You can FaceTime on a Mac, Windows PC, or web browser—each route works differently

FaceTime works on computers in three ways: if you own a Mac, the FaceTime app is built in. If you use Windows, you can read the FaceTime app from the Microsoft Store. If you don't want to install anything, you can join a FaceTime call through a web link on any computer with a browser—but you can't start calls this way, only receive them.

The method you choose depends on what device you have and whether you want to start calls yourself or only join ones someone sends you. Mac users have the easiest setup. Windows users need one read. Web browser users need nothing but a link from someone else.

Key Takeaways

  • Mac computers have FaceTime built into the system; Windows users must read the FaceTime app from the Microsoft Store.
  • You can join a FaceTime call through a web browser on any computer without downloading anything, but only if someone sends you a link.
  • To start FaceTime calls on a computer, you need either a Mac with FaceTime or a Windows PC with the FaceTime app installed.
  • All FaceTime calls on computer require a working microphone and camera, or speakers and a microphone if you're audio-only.

FaceTime on a Mac: using the built-in app

Open the FaceTime app from your Applications folder or by searching for it with Spotlight (press Command + Space, type "FaceTime", then press Enter). Sign in with your Apple ID if you're not already signed in. Your Apple ID is the same account you use for iCloud, the App Store, or other Apple services.

Once you're signed in, click the compose button (a pencil and square icon) in the top-left corner. Type the name, phone number, or email address of the person you want to call. If they're in your contacts, their name will appear as you type. Click their name or press Enter, then choose whether to start a video call or audio-only call. The other person will receive a notification and can accept or decline.

If someone calls you, a notification will appear on your screen. Click "Accept" to join the call with video, or "Accept Audio Only" if you prefer not to use your camera. You can switch between video and audio during the call by clicking the camera or microphone icons at the bottom of the window.

FaceTime on Windows: downloading and setting up the app

Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows computer. Search for "FaceTime" in the search bar at the top. Click the official FaceTime app (published by Apple Inc.) and click "Get" or "Install". The read and installation usually take less than a minute. Once it's done, click "Open" to launch the app.

Sign in with your Apple ID. If you don't have one, you can create one during sign-in by clicking the link to set up a new account. You'll need a valid email address and a password. After you sign in, the app works the same way as on Mac: click the compose button, type a contact's name or number, and start a call.

Windows users can only receive calls from people who have your Apple ID email address or a phone number linked to your account. If someone tries to call a phone number that isn't linked, the call won't reach you. You can add phone numbers to your Apple ID account through the Apple ID website on any browser.

Joining FaceTime calls through a web browser

If someone sends you a FaceTime link, you can join the call without installing anything. The link looks like this: facetime.apple.com/join/[random characters]. Click the link or paste it into your browser's address bar on any computer—Windows, Mac, or Linux.

A page will load asking for your name. Type your name (it can be anything) and click "Continue". Allow the browser to use your camera and microphone when it asks. Then click "Join" to enter the call. You don't need an Apple ID to join this way.

This method only works if someone else starts the call and sends you the link. You cannot start a FaceTime call through a web browser yourself. If you need to start calls regularly, use the FaceTime app on Mac or Windows instead.

Making sure your computer has a working camera and microphone

Before you start a FaceTime call, test your camera and microphone. On a Mac, open System Preferences, click "Security & Privacy", then "Camera" and "Microphone". Make sure FaceTime is listed and has a checkmark next to it. On Windows, open Settings, click "Privacy & Security", then "Camera" and "Microphone". Again, make sure FaceTime has permission.

If you don't see your camera or microphone in these lists, your computer may not have them built in, or they may be disabled in your BIOS (the system settings that run before Windows or macOS loads). Most laptops have cameras and microphones built in. Desktop computers usually don't, so you'll need to buy a USB webcam and microphone or a combination headset with a built-in camera.

To test before a real call, open the FaceTime app and look for a preview of your camera feed. If you see yourself, your camera works. If you don't see anything, check that the camera is not covered by a physical shutter or sticker, and that the app has permission in your privacy settings.

Troubleshooting common FaceTime problems on computers

If someone calls you but you don't see a notification, check that FaceTime is running and that you're signed in. On Mac, open FaceTime and look at the menu bar at the top—if you see "FaceTime" in the menu, the app is open. On Windows, check that the FaceTime app is running in the taskbar at the bottom. If it's not, open it from the Start menu.

If calls keep dropping or the video freezes, your internet connection may be weak. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If the problem continues, restart your computer. Close any other apps that use a lot of internet, like video streaming or large file downloads.

If the other person can't hear you, check that your microphone is not muted. During a call, look for a microphone icon at the bottom of the window—if it has a line through it, click it to unmute. Also check your computer's volume settings: on Mac, go to System Preferences > Sound > Input and make sure your microphone is selected and the input volume is not all the way down. On Windows, go to Settings > Sound and check the input device.

Switching between video and audio during a call

Once a FaceTime call is underway, you can turn your camera off without ending the call. At the bottom of the FaceTime window, you'll see icons for camera, microphone, and more options. Click the camera icon to turn your video off—the icon will show a line through it, and the other person will see a black screen instead of your face. Click it again to turn your camera back on.

You can also mute your microphone the same way. If you need to share your screen, click the "More" button (three dots) and look for a "Share My Screen" option. This lets the other person see what's on your computer—useful for showing photos, documents, or troubleshooting something together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I FaceTime someone who has an Android phone?

No. FaceTime only works between people who have Apple devices or who join through a web link you send them. If you need to video call someone with an Android phone, you'll need a different app like Google Meet, Zoom, or WhatsApp.

Do I need an Apple ID to use FaceTime on Windows?

Yes, you need an Apple ID to start calls on Windows. However, if someone sends you a FaceTime link, you can join without an Apple ID by using a web browser.

What if my computer doesn't have a built-in camera?

You can buy a USB webcam for $20 to $100 depending on quality. Plug it into a USB port on your computer, and most will work when ready without needing to install drivers. Make sure FaceTime has camera permission in your privacy settings.

Can I record a FaceTime call on my computer?

On Mac, you can use the built-in screen recording tool (Command + Shift + 5) to record a FaceTime call, but you must tell the other person you're recording—it's illegal in many places to record without consent. On Windows, the FaceTime app does not have a built-in recording feature, so you would need third-party software.

Why does FaceTime on my Windows computer look different from my friend's Mac?

Apple released the Windows version of FaceTime more recently than the Mac version, so the design and features are slightly different. Both versions work the same way for making and receiving calls, but some buttons or menu options may be in different places.