How to FaceTime on iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad

This article explains how to use FaceTime to make video and audio calls on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Instructions apply to iPhone 4 and up, 4th-generation iPod Touch and newer, and the iPad 2 and later.

How to Make a FaceTime Call on iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch

There are several ways to make a FaceTime call. You can either use the Phone app (on iPhone only) or the FaceTime app (on all three devices). Both apps are pre-installed. Whichever you prefer, follow these steps to make a FaceTime call:

1. Browse through your contacts, the FaceTime app built into iOS, or your Messages app. In any of those locations, find the person you want to call and tap their name. 

2. Then, tap the FaceTime icon (camera). You can also call them as you normally would, then tap FaceTime when it lights up after the call begins.

3. On iOS 7 or higher, you can make a FaceTime Audio call. You'll see a Phone icon in the FaceTime section of a contact's page or as an option in the FaceTime app. Tap the Phone icon to start an audio-only call.

   This option uses FaceTime technology for voice calls and saves your monthly cellphone minutes because it sends the conversation through the Apple servers instead of the phone company servers.

4. Your FaceTime call will begin as a regular call, except that the camera turns on and you'll see yourself. The person you're calling has the option to accept or deny your call.

   If they accept it, FaceTime sends video from your camera to them and vice versa. Both a shot of you and the person you're talking to are on the screen at the same time.

5. To end a FaceTime call. Tap End at the bottom of the screen.

What to Do If FaceTime Isn't Working

In some rare cases, FaceTime might not work when you try to use it. If you run into that problem, we've got the solution. Check out Why Isn't FaceTime Working When I Make Calls?

How to Set Up FaceTime on iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch

In most cases, FaceTime is set up and enabled by default on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. That's because FaceTime is tied to your phone number or Apple ID (or both) and is activated when you set up your device. If FaceTime wasn't set up then, or if it's been turned off, you can turn it back on by following these steps:

1. Tap Settings > FaceTime > move the FaceTime slider to on/green.

2. On the FaceTime settings screen, you can choose how you're reachable on FaceTime: using your phone number, email address, or both. Just tap whichever you prefer.

   Phone numbers are only present on the iPhone and can only be the number connected to the iPhone.

3. Connect to either a Wi-Fi or cellular network. As long as you have a network connection, you can make a call.

   It's probably better to connect to a Wi-Fi network before using FaceTime, if you can. While you can FaceTime over cellular, video chats require a lot of data and Wi-Fi doesn't use your monthly data limit.

Can You FaceTime with Android and Windows Devices?

While you can't currently download FaceTime for Windows PCs or Android phones, you can include Android users in FaceTime calls if your iPhone is running iOS 15 or later. This feature comes with a few conditions, however. For example, you can only add an Android device to a FaceTime call that's already in progress. The non-iPhone user will also access the conversation using a link that the originator either texts or emails to them.