This article was published in 2011 and updated in October 2026.
FaceTime is Apple’s free video and audio calling app. When it launched with the iPhone 4, it only worked over Wi-Fi and between two Apple devices. Today it works over mobile data, supports group calls, and even lets friends with Android phones or Windows PCs join through a web link. Here’s how to video chat with FaceTime.
Which devices support FaceTime?
- iPhone, iPad and iPod touch — FaceTime is built in.
- Mac — the FaceTime app comes with macOS.
- Apple TV 4K — with tvOS 17 or later, using your iPhone or iPad as the camera.
- Apple Watch — FaceTime audio calls.
- Android and Windows — can’t start FaceTime calls, but can join one through a link in a web browser.
Set up FaceTime on iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings, find FaceTime (under Apps on newer iOS versions) and switch it on.
- Sign in with your Apple Account if asked.
- Under You can be reached by FaceTime at, choose your phone number and/or e-mail addresses.
FaceTime works over Wi-Fi and mobile data. Video calls use quite a lot of data, so use Wi-Fi when you can if your plan is limited.
Make a FaceTime call
- Open the FaceTime app and tap New FaceTime.
- Type the person’s name, phone number or e-mail address.
- Tap the video button for a video call, or the phone button for a FaceTime audio call.
You can also start a FaceTime call from a contact card, the Phone app or a Messages conversation. During the call you can switch cameras, turn on Portrait mode to blur the background, or share your screen.
Video chat from your Mac
Open the FaceTime app, sign in with your Apple Account and choose the phone number or e-mail addresses people can reach you at. Calls work just like on the iPhone. When someone calls you, all your signed-in Apple devices ring, so you can answer on whichever one is closest. With Continuity Camera, you can even use your iPhone as a high-quality webcam for your Mac.
Group FaceTime
Up to 32 people can join a Group FaceTime call. Add several contacts when you start a new call, or start a group call from a group chat in Messages. With SharePlay, you can watch films, listen to music or share your screen together during the call.
Invite friends with Android or Windows
- In the FaceTime app, tap Create Link and share it via Messages, e-mail or any other app.
- Your friend opens the link in an up-to-date browser such as Chrome or Edge and enters their name.
- You admit them to the call from your Apple device.
Troubleshooting tips
- Check that FaceTime is switched on and that you’re signed in with your Apple Account.
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
- Update your device to the latest software version.
- FaceTime isn’t available in every country, or may have limited features in some countries.
hifu prostate treatment
Oct 27. 2011
I’ll definitely try this when I’ll get my iPhone 4S. I just ordered it 2 days ago and hopefully it would arrive next week. Thank you!
admin
Oct 27. 2011
That’s really great …
Tracyann0312
Oct 27. 2011
This can be great. Can I ask can this be used in different networking site when you chat?
admin
Oct 28. 2011
Yeah there is an app for this on facebook … not sure about the other SNS
Tracyann0312
Oct 31. 2011
Hey! Admin, thanks for your reply. Good to know that there is an application on Facebook. I will try it!
admin
Oct 31. 2011
You’re welcome…
ElectronicsNews
Oct 27. 2011
Thanks for the apps, very informative post to know the details……
ghostfighter0506
Oct 27. 2011
Nice blog post! Thanks for sharing it. | 😛
admin
Oct 28. 2011
Thanks to Erinn for the contribution …
Eden Grace
Oct 30. 2011
Thanks for this great blog. I can share this to my friends. Keep it up!
Eric Murphy
Oct 31. 2011
Its great dude. I never known to this. thanks for letting us know about it.
FelipeG
Oct 31. 2011
Great post! Thanks for explaining this to us! haven’t downloaded it yet. most of my friends have other brands of phone anyway!
junaid
Oct 31. 2011
Is this familiar to Skype or fring video call
admin
Nov 01. 2011
yes it is …but the drawback is that it can be used only on specified apple products
joseph brown
Nov 01. 2011
Nice Posting thank you i like it but i cant use this because i have iphone 3
junaid
Nov 01. 2011
can it be used on iPad?can we get it on the APPLE store?
admin
Nov 01. 2011
it can be used on iPad2 ….
junaid
Nov 02. 2011
any special requirement of adobe player
admin
Nov 02. 2011
no such requirement is stated ….
Marty
Nov 03. 2011
FaceTime is pretty great, I tried two days ago an was impressed
Praveen Kumar
Nov 03. 2011
Wow, Nice information’s this is a very useful thanks for info.
Charles
Nov 04. 2011
I wasn’t aware of FaceTime but it does look very simple. The ringing feature is great but I wonder if it could be set up to ring on the iPad as well?
admin
Nov 04. 2011
Yes you can … Check this out
fazal mayar
Nov 15. 2011
thanks for this, i want to use facetime as im tired of using only skype
admin
Nov 16. 2011
give a try and do share your experience… here ….