or iPad in case you need to walk someone else through the first steps. Then, we’ll explain how to use that FaceTime link on Android or Windows.

Here’s how the new FaceTime link system will work once you download iOS 15 or theiOS 15 beta.

How to share a FaceTime link with Android users

To share a FaceTime link, you must have iOS 15 oriPadOS 15installed. If you don’t already have it, you can check if your iPhone or iPad isiOS 15-compatible. For now, only the developer beta is available, but Apple should release a public beta with the new FaceTime app in July.

Once that’s settled,open FaceTime. Right at the top of the app, you should seeCreate Link. Tap that, and a submenu will appear with these options:

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With just a few taps, you can share the link with anyone you choose, through a messaging app for one-on-one chats or email for group chats. It’s pretty straightforward! Now for the Android side of things.

How to use FaceTime on Android or Windows

Once your iPhone-owning loved one, friend or colleague sends you a FaceTime link, tap the link. It will take you to your default browser, where you’ll be asked toEnter your name to join the conversation. Type in your name and hitContinue.

With that, you’ll join the FaceTime call! You’ll see options tomute audio,hide video,switch between rear and selfie cams, orLeave call. You won’t see the same options as the host on their iPhone or iPad, but enough to make the service functional on your end.

Michael Hicks began his freelance writing career with TechRadar in 2016, covering emerging tech like VR and self-driving cars. Nowadays, he works as a staff editor for Android Central, but still writes occasional TR reviews, how-tos and explainers on phones, tablets, smart home devices, and other tech.

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