How can i facetime an iphone with an android

FaceTime on a Windows computer.

Todd Haselton | CNBC

Apple's big iOS 15 update for iPhones lets you invite Windows and Android users into your FaceTime calls.

It's the first time that's been possible. Previously, FaceTime calls were limited to people using iPhones, iPads and Macs.

Now, when you start a FaceTime call from an iPhone, you can invite people using other gadgets, like a Windows computer or an Android phone. All you do is send them a link that they can open in a web browser to join the call. It means you and your family don't have to pick a different app if you have a mix of people using different software.

You have to approve anyone who tries to join using that link, which helps prevent random people who get the link from joining your call. One note: someone still needs an Apple device, like an iPhone or an iPad, to start the call. But then anyone can join.

Here's what to do:

• Install iOS 15 if you haven't already.
• Open FaceTime on your iPhone (or iPad).
• Tap the "Create Link" button on the top left.
• Choose how you want to send the link. You can send it via a text message, email or through any third-party messaging apps on your device, like Teams or Slack. Send it.
• You'll see the main FaceTime screen after you've sent the link to a friend.
• Now tap "FaceTime Link" on the left to start the call from your iPhone or iPad.
• Tap "Join."
• Now anyone who has the link can click it, enter their name and request to join the conversation.
• As the host, you'll now approve anyone who wants to join by tapping a green check mark button.

That's it!

• You can join a FaceTime call on an Android or PC by clicking a link sent to you by someone with an Apple device.
• The person with the Apple device needs to be running at least iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or macOS 12 Monterey.
• Once you get the FaceTime link, you'll open it in your Android or PC's web browser.

FaceTime is a reliable way to video chat between iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. If you have one of these Apple devices, it's easy to take FaceTime for granted. 

Unfortunately, there's no way for Android users to download the FaceTime app or start their own FaceTime calls. But with the release of iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS 12 Monterey, anyone can join a FaceTime call — even from an Android phone.

Here's how to send a FaceTime invite from an Apple device, and then how to join that FaceTime call on your Android phone or Windows PC.

How to join a FaceTime call on an Android or PC

Android and Windows users still can't start FaceTime calls. But as long as you have Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, you can join calls that others make.

First, someone with an Apple device needs to start the FaceTime call. To do this, they'll need:

• An iPhone running at least iOS 15
• An iPad running at least iPadOS 15
• A Mac running at least macOS Monterey

1. Have the Apple user open the FaceTime app on their device and select Create Link at the top of the app. 

2. In the pop-up, the Apple user then needs to select how they'd like to share the link — via Messages, Mail, Snapchat, AirDrop, or another app. It doesn't matter which method you use, the Android or PC user just needs to have the link.

3. Once the Android or Windows user receives the link to facetime.apple.com, they need to open it in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

4. Have the Android or Windows user enter their name and hit Continue. 

5. Once joined, have the Android or Windows user hit the green Join button in the floating pop-up. They might also need to give FaceTime permission to use their microphone and camera.

6. The Apple user will then need to accept their request to join.

7. Once both parties have entered the call, they'll both see the same options to mute themselves, show or hide their camera, leave the call, and more.