The simplest way to invite someone to FaceTime

You can send a FaceTime link through Messages, Mail, or any app that lets you share text or a web address. The person who receives the link taps it, and FaceTime opens on their device — they do not need to be in your contacts or have you added as a friend first. On iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you create the link in the FaceTime app itself. On Android or Windows, you cannot start a FaceTime call, but you can receive one if someone sends you the link.

The link works whether the other person has an Apple device or not. If they are on Android or Windows, they open the link in a web browser and join that way. If they are on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, they can open it in the FaceTime app or in a browser. Either way, the call connects to you.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open FaceTime, start a new call, and tap the link icon to copy a shareable link.
  • You can send the link through Messages, Mail, Notes, or any other app — the person does not need to be in your contacts.
  • Android and Windows users can join a FaceTime call by opening the link in a web browser, but they cannot start a call themselves.
  • The link stays active until you end the call, and you can share it with multiple people at once for a group call.
  • The person joining does not need to read FaceTime or create an account if they use a web browser.

How to create and copy a FaceTime link on iPhone or iPad

Open the FaceTime app and tap the plus sign in the top left corner to start a new call. Type the name or phone number of the person you want to call, or leave it blank if you just want to create a link to share. At the bottom of the screen, you will see a link icon (it looks like a chain). Tap it, then tap "Copy Link" from the menu that appears. The link is now in your clipboard.

Paste the link anywhere you want to send it: into a text message, an email, a note, or a social media app. The person who receives it can tap or click the link to join the FaceTime call. If you have not started the call yet, they will see a waiting screen until you do. Once you tap the call button, they will ring through to you.

How to create and copy a FaceTime link on Mac

Open the FaceTime app from your Applications folder or Launchpad. Click the plus sign in the top left corner to start a new call. Type a name or phone number, or leave it blank. Look for the link icon in the window and click it, then select "Copy Link" from the menu. The link is now copied to your clipboard.

Paste it into Mail, Messages, Notes, or any other app where you want to send it. The recipient can click the link to open FaceTime or join through a web browser. The process is the same as on iPhone and iPad — they see a waiting screen until you initiate the call.

Sending the link through Messages or Mail

After you copy the FaceTime link, open Messages or Mail on your device. Create a new message or email and paste the link into the text field. You can add a message like "Let's FaceTime at 3pm" or "Here's a link to join my call." Send the message the way you normally would.

The recipient will see the link in their message or email. On iPhone, iPad, or Mac, they can tap it directly and FaceTime will open. On Android or Windows, they can tap or click the link and it will open in their web browser, where they can join the call without downloading anything.

Sharing a FaceTime link for group calls

You can use the same link to invite multiple people to one call. Create the link as described above, then send it to as many people as you want through Messages, Mail, or any other method. Everyone who opens the link will join the same FaceTime call with you and each other.

There is no limit to how many people can join a FaceTime call through a link, though the call may slow down or become harder to see clearly if too many people are on at once. If you want to end the call, tap or click the red hang-up button. Everyone will be disconnected, and the link will no longer work.

What happens when someone joins through a link

When the recipient opens the FaceTime link, they see a screen with your name and a button to join the call. If you have not started the call yet, they will wait on this screen until you do. Once you tap the call button on your device, the call rings through to them and they can answer.

If they are on an Apple device, FaceTime opens automatically. If they are on Android or Windows, the link opens in their web browser and they join from there. Either way, the video and audio work the same — they can see you and you can see them, and you can talk back and forth.

Ending a FaceTime call and disabling the link

To end the call, tap or click the red hang-up button on your device. Everyone on the call will be disconnected. The link will no longer work after you hang up, so you cannot reuse it for a new call — you will need to create a new link if you want to call again.

If you want to stop sharing a link before the call starts, you can delete the message or email you sent it in, but the link itself will still work if someone has already copied it. The safest way to prevent someone from joining is to not share the link with them in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to add someone to my contacts before sending them a FaceTime link?

No. The link works whether the person is in your contacts or not. They do not need to have you in their contacts either. Anyone who receives the link can open it and join the call.

Can someone on Android or Windows start a FaceTime call?

No. Android and Windows users can only join a FaceTime call if someone with an Apple device sends them the link. They cannot initiate a call themselves through FaceTime.

What if someone opens the FaceTime link but I am not ready to call yet?

They will see a waiting screen with your name and a button to join. They can wait there until you start the call, or they can close the link and try again later. The link stays active until you end the call.

Can I reuse the same FaceTime link for multiple calls?

No. Each link works for one call only. Once you hang up, that link stops working. If you want to call the same person again, you need to create a new link.

Is a FaceTime link find?

FaceTime calls are encrypted end-to-end, meaning only you and the people on the call can see or hear what is happening. However, anyone who has the link can join the call, so only share it with people you trust.