Apple allows you to invite others to a FaceTime call by sharing a link, and this link can be used on devices other than iPhones and iPads. Here’s how to create one and share it with all your friends.
Related: How to make a voice call via Facetime
What are FaceTime links?
A FaceTime link is similar to the type of link you create with other video conferencing apps like Zoom and Google Meetings. It gives you an easy way to invite family, friends, co-workers and other acquaintances to a video chat. This feature undoubtedly originated from the COVID-19 pandemic due to the number of people who have had to turn to video conferencing to get work done and stay connected.
Before that, you had to manually add everyone you wanted in a FaceTime call, but now it’s just as easy as sending the URL to whoever you want to talk to.
However, you can’t schedule a FaceTime call other than creating a link and asking everyone to access it at a specific time.
What devices support FaceTime links?
By default, any mobile device or PC with a camera, microphone, and access to a web browser can use the FaceTime link to join a call. This means that not only iPhone, iPad, and Mac users will be able to participate, but those using Windows, Android, and even Linux will be able to do so for the first time.
While FaceTime will open directly when you click or tap this link on an Apple device, users on Windows, Android or Linux will be taken to Default browser as there is no official FaceTime app for these platforms. The call controls will be less comprehensive since you won’t be working on an Apple device.
How to create and send a FaceTime link
First, go to the FaceTime app on your device. Next, click on the Create Link button near the top of your screen.
From there your share sheet will appear. You can either share the link directly through your messaging app or copy and paste the link where you want. You can also add a name to the call, for example, if you are going to discuss a particular topic.
If you choose to copy the link, simply open your favorite messaging app (we’re using iMessage for this example) and long press on the text box in the chat thread. Then select “Paste” and hit the submit button.
After you’ve done this with everyone you want to invite, you’re ready to go on a FaceTime call. Go back to the FaceTime app and select the call you set up, located under Upcoming.
Then hit the connect button and you’re ready to go.
If your friends and family have never opened a FaceTime link on their devices before, consider sending them our guides. With FaceTime on Windows and FaceTime on Android.
