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You can join a FaceTime video chat on Windows, but you can’t create one
Updated on October 11, 2024
What to Know
- Open FaceTime on an Apple device, select Create Link, then share the link with the Windows recipient.
- The Windows user needs to open the link in Chrome or Edge, then select Join.
- The Apple user needs to confirm by pressing the checkbox in their app.
This article covers everything you need to know about using FaceTime on a Windows computer.
How Do You FaceTime on a Computer Running Windows?
A Windows user can participate in a FaceTime video call on a computer after an Apple user sends a link to join.
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Open FaceTime and select Create Link.
If you don’t have this option, you may need to update iOS or macOS, or update your FaceTime app.
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Tap Copy to copy the FaceTime web address to your device’s clipboard, and then paste it into an email or text to send to a contact or yourself. Alternatively, you can tap one of the suggested apps to send the link there.
If you want to send the link to yourself, post it in a private chat in an app you can also access on your Windows computer, such as Facebook Messenger, Telegram, or WhatsApp.
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On your Windows computer, locate the FaceTime link and open it in the Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome web browser. It won’t work in other web browsers.
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Enter a name in the space provided, then press Continue.
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Select Join to request to be added to the FaceTime call on Windows.
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The Apple user needs to accept the request by selecting the checkbox on their screen.
Do I Need to Install FaceTime on My Windows Computer?
There is no FaceTime app for Windows computers, nor do you need one. On Windows, FaceTime can be run completely from within a web browser by clicking a chat invite link sent from someone with an Apple device.
You can’t start a FaceTime chat on a Windows computer. You’re only able to join an existing one created on an Apple device.
Is FaceTime for PC Safe?
Apple does promise end-to-end encryption for its FaceTime communications which increases your conversation’s privacy significantly.
You can increase your security by making sure you have the latest version of Windows running on your computer and ensuring that your browser is up to date. It’s also a good idea to only click FaceTime invite links you’re expecting. Email scammers may try to trick you into clicking malicious links by claiming they’re for a FaceTime chat when in reality, they’re for a fake website.
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Written By
Maushmi Singh •
5 minutes Read
•
Last Modified:
May 24, 2024
For more than ten years, FaceTime was only available on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. However, it is now accessible on Windows and Android devices as well.
This means you can now, in a way, use FaceTime with your Apple friends on Windows. Let’s see how it works.
1 Is There a Facetime App for Windows?
Unfortunately, Apple didn’t release a Windows FaceTime app. Instead, Mac, iPhone, or iPad users can create invite links that work with Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome on Windows. This means you can join a FaceTime call on Windows but can’t start one.
2 How to Use FaceTime for Windows
Here is how:
2.1 Step 1: Check Your Browser
Make sure you have Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge installed on your Windows PC before getting started.This is essential as these browsers support joining FaceTime calls made by Apple users.
2.2 Step 2: Generate the FaceTime Link
The person with whom you want to FaceTime needs to initiate the call. If they’re using an iPhone or iPad, they’ll open the FaceTime app and tap on the “Create Link” button at the top of the app’s screen.
Similarly, Mac users, provided they’re on macOS 12 Monterey or newer, will find the same “Create Link” option at the top of their FaceTime app.
2.3 Step 3: Share the FaceTime Link
After creating the FaceTime call link, your Apple friend can share it with you by any means they prefer, such as text, email, or another messaging service. the link that you receive will look something like this.
2.4 Step 4: Open the Link
Once you receive the FaceTime invite link, open it using either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on your Windows computer. You’ll then need to enter your name in the provided box and click “Continue” to proceed.
2.5 Step 5: Join the FaceTime Call
After entering your name, select “Join” from the floating toolbar at the bottom of your screen.
The call’s host, using their Apple device, will need to approve your request to join the FaceTime call.
2.6 Step 6: Enjoy the Call Features
Upon joining the call, you’ll have access to basic video conferencing features such as entering Full Screen mode, muting your microphone, and turning your video feed on or off. These options help mimic the native Facetime app experience directly from your browser.
2.7 Step 7: Leaving the Call
To exit the call, simply click the “Leave” button. This ends your participation in the FaceTime call without having to close your entire browser.
