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For too long, Android users have been left out of Apple’s rich apps and services, including iMessage and FaceTime. While texting from Android devices to iPhones will continue to be green for the foreseeable future, Apple has been a bit more liberal about sharing its video-calling platform.
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Android users still can’t initiate a FaceTime call, or download the dedicated app, but Apple users can now send their Android friends an invite link to come on a video call, much like a one-way Zoom link. Here are the details on how to do this.
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 at the top left corner. You will then be given a unique link to distribute to any contact – regardless of their phone brand. You can also attach a name to the link for a more formal or personal touch.
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As receiver: Once your Apple colleague has sent you the FaceTime invite, click on the link from your Messages app and your Internet browser will open a new window. Then, allow your browser access to your camera and your microphone if you haven’t already. Once the link loads, you will be asked to enter your name before joining the call. When you’re set, tap “Continue”.
An Android user’s perspective about FaceTime Link. Screenshot by Christina Darby/ZDNET
As Sender/Host: After you send the link, Apple will automatically send a message to the receiver, prompting the user to join your FaceTime. Once your guest clicks on the invitation, you will be prompted to accept or decline their entry request by clicking on the checkmark or X accordingly. Be sure to check the app frequently so you don’t leave your guests hanging.
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As receiver: Android users, now it’s your turn. All you need is Call Link and a stable Wi-Fi or Internet connection to join FaceTime. To join, simply click on the link and then click on the green Join button. If all went well, your face will appear in a small box in the lower right corner. If the call’s host hasn’t joined yet, the surrounding screen will remain black, with a “Waiting for others to join” notification at the top.
Viewpoint of the FaceTime host. Screenshot by Christina Darby/ZDNET
As Sender/Host: From here on, you’re free to use FaceTime on your iPhone as normal. You can add Memoji stickers or filters, take screenshots within the app, and chat however you want. However, the functionality is more limited for Android users. More on that later. When your call is complete, hang up as usual.
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As receiver: In classic Apple fashion, you won’t be able to access the full FaceTime experience from an 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 capture images using the FaceTime screenshot button like on the iPhone. However, you can take screenshots manually. And unlike with Apple devices, the other user won’t be notified that you took a photo. Use that information wisely.
While ZDNET’s Sabrina Ortiz was able to cosplay as her favorite new robot — Amazon’s Astro — I couldn’t do the same from my Android device. Screenshot by Christina Darby/ZDNET
questions to ask
Which iOS do you need to FaceTime on Android?
For a successful iPhone to Android FaceTime call, an Apple user must 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, no. 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.
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However, there are alternative apps such as Google Meet that provide the same face-to-face call experience on mobile devices.
Can I send a FaceTime link to more than one person?
If you have an Apple device, you can send a FaceTime link to more than one person and multiple users can join.
Can You Use Wi-Fi to FaceTime on Android?
Unfortunately no. Like the FaceTime app, where the initiation ceremony is exclusive to iOS products, there is also the ability to use Wi-Fi for FaceTime.
Also: The Easiest Way to Transfer Contacts from Your Android to iPhone
Because Android users have to click through on a link to text in order to join the call, cell service is a necessity.
