While the Google Play Store is overflowing with notable video calling apps, many iPhone owners want to use FaceTime on Android to stay in touch with their friends. In terms of both top-notch features and security, Apple’s video calling app is one of the best in the business. Unfortunately, Apple had limited FaceTime to the Apple ecosystem until iOS 15 and macOS 12 Monterey. But now FaceTime is making its way to Android and Windows. The sudden change of mind could be due to heavy demand for competing services over the past year, including Zoom and Google Meet. Well, if you don’t have an iPhone and want to try Apple’s video calling service, let’s see how you can set up and use FaceTime on Android!
How to Use FaceTime on Your Android Device in 2021
Before we look at the steps on how to use FaceTime on Android, let’s answer a few important questions. Can you install FaceTime on Android? Can you share your screen on FaceTime calls on Android? We have answered all these questions in this article. So dive in now!
How Apple’s FaceTime Works on Android
It’s no secret that Apple wants to keep its famous apps and services connected to its closed ecosystem. Even if the Cupertino giant promotes its services on other platforms, it never fails to impose heavy limits, for good or bad. And FaceTime for Android’s plan is no different.
- This brings us to the first question. Can you install Facetime app on Android? Apple has yet to launch a FaceTime app for Android. Instead, Android users can only join FaceTime calls over a connection. Therefore, you cannot join the party unless you get a link from an iPhone user.
- Second, you cannot create a FaceTime meeting invite link on an Android device. This means you have to ask your friend (iPhone, iPad or Mac owner) to create a FaceTime meeting link and share it with you.
- Third, FaceTime only supports Safari and Google Chrome. Therefore, you must open the FaceTime link in Chrome to start calling. After tapping the link, you need to add your name and then wait for your iDevice friend (or the person who created the link) to give you permission.
- Fourth, the answer to whether you can screen share FaceTime calls on Android is no. Users can only screen share FaceTime in iOS 15. You can check out our linked guide to learn how it works.
Create a FaceTime Call Connection on iPhone, iPad or Mac
As we mentioned above, your friend with an Apple device will first need to create a FaceTime call link and share it with you. So, let’s see how it’s done!
- To start, FaceTime app On your iPhone or iPad running iOS 15 or your Mac running macOS Monterey.
2. Now, tap on “.Create LinkCreate a FaceTime meeting link by pressing the ” button.
3. Next, tap . “Information” The button next to the FaceTime link.
4th place, “Share link” From the drop-down menu in iOS 15. Click the Share button on your Mac.
5. After that, choose the preferred method to share the meeting link with your friend who has an Android device. You can do send meeting link via email, WhatsApp, Messenger, Apple Messages and more. You also have the option to copy the link.
Join a FaceTime Call from Your Android Device
Once you get the meeting link on your Android device, you can join the FaceTime call with ease. Note that FaceTime only supports Google Chrome on Android devices. Make sure you open the meeting link in Chrome browser and follow these steps:
- Tap the FaceTime link. Later, enter your name and “Go on” button.
3. Next, you will see a popup window, “facetime.apple.com wants to use your camera and microphone.” Tap on To let to deploy the necessary permissions.
4. Now you are just one step away from joining a Facetime video call between iPhone and Android devices. tap the greenTo joinPress the ” button in the upper right corner.
6. You should now see “Pending permission” at the bottom of the screen. You will be able to join the FaceTime call as soon as your iOS friend approves your request to join.
7. If you want to end the call, press “ExitPress the ” button in the upper right corner.
Add FaceTime App Icon to Android Home Screen
You can add the FaceTime link to the home screen of your Android device for quick access. So if you get a FaceTime meeting link, make sure to turn it into a super useful home screen icon that lets you join a call with a quick tap. Yes, it will save you from digging through the app you’re getting the link from again and again!
Interestingly, the FaceTime meeting invite link remains active for several days. So you can use the same invite link to join a meeting multiple times. While we’re not sure how many days a FaceTime meeting link will expire, Use a 15-day FaceTime connection to connect iPhone and Android during our test. I know it sounds like a privacy nightmare, but no one can join the meeting until the host gives permission.
So, let’s see how you can add the FaceTime app shortcut to your Android home screen. Follow the steps below:
one. Face Time Connection in the Chrome browser on your Android device. Next, tap the vertical three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. After this, “Add to Home Screenoption from the menu.
2. Next, tap on “.AddIn the drop-down menu to confirm the action. Now go to home screen and FaceTime app shortcut will be waiting for you.
The home screen icon can’t replace the full-fledged FaceTime app for Android, but it’s definitely a more convenient way to join a call, especially if you’re talking to friends or colleagues regularly.
Make FaceTime Calls on Your Android Device
This is how you can join a FaceTime call from your Android device. It would be better if there was a full-fledged FaceTime web app so you can do more than just attend a meeting, but that’s a huge baby step from Apple. The company is finally allowing Android and Windows users to FaceTime with Apple device owners. What do you think of this big move? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.