It’s safe to say video calls have become a huge part of our lives, especially lately. While Zoom has been a go-to for many, Apple’s FaceTime is stepping up its game with recent updates, allowing you to connect with more people.
FaceTime used to be an Apple-only thing. But now, with iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey, you can invite anyone, even folks on Android or Windows, to join your call. The best part? They don’t even need to download an app – they can join directly through their browser.
This is all thanks to FaceTime Links, a new feature included with recent OS updates. If you’re using a beta version, you can start trying this feature right now.
Note: Keep in mind that this is still in beta and won’t be widely available until the official release of iOS 15 and macOS 12 in Fall 2021.
Creating a FaceTime Link on your iPhone
With FaceTime Links, you can invite non-Apple users to your FaceTime calls and schedule calls in advance. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the FaceTime app and tap on ‘Create Link.’
- A few options will pop up at the bottom. You can personalize the link name. Select ‘Add Name’ to give your call a unique title. Remember, you can only edit it once when you create it; otherwise, it’ll stick to ‘FaceTime Link’.
Note: You can create multiple FaceTime Links at once, each with a unique link.
- Enter a name for your link and tap ‘OK.’
- Now share the link with anyone you want to join the call.
You can create these links ahead of time to schedule a call. Although you can create the links anytime, there is no actual scheduling feature in FaceTime, so you will need to inform your contacts of the call time.
To work around this, you can create a calendar event and add the FaceTime link to schedule your call. You can use any calendar app, not just Apple Calendar, even Google Calendar for non-Apple users.
Sharing a FaceTime Link During a Call
You can also generate and share a FaceTime link while you are already on a call. Here’s how:
- While on the call, tap the arrow next to ‘FaceTime Video’ in the call toolbar at the top.
- Then tap ‘Copy Link’ to copy the FaceTime link.
- Share it with anyone. When non-Apple users join the call, you’ll get a notification and you’ll need to tap the green ‘Answer’ button to let them in. You can continue adding Apple users as you always have.
Joining a FaceTime Call on Android or Other Devices
Non-Apple users can use the FaceTime link from any device. Currently, non-Apple users can only join calls that were started by Apple users. They can’t start a FaceTime call themselves.
If you had non-Apple using friends or family members who always had to be left out of FaceTime calls, now they can easily join in.
Non-Apple users also do not need an Apple ID to join the call. Here’s how they can join:
- Open the link in your browser and enter your name. Use your real name because the host can only identify you by that name when joining without an account. Then, click ‘Continue.’
- If it’s your first time using FaceTime on your browser, you’ll get a request to access your camera and microphone. Click ‘Allow’ on the prompt.
- Then, click ‘Join’ to enter the waiting room.
- Your screen will say “Waiting to be let in.” Once the call host accepts you, you will be added to the call.
With these unique web links, FaceTime calls will be accessible to everyone once iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey are officially released.