This streamlined process not only simplifies how to use FaceTime for Windows but also opens up cross-platform communication between Windows users and Apple device owners, enhancing connections without the need for an Apple ID or native app.
3 What all you can do in a facetime call on web?
Incorporating FaceTime into your web browser allows you to experience most of the functionalities you’re accustomed to within the FaceTime app, albeit with a few exceptions. For instance, while engaging in a FaceTime call on Windows or Android devices, you’ll notice that features like SharePlay and screen sharing, typically available on Apple devices, are absent. Nevertheless, you’re still empowered with a range of essential video call functions.
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You can effortlessly mute or unmute your microphone at your convenience by simply clicking on the Microphone button.
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Similarly, toggling your camera on or off is just as straightforward, thanks to the Camera button.
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For those preferring a more immersive conversation, activating Full Screen mode is possible with a click on the corresponding button, allowing your FaceTime call to occupy your entire screen.
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Additionally, optimizing your camera’s perspective is hassle-free; with the Flip Camera button, you can switch between front or rear-facing views effortlessly.
When participating in Group FaceTime calls, the interface thoughtfully arranges attendees in a grid layout, enhancing your visual interaction.
This setup, coupled with an automatic highlight feature for the speaking participant, ensures you never miss out on who’s contributing to the conversation.
Accessing this layout is as simple as selecting the Participant List and Settings Menu button, followed by the Grid Layout button. Disabling this view is just a matter of selecting the button once more.
This adaptable approach to FaceTime on non-Apple platforms like Windows PCs and Android phones broadens the scope for cross-platform communication. It elegantly bridges the gap for Windows and Android users, allowing them to join FaceTime calls with ease, sans the need for an Apple ID or the app itself.
Thus, whether you’re initiating a FaceTime call link or joining one via an invite link, the process is seamless, ensuring an enriching video calling experience across various devices.
4 Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering how to use FaceTime for Windows paves the way for more inclusive and versatile communication avenues across different platforms.
Whether you’re a Windows user, an Android phone owner, or dedicated Apple device enthusiast, the ability to join FaceTime calls via a simple invite link has significantly bridged the gap between these ecosystems.
With just a Windows PC, Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, and a stable internet connection, you can easily join a FaceTime call, engage in meaningful conversations with Apple users, and enjoy a plethora of call features like full screen mode, camera and microphone settings adjustment, without needing an Apple ID or having the native app installed.
This development not only underscores the versatility of FaceTime on Windows and Android devices but also champions seamless, cross-platform communication.
It democratizes access to Apple’s FaceTime, inviting both Apple and non-Apple users to connect in ways that were once exclusive to those within Apple’s ecosystem.
Whether it’s for personal calls, collaborative work meetings, or connecting with loved ones, FaceTime’s expanded compatibility ensures that more people can experience high-quality video calling, irrespective of their device preference.
Are you an avid video chat user and want to use FaceTime on your Windows PC? Then you’ve come to the right place! FaceTime is proprietary technology owned by Apple and runs on iPads, iPhones, and Mac, which means that it doesn’t work with Windows right out of the box.
Apple has not released an app for Windows, but anyone with an iOS device can create an invite link that’ll work on other Windows applications like Google Chrome. Let’s look at how you can use FaceTime on Your Windows PC.
Joining FaceTime Calls on Windows PC
As a Windows owner, you cannot host a meeting on FaceTime independently. This is because there’s no FaceTime app for the Windows operating system. You’ll need a friend with an iOS device to create an invite link for you to join a FaceTime call on your Windows PC.
To join a virtual meeting using the invite link shared by your friend or colleague, you have to use browsers like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Your friends can also follow the steps explained in the sections below to help them generate a FaceTime link on their iOS device. That will make the task of setting up and joining a FaceTime call on a Windows PC easier.
How FaceTime Works on Windows
Now that you know there’s no FaceTime app on Windows, you must be wondering—how does it work on Windows? FaceTime only works on two browsers available on Windows: such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. As such it’s a good idea to download either app before proceeding.
As we discussed earlier, you’ll need an invite link generated by a friend with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. They’ll also need to share the invite link with you so that you can join the meeting. This means that you cannot generate a link on your Windows device or join a meeting without a link.
