FaceTime is one of the easiest (not to mention most popular) ways to chat via video call. What happens, though, if you want to include a friend or family member whose phone or PC is outside the Apple ecosystem?
Not to worry. Even though there are a few extra steps involved, it’s still very possible to join FaceTime on Android or Windows device and get in on the fun. This article will show you how to connect both.
You might be forgiven for thinking FaceTime is restricted to Apple devices only. The Apple ecosystem has a long history of not communicating well with Android, Windows, and Linux. This is slowly starting to change, and even though the functionality is limited, better communication is possible.
Case in point, FaceTime.
Thanks to the new technology behind Chromium browsers, such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, you can now join FaceTime on Windows or Android. While they can’t begin a FaceTime call, they can still connect via a link that an Apple user sends them. In addition to the link, the user only needs a fully updated Chromium browser and a steady Wi-Fi connection to join in.
Join FaceTime on Android, Join FaceTime on Windows
Before you can connect to FaceTime on Android or Windows, you’ll need to create the call and its link on an Apple device:
Starting FaceTime
To start your FaceTime call on your Apple device, here’s what to do:
Step 1. Open up the app, and tap the “Create Link” button.
Step 2. A new sheet will slide up from the bottom. Tap “Add Name” to enter a name for this call.
Step 3. Hit the “OK” button once done.
Step 4. You’ll see a list of potential contacts to add, including different ways (and apps) to send the link. Share it however you want.
Step 5. Tap on the FaceTime link to join the conversation. Tap the “Join” button.
Step 6. Wait for your guests to arrive.
Joining FaceTime on Android
To join the video call on Android, here’s what to do:
Step 1. Tap the link sent to you by the Apple user.
Step 2. From the list of apps, choose a Chromium browser (Chrome, Edge, Brave, or Opera) to open the link. Firefox won’t work.
Step 3. Enter your name into the chat and wait to be let in by the user.
Joining FaceTime on Windows
For Windows, the steps are quite similar. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1. Click on the link received from the Apple user. You can also copy and paste it.
Step 2. Use your Chromium browser (Chrome, Edge, Brave, or Opera) to open the link.
Step 3. You’ll be taken to the chat. Enter your name, hit “Continue,” and wait for the Apple user to let you in.
Life Outside the Ecosystem
If you’re looking for smoother, app-based ways to connect that go beyond FaceTime, then don’t worry, there are plenty of options to choose from. Apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and more not only run on all three ecosystems but can seamlessly communicate with each other.
If you’re in regular contact with users outside the Apple ecosystem, then consider downloading and using one of these. You can always FaceTime with your Apple friends.
As an avid gamer, I’ve run into my fair share of error codes and weird faults that have forced me to find fixes to problems I never anticipated. That gave me a passion for sharing those fixes with others so we can all game without feeling like our hardware is rebelling against us.
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