Yes, You Can Join Apple FaceTime Calls From an Android Phone or PC. Here’s How – CNET
Apple has a way for Android phone owners (and people on Windows PCs) to join FaceTime calls with iPhone users. No special software required. Here’s how it all works.
With iOS 15, links let Windows and Android users take a FaceTime video call from a browser for the first time.One of the most popular features on the iPhone is FaceTime which allows Apple users to make video calls and audio calls across Apple devices. But in 2021, the iPhone-maker made it possible for Android and PC owners to join FaceTime calls. This was one of the initial steps Apple took to make its ecosystem more accessible, though these changes are still quite limited.For example, while iMessage remains exclusive to iOS, Apple announced RCS support as part of iOS 18 at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June. Rich Communication Services is used widely on Android phones for texting and Apple’s adoption should improve the messaging experience between iPhone users and those on Android devices. This doesn’t mean the end of blue and green bubbles, though. The announcement is another sign that Apple sees value in giving Android users access to some of its most well-known features, albeit on its own terms.When Apple announced it was expanding FaceTime access, many were under the impression that Apple had made FaceTime for Android, when in reality the company had made it possible for people to join a FaceTime call from a web browser. This means Android and PC users can participate in FaceTime conversations, but there’s a catch: they can’t initiate calls directly, they can only join when invited. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to initiate FaceTime calls to Android users if you’re an iPhone user, and how to receive FaceTime calls if you use an Android phone.Like with any call, someone has to initiate it. And if you’re on an Android phone or using a PC, that person is going to have to be someone with an iPhone, iPad or Mac.Here’s how to initiate a FaceTime call as an iOS user:The process is nearly identical to generating a FaceTime video call link from a Mac.First, you must create the FaceTime link on an Apple device (left) and then you can share it with an Android user, which they can then open in their web browser (right).If you’re an Android user, here’s how to join a FaceTime call:If you’re on a PC, this process works as well.Remember, Android alternatives including Google Meet, Zoom and Microsoft Teams allow Android users to initiate video calls, and remain great options for video calls between Android and iOS devices.