Once you connect to FaceTime on your Windows browsers, you’ll realize that there are other restrictions to using the app. FaceTime for Windows doesn’t support the SharePlay feature that allows you to watch movies or listen to Apple music with friends while FaceTiming.
The app also only offers basic controls like enabling and disabling video, muting and unmuting audio, and a grid layout. Regardless of these limitations, FaceTime allows you to connect with iOS device owners on your Windows PC without the need for an Apple ID account.
Creating a FaceTime Invite Link on Mac
If the friend you wish to FaceTime with owns a Mac, you’ll need to ping them and tell them to create the meeting link. They can follow the steps below to help them generate and share the invite link for you to try FaceTime on Windows.
- On your Mac, locate the FaceTime app and open it. Sign in with your Apple ID or Create a New Apple ID if you don’t have one.
- Once open, click on the Create Link button found in the conversation browser. If you wish, you can name the link.
- Now that you’ve generated the FaceTime link click on the «i» button to access the share option.
- Next, click on the Share button in the menu and select the desired sharing method. You can share the link via Mail, Messages, or other messaging applications supported in the Share Menu. It’s also possible to copy the invite link and share it through other messaging apps like Telegram or Whatsapp for desktop.
Creating a FaceTime Invite Link on an iPad or iPhone
Creating a FaceTime link on iPad and iPhone is straightforward. As already stated, you’ll have to ask your friend with an iOS device to make and share the invite link with you. To create and share a FaceTime link on their device, they’ll have to follow the steps below.
- On your iPhone or iPad, locate the FaceTime app and launch it. Create a New Apple ID if you are a new user or Sign In if you already have one.
- On the FaceTime App, tap on the Create Link button to generate an invite link.
- With the generated link on your app, you can now share it with friends on Windows. You’ll need to go to the Upcoming section of the FaceTime app and locate the generated link.
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Tap on the «i» button next to the FaceTime link to open more options in the menu like Join FaceTime, Share Link, and Delete link.
- Click on the Share Link option in the menu and select the preferred method of sharing on your device. You can copy the link or share it directly via Whatsapp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and more.
How to Use FaceTime on a Windows PC
Once you’ve received the FaceTime invite link from your friend with either the Mac or iOS devices, you can now join the virtual meeting. To do this on your Windows device, follow the steps below:
- Tap on the FaceTime invite link shared and open it on Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser to get started. You can also copy the link and paste it on either browser.
- The link will open the FaceTime web experience page, where you’ll get a prompt to Enter Your Name. Enter your name and hit the Continue button.
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A pop-up message will appear on the website requesting permission to access your device’s camera and microphone. Click on the Allow button to grant access to the camera and microphone on your Windows PC.
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On the bottom left of the page, click on the Join button to request the host to let you enter the virtual meeting.
- A Waiting to be let in prompt will appear, indicating that the host has received your request to join the meeting.
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When your friend accepts the request to join the meeting, you’ll be able to FaceTime on your Windows PC. You can also leave the meeting anytime you want by clicking on the red Leave button.
Downloading FaceTime on Windows
If you’re looking for a video calling app that offers crystal clear videos and audio, then downloading FaceTime is the best option for you. However, if you don’t own an iOS device or a Mac, it’s tricky to get FaceTime up and working.
Emulators like iPadian allow you to install iOS on your device, but we don’t recommend their use. The most significant risk to using third-party emulators on Windows is that you expose yourself to security threats. These emulators can also slow your PC, particularly if you have an old processor or less RAM on your device.
In summary, there is no FaceTime app available for download on Windows at the moment. However, there are other equally exciting video call apps that you can download on your Windows device.
Now You Know How to Use Facetime on Windows
Now you know how to use FaceTime on your Windows PC when you want to chat with your friends or colleagues that own iOS devices. You can also easily access the platform on your Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser since FaceTime is now available for Windows and Android. It’s now easy to generate links on Mac and iOS devices and enjoy a virtual meeting with friends on their Windows PC.
Apple’s FaceTime is one of the world’s most well-known video-calling platforms, but it used to be completely inaccessible to anyone using an Android phone or a Windows PC. Apple has finally opened up FaceTime to other platforms, though not in a way that would really make it a worthwhile alternative to solutions like WhatsApp or Zoom.
