The simplest way to start a FaceTime call with someone
You can send a FaceTime link through Messages, Mail, or any other app on your device, and the person who receives it can join your call by tapping the link — even if they use Android. The link works whether you start the call first or send it before anyone joins. On iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you create the link in the FaceTime app itself, then copy it and paste it wherever you want to send it.
The person receiving the link does not need to own an Apple device or have FaceTime installed. They open the link in any web browser and see your name, then tap to join. This makes FaceTime links useful for calling people across different platforms, or for sharing a call with a group without needing everyone's phone number or email address.
Key Takeaways
- FaceTime links work on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Android through a web browser, so you can call anyone regardless of what device they own.
- You create a link in the FaceTime app, copy it, and paste it into Messages, Mail, or any other app where you want to send it.
- The person who receives the link taps it and joins your call in a browser — they do not need to read anything or create an account.
- You can send a link before the call starts or during an active call, and multiple people can join the same link at the same time.
- Links expire after the call ends, so you need to create a new link each time you want to start a new call.
How to create a FaceTime link on iPhone or iPad
Open the FaceTime app and tap the plus sign (+) in the top left corner. Tap "Create Link". FaceTime generates a unique link and shows it on your screen. Tap "Copy" to copy the link to your clipboard.
Once you have copied the link, open Messages, Mail, or any other app where you want to send it. Paste the link (long-press and tap Paste, or use Ctrl+V on iPad with a keyboard). Send the message or email as you normally would. The person who receives it will see your FaceTime link and can tap it to join a call with you.
If you want to send the link to multiple people, you can paste it into a group message or send it to several contacts one at a time. Everyone who has the link can join the same call, and you will see all of them on your screen once they tap the link.
How to create a FaceTime link on Mac
Open the FaceTime app on your Mac. Click the plus sign (+) in the top left corner of the window. Click "Create Link". FaceTime shows your link on the screen. Click "Copy" to copy it.
Open Mail, Messages, or any other app where you want to send the link. Paste the link (Command+V) into your message or email. Send it the way you normally would. The recipient can open the link in any web browser and join your call.
You can also drag the link directly from FaceTime into a message or email if you prefer. Just click and hold the link, then drag it into the other app's window.
Sending a FaceTime link through different apps
After you copy your FaceTime link, you can paste it anywhere: text message, email, social media direct message, Slack, Discord, or any other messaging platform. The link itself works the same way no matter where you send it.
If you are sending the link through email, you can paste it directly into the body of the message or include it in a longer message with other details (like what time you plan to call). If you are using Messages or another text app, just paste the link and send it as a regular message.
Some apps may automatically turn the link into a clickable button or preview. Others will show it as plain text. Either way, the person who receives it can tap or click the link to join your FaceTime call.
What happens when someone receives your FaceTime link
When the person who receives your link taps or clicks it, their browser opens and shows your name along with a "Join" button. They tap the Join button, and FaceTime asks for their name so you know who is calling in. They type their name and tap Join again, and then they appear in your FaceTime call.
They do not need to have FaceTime installed, create an Apple ID, or own an Apple device. The link works in any web browser on any computer or phone. If they are on an iPhone or iPad and already have FaceTime installed, tapping the link may open FaceTime directly instead of a browser, but the result is the same — they join your call.
If you have not started the call yet when they tap the link, they will see a waiting screen with your name. Once you join the call from your device, they will see you and the call begins.
Starting a call before or after you send the link
You do not have to start your FaceTime call before you send the link. You can create the link, send it to people, and then start the call whenever you are ready. The people who received the link can join as soon as you begin the call, or they can wait and join later — the link stays active as long as the call is ongoing.
If you want to start the call right away, you can tap the link yourself from your device, or just wait for the first person to tap it. Once someone joins, the call is active and other people can join by tapping the same link.
After the call ends, the link expires and cannot be used again. If you want to call the same people another time, you need to create a new link.
Troubleshooting common issues with FaceTime links
If someone says they cannot see the link you sent, check that you actually copied and pasted it correctly. Open your FaceTime app and create the link again, then copy it a second time and send it. Sometimes the link does not copy properly the first time.
If the person taps the link but sees an error message, ask them to try a different web browser. Some older browsers do not support FaceTime links. Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox all work, but very old versions may not. They can also try closing the browser completely and opening the link again.
If the link worked before but does not work now, the call may have ended. FaceTime links only work while the call is active. You need to create a new link and start a new call if you want to call again later.
If you are on an older version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, FaceTime links may not be available. Make sure your device is updated to the latest version of its operating system. FaceTime links became available in iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a FaceTime link to call someone on Android?
Yes. The person on Android opens the link in their web browser and joins your call. They do not need to read FaceTime or have an Apple device. The call works the same way as if they were on iPhone or Mac.
What if I want to call the same person again — can I reuse the link?
No. Each link expires after the call ends. You need to create a new link every time you want to start a new call. This keeps old links from accidentally connecting to the wrong call.
Can I send a FaceTime link to a group of people at once?
Yes. You can paste the same link into a group message, group email, or any other platform where multiple people can see it. Everyone who taps the link joins the same call together.
Do I have to be on my device to create a FaceTime link?
Yes. You create the link in the FaceTime app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You cannot create a link from a website or by sending a request to someone else — you have to generate it yourself from your device.
What if someone joins the FaceTime link but I am not there yet?
They will see a waiting screen with your name on it. The call does not start until you join from your device. Once you tap into the call, they will see you and you can start talking.