FaceTime already works on non-Apple devices: with the release of iOS 15, and after installing the servers, It is now possible to access calls and video calls from an Android mobile. We show you how to achieve it and how our experience has been.
With the release of iOS 15, Apple has opened up its hands in terms of compatibility with other platforms of its applications. Apart from Apple Music audio news on Android, and that there will be an application for this system with which to manage the AirTags, FaceTime video calls can finally be used outside of Apple systems. All thanks to the new links to the conferences: we tested it on our Android.
Go to a FaceTime call or video call if you have the link
Despite Apple’s greater openness, there will still be one essential part of using FaceTime: communication must be initiated by an iPhone, iPad or macOS
After testing the beta of iOS 15, with the installation of the developer version on an iPhone 12 Pro Max, we opened FaceTime with its respective link in the Google Chrome browser of a Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and a OnePlus North. We’ve been testing since the same Monday afternoon when iOS 15 was released, but it’s only today, Thursday (June 10) when Apple servers have established connections. Previously, the link could be created, but the call did not work.
Apple servers activated the link and allowed the call to come in from foreign devices, but did not establish the call due to connection errors
FaceTime works quite well on devices outside of the Apple ecosystem, and that at no time is a dedicated application used. The calls are stable, the video is of sufficient quality (we noticed some loss of sharpness), we did not experience any hops or stops (WiFi and mobile data), and in general you could say that the communications are more than correct. At least under optimal internet connection conditions. And with the advantage of only needing a browser (Chrome or Safari, in their latest versions).
Do you want to know how to make FaceTime call or video call for users of android or any other platform? Let’s see.
- FaceTime call must be initiated by an Apple device updated to the latest developer beta (iPhone, iPad or macOS). For the tests, we used an iPhone 12 Pro Max with the corresponding iOS 15.
- Open FaceTime on the device (with the latest beta) and click “Create Link.”
- Share the link with whoever you want or just copy it to the clipboard and then send it through the app of your choice.
- Click on the call you created: it’s ready to accept anyone with the link. This, yes, you will always be the one who approves their participation.
- Click “Join” and you will be in the call or video call. Mute the microphone or camera as desired.
- Anyone who receives the link to FaceTime will be able to enter from the browser. Google Chrome is required on Android updated to the next version.
- Participants with the link should enter the call by clicking “Join” after entering an identifying name. A request will appear in your FaceTime for you to accept or reject.
Appearance of FaceTime in Google Chrome for Android
- Each participant will join FaceTime with the option of activating the camera and microphone.
- FaceTime supports video calls of up to 32 people.
As we said, the calls via FaceTime and Android seemed quite stable and with sufficient quality, but they are still far from applications like Google Meet or Zoom. Another great step forward (they are in beta). And it’s great news that Apple is opening up one of its key services, especially for families and groups of friends where not everyone has an iPhone.