If you’re on a Windows PC or laptop you can now engage in FaceTime calls with your Apple-using friends and family. The big caveat, however, is that you can’t call them. It only works if the call is initiated from an Apple device, be that an iPhone or an iPad.
Here’s how it all works.
How to start a FaceTime call with someone on Windows
FaceTime calls only currently work on Windows if you’re joining them from a link sent to you by someone who owns an Apple device. Essentially, they can call you, but you can’t call them. Likewise, if you have an Apple device handy and you want to call someone who’s using a Windows PC or tablet, then you can start the call.
It’s important to note also that the iPhone or iPad used to start the call has to be using at least iOS 15 or iPad OS 15. It isn’t supported by earlier versions.
- Open the FaceTime app on the iPhone or iPad.
- Choose Create Link.
- At the top, hit Add Name and give it a name for your own convenience.
- Choose how you want to share the link.
You can share the link in any number of ways from your Apple device, including copying the link to simply paste in a message or email or sharing directly to apps that support that feature.
This is basically the same as something like Google Meet or Microsoft Teams, where you create a call for others to join so long as they have the link from you. Before proceeding though, you will need to click Join to get yourself into the call.
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Joining a FaceTime call on Windows
Joining a FaceTime call on Windows is easy so long as you have the link. First you’ll need to make sure your webcam and microphone are connected so you can be seen and heard, but from there it’s a simple case of clicking the link or pasting it into your browser manually. It only officially supports Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, however, though other Chromium-based browsers may suffice. It absolutely does not work in Firefox.
Once you’ve done this you’ll be taken to a waiting room and only when the other party on the Apple device has joined the call and allowed you to enter will you be able to enjoy the wonders of a FaceTime call on your PC.
It’s a bit of a pain, and it’s a shame you can’t use it like a normal video-calling service to contact friends or family without getting them to first initiate the process, but it’s at least something. It’s taken Apple many years to even get to this point, so we shouldn’t complain too much.
Richard Devine is a Managing Editor at Windows Central with over a decade of experience. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently, you’ll find him steering the site’s coverage of all manner of PC hardware and reviews. Find him on Mastodon at mstdn.social/@richdevine
FaceTime is by far the best and easy-to-use video calling app for iOS and Mac users. With Apple’s new update, now it is possible to get FaceTime for windows pc and you can attend video calls from your web browser.
So if you are a windows user and want to use this video-calling app on your pc then this article is for you. Here in this article, you can find how you can create a FaceTime link from your Mac, iPhone, and iPad and have calls with other users.
All iOS devices which are running on iOS 15 or about and macOS devices that are running on macOS Monterey can invite all windows and android users to join FaceTime calls. Here you do not need to download any application on your windows pc unlike what you have to do to use iMessage on windows pc.
In order to get FaceTime for windows pc you need to have Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser installed on your pc. With this feature windows, users can not initial video calls to other users but users can join video calls through an invite link that has been created on an iOS or macOS device.
How to Use FaceTime on Windows? [With Mac]
As you know that there is no official version of the FaceTime app that you can download and start using on your pc. But you can join any FaceTime meeting with an invite link directly from your browser.
Check out the below step and learn how you can create an invite link in a FaceTime app from your macOS. First, make sure you have a mac running on macOS Monterey or a later version of it and that you have installed FaceTime on your mac.
- Open the FaceTime application on your mac and click on the ‘Create Link’ button available in the top left corner.
- Next copy the invite link that you have generated, you can do it by clicking the ‘Copy Link’ option available there.
- In case that option does not show up you can also copy that link by clicking on the little ‘i’ button as you can see in the image below and copy the link from there.
Create FaceTime Invite Link With iPad & iPhone
If you are not doing FaceTime from mac and doing it from your iPhone or iPad and want to know how you can create an invite link and invite windows users to call then check out this process.
Here make sure your iPhone or iPad is running on iOS 15 and later versions because this feature is only available on iOS 15 and later version devices only.
- First, open a FaceTime app on your iPad or iPhone and click on the ‘Create link’ option available in the top left corner.
- Next, it will open the pop-up, you can copy the link from there or click on the little ‘i’ icon as you can see in the image below.
