A FaceTime link is a shareable URL that lets anyone join a video call with you, even if they don't have FaceTime installed
When you create a FaceTime link, you get a web address (starting with facetime.apple.com) that you can send to anyone via text, email, or messaging app. The person who receives it can click the link and join your call directly from their web browser — they don't need an Apple device or a FaceTime account. You start the call from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and they join through the link on any device with internet access.
This is different from a regular FaceTime call, where both people need Apple devices and FaceTime accounts. The link feature was added to make FaceTime work more like Zoom or Google Meet, where the barrier to entry is lower. If you're calling someone on Android, Windows, or an older device, a FaceTime link is often the simplest way to connect.
Key Takeaways
- A FaceTime link is a web address you create on your Apple device that lets anyone join your call through a browser, regardless of what device they use.
- The person joining does not need an Apple account, FaceTime installed, or any special software — just a web browser and the link you send them.
- You create and start the call from your Apple device, and you control when the call begins and ends.
- FaceTime links work on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and also on Android and Windows devices when the other person opens the link in a browser.
How 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 left corner. Select "Create a Link" and choose who you want to invite — you can pick specific people or just share it broadly. FaceTime generates a unique link that you can copy and send however you want. The link stays active until you delete it, so you can reuse it for multiple calls with the same group if you want.
On a Mac, open FaceTime and click "File" in the menu bar, then "Create a Link." Copy the link and paste it into an email, message, or document. The process is the same — you're creating a shareable URL that others can use to join calls with you.
Once you've created the link, you can send it to as many people as you want. When you're ready to have a call, you start it from your Apple device, and anyone who has the link can join through their browser. You don't have to invite them individually each time — they just click the link when they see it.
What happens when someone joins through your link
When the other person receives your FaceTime link and clicks it, they'll see a screen asking them to enter their name. They type in whatever name they want to go by during the call — it doesn't have to be their real name or match anything on their device. Then they click "Join" and wait for you to accept them into the call.
On your end, you'll see a notification that someone is trying to join. You can accept or decline them. Once you accept, they appear on your screen just like they would in a regular FaceTime call. The video and audio quality is the same as a standard FaceTime call, and you can use features like screen sharing and effects if your device supports them.
If the person joining is on Android or Windows, they're using a web browser version of FaceTime, so some features may not be available — but basic video and audio always work. They can see you and you can see them, which is what matters for most calls.
When to use a FaceTime link instead of a regular call
Use a FaceTime link when you're calling someone who doesn't have an Apple device or doesn't have FaceTime set up. It's also useful when you want to invite a group and don't want to manage a contact list — just send one link and anyone who has it can join. Some people use FaceTime links for scheduled meetings or recurring calls where the same group joins repeatedly.
A FaceTime link is not the best choice if you're calling someone you know well and already have their contact information. A regular FaceTime call is faster in that case — just tap their name and go. Links are better for situations where the other person might not be in your contacts, or where you want to keep things simple for someone less familiar with technology.
If you're running a large group call with many people, FaceTime links work but can get crowded on screen. Zoom or Google Meet might be better for that. But for one-on-one calls or small groups, a FaceTime link is straightforward and requires nothing from the other person except a browser.
How to manage and delete FaceTime links
Once you create a link, it stays active until you delete it. To delete a link on iPhone or iPad, open FaceTime, find the link in your recent calls or contacts, swipe left on it, and tap "Delete." On a Mac, right-click the link and select "Delete." Deleting a link means anyone who tries to use it afterward will get an error — the link no longer works.
You can create as many links as you want, and each one is unique. Some people create a new link for each call for privacy, while others reuse the same link for regular meetings with the same group. There's no limit to how many links you can have active at once, so choose whatever approach works for you.
If you share a link and later want to prevent someone from using it, deleting the link is the only way. The person who has the link can still see it in their messages or email, but clicking it won't work anymore. There's no way to revoke a link for just one person while keeping it active for others.
Troubleshooting common FaceTime link problems
If someone clicks your link and gets an error, the most common reason is that the link has expired or been deleted. Ask them to check that they have the correct link and that you haven't removed it. Another possibility is that their browser doesn't support FaceTime links — older versions of Safari, Chrome, and Firefox may have trouble. Ask them to update their browser and try again.
If the person can join but you can't see or hear them, check that you accepted them into the call. On your device, look for a notification asking you to accept the caller. If you see it, tap "Accept." If the audio or video is cutting out, it's usually a connection issue — ask them to move closer to their router or close other apps that might be using bandwidth.
If you create a link but can't find it afterward, check your recent calls list in FaceTime. The link should appear there with a chain-link icon next to it. If it's not there, you may need to create a new one. Links don't appear in your regular contacts — they're only in the recent calls section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a FaceTime link on Android or Windows?
Yes. When someone on Android or Windows clicks your FaceTime link, it opens in their web browser and they can join the call. They don't need to install anything. The experience is slightly different from the FaceTime app on Apple devices, but video and audio work the same way.
What if I want to call someone but they don't have my FaceTime link?
You can create a new link and send it to them through text, email, or any messaging app. Or, if they have an Apple device and FaceTime, you can call them the regular way using their phone number or Apple ID. The link is optional — it's just another way to connect.
Can multiple people join a FaceTime call through the same link?
Yes. You can send one link to as many people as you want, and they can all join the same call. FaceTime supports group calls, so everyone will see and hear each other. The number of people who can join depends on your device, but most devices handle 10 or more participants.
Is a FaceTime link secure?
FaceTime calls are encrypted, whether you use a link or a regular call. However, anyone who has the link can join, so don't share it publicly or with people you don't trust. Treat a FaceTime link the same way you'd treat a Zoom link — share it only with people you want in the call.
Can I schedule a FaceTime call in advance using a link?
You create the link ahead of time, but you start the actual call from your Apple device when you're ready. You can send the link to people in advance and tell them when you'll start the call, but the call doesn't begin until you initiate it. This works well for scheduled meetings or recurring calls at the same time each week.