If you reside within the Apple ecosystem, your preferredvideoconferencingmethod is probably FaceTime, Apple’s video-calling software that lets desktop and mobile users make video calls over both Wi-Fi and cellular networks. With FaceTime, there’s no need for a special account or screen name for access to smooth conferencing with 256-bit end-to-end encryption. All you need is the contact information — phone number or email address — of the person you want to speak with, and you’re ready to yak.
While FaceTime wasoriginally designedjust for Mac, iPhone, and iPad users, Apple’siOS 15update allows other platforms into your FaceTime calls for the first time. With iOS 15, when you start a FaceTime call from an iPhone, you can now invite people using Android devices or Windows PCs.
We give you the lowdown on the major aspects of using FaceTime, including the new features available in iOS 15.
After you’ve tackled video messaging, check out our comprehensive guides onhow to use iCloudand how to useFind My iPhone, along with our most recent picks for thebest iPhone apps.
FaceTime system requirements
Facetime works over Wi-Fi or via your cellular data plan. you may use FaceTime via Wi-Fi on an iPhone 4 or later, all iPad Pro models, iPad 2 or later, all iPad Mini models, and iPod Touch 4th generation or later. Only the 5th generation and later of iPod Touch supports FaceTime audio calling. When using your cellular data plan, FaceTime works on an iPhone 4S or later, all iPad Pro models, and iPad 3rd generation or later.
To make FaceTime audio and video calls on your Mac, you need to run MacOS 10.9 or later, have an operative internet connection, and sign in to FaceTime with your free Apple ID. You also need a built-in or connected microphone for audio only and a built-in or connected camera for video calls. Recipients of FaceTime communications must have a Mac running MacOS 10.9.2 or later, a built-in or connected microphone, an iOS device running iOS 7 or later, or an iPadOS device.
Group FaceTime video callsrequire iOS 12.1.4 or later, or iOS/iPadOS on an iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro or later, iPad Air 2 or later, iPad Mini 4 or later, iPad (5th generation) or later, or iPod Touch (7th generation). Earlier iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch models that support iOS 12.1.4 can join FaceTime group chats via audio only.
Launching and activating FaceTime from the desktop
FaceTime is built into MacOS, iOS, and iPadOS. Your iPhone automatically registers your phone number for FaceTime upon activation, but you’ll need to enable FaceTime if you are using the iPad or iPod Touch apps, or the Mac desktop app.
Launching and activating FaceTime from the iPhone
Making a FaceTime video call
There are several ways to make a FaceTime call, and all of them depend on the device you’re using. If you are using an iPad, iPhone, or the FaceTime app for Mac, you first need to add a person as a contact using the FaceTime or Contacts app before you’re able to place a call to them.
On iPad, iPod Touch, or MacOS
Making a FaceTime audio call
FaceTime audio-only calls are essentially voice over internet protocol (VoIP) calls similar to Skype. They resemble phone calls, but with higher-quality audio.
On iPad, iPod touch, or FaceTime for MacOS
Making a FaceTime group call
FaceTime on the iPhone or iPad supports group conversations between three or more people, and can also support a true videoconferencing environment, with up to 32 participants to a group chat.
Need more details? Check out the Apple Support Center for additional information on how to enable and use FaceTime for bothindividualandgroupconversations.
Calls with Android or PC users
With iOS 15, you may now include Android users in a FaceTime call. While you still need an Apple device, like an iPhone or an iPad, to initiate the call, now anyone can participate. Calling or chatting via FaceTime with Android is as simple as sending a web link to join the call. You approve anyone who tries to join the call via that link, to lock out strangers.
Anyone who has the link can click it, enter their name, and request to join the conversation. As the host, you approve everyone who wants to join by tapping the green checkmark button.