- In the next step, there will be an option of ‘Share Link’, click on that option in order to copy your invite link.
- Here it will open that pop-up again and from here you can either copy your link or directly share the link with other users with all available options.
Note: Here we are using the iPad as a demo but this process will be the same for iPhone users as well.
How to Join FaceTime Call from Windows PC?
Now once you have a link that you have generated from your iOS or macOS device, you can share the link with windows users who want to join FaceTime calls. And if you are a Windows user who receives an invite link then you can follow the below process to join the video call.
First copy the invite link that you received and open that link in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge Browser.
- Next, it will ask for your name, you can enter your name in the box and click on the ‘Continue’ button available there.
- In the next step, the website will ask your permission to use your camera and microphone in order to join the meeting, click on the ‘Allow’ button.
- Now click on the Join button available in the left-down corner, it will send a request to the host to accept your request.
- Once the host accepts your joining request in the call you will join the FaceTime call automatically from your windows pc.
And this is how you can use the invite link and join FaceTime calls from your Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser.
FaceTime Alternatives For Windows Users
The limitation of using FaceTime on a windows pc with an invite link is that you can not make calls from your device. You can only join calls with the help of invite links and in this case, another person on video call needs to have macOS or iOS devices as well.
Same as we have shared alternative video editing apps for iMovie windows users there is some alternative video calling apps as well. You can use them on your windows and mac device and can be good alternative options that you should check out.
Zoom
Zoom is one of the best and most popular video calling apps specially used for meetings. It is available for all Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux users. Same as FaceTime on windows you can also join any meeting from your browser with an invite link or meeting id.
There are two versions of Zoom available free and paid. You can use the free version of Zoom with 40 minutes and a 100-participant limitation. And for more features and to remove this limitation you can check out zoom paid plans.
Pros:
- It is available for free with up to 100 participants.
- You can do a live stream of your meeting or webinar on social media.
- It is easy to use and you can connect with google and apple calendar to utilize it.
Cons:
- The free version only allows you to have a meeting for 40 minutes.
- Paid plans of zoom can be confusing for some users as it has so many plans to offer.
Website: Zoom
Google Meet
Google Meet is an official video calling app from google itself. This app is very easy to use, you can start or join meetings from any web browser. You do not need to download the application on your device in order to use its video calling service.
Google meet can be a really good alternative for FaceTime on windows because it works on the web so it is very easy to access on all devices. You can use this app for free for up to 60 minutes of meetings and invite up to 100 participants.
Pros:
- Do not need to download any application in order to use its video calling services.
- Available for free and allow up to 100 participants in one meeting.
- Very easy to use and you can start meeting within minutes with google meet.
Cons:
- The free version only allows you to have 60 minutes meeting at one time.
- You can not record or stream your meeting or webinar with google meet.
Website: Google Meet
Microsoft Team
Microsoft Team is an official video conference app from Microsoft. You can use this app as a FaceTime alternative on your windows or mac pc. It works perfectly fine with all operating systems.
Same as google meet, the Microsoft team also allows you to do free meetings for up to 60 minutes with up to 100 participants. And if you require more time or more participants then you can check out its pricing.
Pro:
- It does provide a good chat option and you can make calls without leaving the chat option in the app.
- It is available for free to all users and can add up to 100 participants in a meeting.
- You can use bots in the app to automate any repetitive task in the app. There are many in-built bots also available in it.
Cons:
- The free version of Microsoft Team only allows you to have meetings for up to 60 minutes at one time.
Website: Microsoft Team
FAQs on FaceTime For Windows PC
Can I use FaceTime on Windows PC?
Yes, you can join any FaceTime video call from your windows pc with the help of an invite link. But you can not initiate any call from your side on FaceTime.
Is FaceTime available for free?
Yes, FaceTime is available completely free for all users and you can use it without any time limitation.
How to use FaceTime on Windows 11?
You can use FaceTime on your windows 10 or 11 pc or computer from your web browser. You can check out the first part of this article for more detail.
Video on FaceTime Windows PC
As per your requirement either you can use FaceTime on a windows pc from a web browser or you can check out its alternatives if you want to have more features. And to know more about this process you can also check out the above video as well.