The Ultimate Guide to Using FaceTime on Your Windows Computer

Are you an avid video chat user and want to use FaceTime on your Windows PC? Then you’ve come to the right place! FaceTime is proprietary technology owned by Apple and runs on iPads, iPhones, and Mac, which means that it doesn't work with Windows right out of the box.

Apple has not released an app for Windows, but anyone with an iOS device can create an invite link that’ll work on other Windows applications like Google Chrome. Let’s look at how you can use FaceTime on Your Windows PC.

Joining FaceTime Calls on Windows PC

As a Windows owner, you cannot host a meeting on FaceTime independently. This is because there’s no FaceTime app for the Windows operating system. You’ll need a friend with an iOS device to create an invite link for you to join a FaceTime call on your Windows PC.

To join a virtual meeting using the invite link shared by your friend or colleague, you have to use browsers like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Your friends can also follow the steps explained in the sections below to help them generate a FaceTime link on their iOS device. That will make the task of setting up and joining a FaceTime call on a Windows PC easier.

How FaceTime Works on Windows

Now that you know there’s no FaceTime app on Windows, you must be wondering—how does it work on Windows? FaceTime only works on two browsers available on Windows: such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. As such it’s a good idea to download either app before proceeding.

Related: Microsoft Edge vs. Google Chrome: Which Is the Best Browser?

As we discussed earlier, you’ll need an invite link generated by a friend with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. They’ll also need to share the invite link with you so that you can join the meeting. This means that you cannot generate a link on your Windows device or join a meeting without a link.

Once you connect to FaceTime on your Windows browsers, you’ll realize that there are other restrictions to using the app. FaceTime for Windows doesn’t support the SharePlay feature that allows you to watch movies or listen to Apple music with friends while FaceTiming.

The app also only offers basic controls like enabling and disabling video, muting and unmuting audio, and a grid layout. Regardless of these limitations, FaceTime allows you to connect with iOS device owners on your Windows PC without the need for an Apple ID account.

Creating a FaceTime Invite Link on Mac

If the friend you wish to FaceTime with owns a Mac, you’ll need to ping them and tell them to create the meeting link. They can follow the steps below to help them generate and share the invite link for you to try FaceTime on Windows.

1. On your Mac, locate the FaceTime app and open it. Sign in with your Apple ID or Create a New Apple ID if you don’t have one.
2. Once open, click on the Create Link button found in the conversation browser. If you wish, you can name the link.
3. Now that you’ve generated the FaceTime link click on the "i" button to access the share option.
4. Next, click on the Share button in the menu and select the desired sharing method. You can share the link via Mail, Messages, or other messaging applications supported in the Share Menu. It’s also possible to copy the invite link and share it through other messaging apps like Telegram or Whatsapp for desktop.

Creating a FaceTime Invite Link on an iPad or iPhone

Creating a FaceTime link on iPad and iPhone is straightforward. As already stated, you’ll have to ask your friend with an iOS device to make and share the invite link with you. To create and share a FaceTime link on their device, they’ll have to follow the steps below.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, locate the FaceTime app and launch it. Create a New Apple ID if you are a new user or Sign In if you already have one.
2. On the FaceTime App, tap on the Create Link button to generate an invite link.
3. With the generated link on your app, you can now share it with friends on Windows. You’ll need to go to the Upcoming section of the FaceTime app and locate the generated link.
4. Tap on the "i" button next to the FaceTime link to open more options in the menu like Join FaceTime, Share Link, and Delete link.

5. Click on the Share Link option in the menu and select the preferred method of sharing on your device. You can copy the link or share it directly via Whatsapp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and more.

How to Use FaceTime on a Windows PC

Once you’ve received the FaceTime invite link from your friend with either the Mac or iOS devices, you can now join the virtual meeting. To do this on your Windows device, follow the steps below:

1. Tap on the FaceTime invite link shared and open it on Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser to get started. You can also copy the link and paste it on either browser.
2. The link will open the FaceTime web experience page, where you’ll get a prompt to Enter Your Name. Enter your name and hit the Continue button.
3. A pop-up message will appear on the website requesting permission to access your device’s camera and microphone. Click on the Allow button to grant access to the camera and microphone on your Windows PC.

4. On the bottom left of the page, click on the Join button to request the host to let you enter the virtual meeting.

5. A Waiting to be let in prompt will appear, indicating that the host has received your request to join the meeting.
6. When your friend accepts the request to join the meeting, you’ll be able to FaceTime on your Windows PC. You can also leave the meeting anytime you want by clicking on the red Leave button.

Downloading FaceTime on Windows

If you’re looking for a video calling app that offers crystal clear videos and audio, then downloading FaceTime is the best option for you. However, if you don’t own an iOS device or a Mac, it's tricky to get FaceTime up and working.

Emulators like iPadian allow you to install iOS on your device, but we don’t recommend their use. The most significant risk to using third-party emulators on Windows is that you expose yourself to security threats. These emulators can also slow your PC, particularly if you have an old processor or less RAM on your device.

In summary, there is no FaceTime app available for download on Windows at the moment. However, there are other equally exciting video call apps that you can download on your Windows device.

Now You Know How to Use Facetime on Windows

Now you know how to use FaceTime on your Windows PC when you want to chat with your friends or colleagues that own iOS devices. You can also easily access the platform on your Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser since FaceTime is now available for Windows and Android. It’s now easy to generate links on Mac and iOS devices and enjoy a virtual meeting with friends on their Windows PC.