A FaceTime link is a shareable web address that lets anyone join a video call with you, even if they don't have FaceTime installed

When you create a FaceTime link, Apple generates a unique URL — something like facetime.apple.com/join/abc123xyz — that you can send to anyone by text, email, or messaging app. The person who receives it clicks the link and joins your call in their web browser, without needing an Apple device or a FaceTime account. You stay in control: you can start the call whenever you're ready, and the link doesn't work until you're actually in the call waiting for people to join.

This is different from calling someone directly through FaceTime, where you need their phone number or Apple ID. A FaceTime link works more like a meeting room that you open and close. It's useful when you want to include people who use Android phones, Windows computers, or older devices that don't support FaceTime natively.

Key Takeaways

  • A FaceTime link is a web address you create and share that lets people join your call through a browser, without needing FaceTime or an Apple device.
  • You create the link on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and it only works when you're actively in the call waiting for others to join.
  • Anyone with the link can join — they don't need to sign in or have an Apple account, and they can use Android, Windows, or any device with a web browser.
  • You can share the link by text, email, or any messaging app, and you can create a new link for each call or reuse the same one.
  • The person on the other end sees your name and can choose to join with video, audio only, or just listen without a camera.

How FaceTime links differ from regular FaceTime calls

A regular FaceTime call requires the other person to have an Apple device and either your phone number or your Apple ID saved in their contacts. You initiate the call directly to them, and they see your name pop up on their screen. If they don't answer, the call goes to voicemail or rings until they decline it.

A FaceTime link works the opposite way. You create the link first and share it with whoever you want — one person or a hundred. They click it when they're ready, and the call connects only after they join. You're not calling them; they're joining a call you've already started. This means you don't need their contact information, and they don't need yours. It also means you have more control over when the conversation actually begins.

Where to create a FaceTime link on your device

On an iPhone or iPad, open the FaceTime app and tap the plus sign (+) in the top right corner. Tap "Create a Link" and Apple generates a unique URL. You can then tap "Share" to send it by text, email, or any app on your phone. The link appears in your FaceTime app under "Upcoming" until you actually start the call.

On a Mac, open FaceTime and click the plus sign (+) in the top left corner. Select "Create a Link" from the menu. A window appears with your new link. You can click "Copy" to paste it into an email or message, or click "Share" to send it directly through Mail, Messages, or other apps.

On a Windows PC or Android device, you cannot create a FaceTime link — only Apple devices can generate them. However, you can receive and join a link that someone else created by clicking the URL in your browser.

What happens when someone clicks your FaceTime link

When the other person clicks your FaceTime link, their browser opens to a page that shows your name and a "Join" button. They don't need to sign in or create an account. They can choose to join with video, join with audio only, or just listen without turning on their camera. Once they tap "Join," they enter the call and can see and hear you (if you've already started the call and are waiting).

If you haven't started the call yet, they see a waiting screen that says you'll be there soon. They stay on that screen until you open FaceTime on your device and begin the call. Once you do, the connection happens automatically and they can see you.

How to start a call using your FaceTime link

After you create a FaceTime link and share it with people, you need to actually start the call on your device. Open the FaceTime app and find the link you created — it will be listed under "Upcoming" with the date and time you created it. Tap on it to start the call. Your device's camera and microphone turn on, and you're now waiting for people to join through the link you shared.

People who have already clicked the link will see you appear on their screen. New people can still click the link and join at any time while you're in the call. You can see everyone who's joined and can end the call whenever you're done — once you hang up, the link stops working and no one else can join.

Reusing a FaceTime link for multiple calls

You can use the same FaceTime link for more than one call. If you create a link and share it, you can start that call, end it, and then start it again later using the same link. The people you shared it with can use it multiple times without you having to create a new one each time.

However, if you want a fresh link for privacy reasons — for example, if you want to make sure only new people can join and old invitations don't work anymore — you can delete the old link and create a new one. On iPhone or iPad, swipe left on the link in FaceTime and tap "Delete." On Mac, right-click the link and select "Delete." Then create a new link and share that instead.

Security and privacy with FaceTime links

A FaceTime link only works when you're actively in the call. If you're not in FaceTime waiting for people to join, clicking the link shows a message that the call isn't available yet. This means someone can't use the link to spy on you or join a call without your knowledge — you have to be there first.

Anyone who has the link can join, so treat it like you would a meeting room password. Don't post it publicly on social media or websites where strangers can find it. If you share it with a specific group of people, send it through a private message or email rather than a public channel. If you think a link has been shared with the wrong person, delete it and create a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a FaceTime link on an Android phone?

You cannot create a FaceTime link on Android, but you can join one. When someone sends you a FaceTime link, click it and your browser opens to a page where you can join the call. You'll see the other person's name and can choose to join with video or audio only.

What if someone clicks my FaceTime link but I'm not in the call yet?

They'll see a waiting screen that says the call isn't available yet. They can stay on that screen, and once you open FaceTime and start the call, they'll be connected automatically. They don't have to click the link again.

Can I set a password on a FaceTime link?

No, FaceTime links don't have password protection. The link itself is the access — if someone has it, they can join. If you need to restrict who joins, only share the link with people you trust, or delete and recreate the link if you think it's been shared too widely.

Does the other person need WiFi to use a FaceTime link?

Yes, they need an internet connection — either WiFi or mobile data — to join a FaceTime call through a link. The call runs through the internet, not through a phone network, so they'll use data if they're on cellular.

Can I see who joined my FaceTime call through a link?

Yes, during the call you can see everyone who's joined — their names appear on your screen. After the call ends, FaceTime shows you a list of who was on the call, similar to a regular FaceTime group call.