Since its arrival way back when, FaceTime has been a staunchly Apple-only platform. This meant that if you wanted to call friends who used Android or Windows powered devices, you’d need to use Zoom, Skype or any of the other video-calling app available.
Thankfully, with the introduction of iOS 15, Apple has made some adjustments to its myopic view of the world and added a feature which finally brings fans of Google and Microsoft in from the cold.
Here’s how to call your Android-toting buddies on FaceTime.
How to create a link on FaceTime
Unlike on iPhone, for Android users to join a call you’ll need to create a link and send it to them. It’s a similar principle to Zoom in that regard.
To use the new feature, you’ll first need to have your iPhone running on iOS 15. If you haven’t yet made the leap, you’ll find all you need to know in our How to get iOS 15 guide.
With everything in place, here are the steps to follow:
- Open FaceTime on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the Create Link button in the top-left corner of the screen.
- If you want to give the call a title (Planning Meeting, say) then tap the Add Name option under FaceTime Link.
- To share the link, you can either select a person from the list that appears on the screen, select the Copy option for pasting into an email or message (this is the one to go for if you want to invite Windows users too), or tap Messages and send the link from there.
- Finally, tap the FaceTime Link option that now appears on the FaceTime home screen to begin the call and select Join to enter.
How to join a FaceTime call from an Android phone
On the recipient’s Android device they should receive the message with your FaceTime link. Here’s what they need to do:
- When they tap the message they’ll be asked to enter their name, then tap Continue.
- Next tap the Join button and wait for the person who created the FaceTime link to let you into the call.
How to let an Android user join your FaceTime call
When your friend clicks the link you sent you should see a notification appear telling you that they want to join. Just tap the tick to let them into the call and you’ll be able to chat despite your diverse technological allegiances.
If you’re keen on getting all that’s on offer in Apple’s newest version of its iPhone software, be sure to read iOS 15 vs iOS 14: Should you update your iPhone?, Which iPhones can get iOS 15? and Which iOS 15 features will work on my iPhone?