Making a FaceTime video call with relatives who do not have an iPhone, iPad or Mac is now possible. iOS 15 introduces an option to generate a call link usable in any web browser, on any device.
Owning an Apple device was until now a requirement sine qua non to call a loved one using FaceTime. With iOS 15, Apple is slackening and taking a step towards users of other platforms. It is now possible to receive FaceTime calls on Windows and Android.
But for this, the call must be initiated by the owner of an Apple device. Apple thus offers to generate a link from iOS 15, before sharing it with your loved ones. They can then join the call from any web browser. This system, Apple did not invent it since it is quite widely used on competing tools, in particular like Google Meet, or Zoom.
The integration of this new feature has been designed so that the use of FaceTime is done smoothly, whether your contacts are already using FaceTime or not. Here is everything you need to know to call your loved ones in FaceTime on Windows or Android.
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1. Generate a link
Open the FaceTime app on your iPhone. Two options are offered. The first, Create a link, allows as its name suggests, to create a link that you just need to click to join the FaceTime call.
If you choose this option, the share sheet unfolds. You must then select a solution to share the link with the loved ones you want to call: email, SMS, WhatsApp, etc.
The second option offered allows you to directly launch a New FaceTime. So this suggests that you may already know if your contacts are reachable by this means. Then select one of the suggested contacts, or press the + button to access your address book and choose one or more contacts to call.
If the chosen contact uses an iPhone or a FaceTime compatible device, the FaceTime button will be displayed directly in green and you just need to press it to initiate the call.
On the other hand, if the selected contact is not using an Apple device, the app will display an Invite with Messages button.
Then tap on it to create an SMS containing the invitation link and send it. The FaceTime call will then automatically start on the iPhone, waiting for the invited contacts to join the call.
2. Enter the call
Relatives not using an Apple device invited to join a FaceTime call won’t be able to access it if you’re not already signed in. All generated FaceTime links are logged on the app’s home page in the Upcoming section.
If the call isn’t already open on your iPhone (if you just tapped Create Link for example), select the link you just created to open the call and tap Join.
3. Accept the people who join the call
The people you’ve invited to use FaceTime have received your text or email with the access link. All they need to do is open it in the web browser on their smartphone or computer to start using FaceTime on their device.
After entering their name, clicking the Continue button, and agreeing that their browser uses their device’s microphone and camera, FaceTime should display with a preview of their webcam. They must then click Join to join the call.
However, at this point they are not yet connected to the call, but put on hold.
On your side, a notification should appear on your iPhone. If you do not have time to accept it, press the mention 1 person waiting (or more), to open the waiting room.
Touch the green check mark to accept the request and allow the person to join your FaceTime call and close the window by pressing OK.
You should now be signed in and can continue your FaceTime call as you normally would with your contacts who have an Apple device.