FaceTime
FaceTime is Apple’s free audio and video calling app, with group calls for up to 32 people.
What FaceTime is
FaceTime is Apple’s free audio and video calling app, with group calls for up to 32 people. It supports iOS and macOS, while Android and Windows users can join calls in a browser through a FaceTime link. Joining from those platforms requires a strong Wi-Fi or mobile internet connection and the latest Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Participants can share screens and use SharePlay to watch videos or listen to music together, including experiences from Apple or third-party apps; neither feature is available in web calls. FaceTime calls are end-to-end encrypted, and Apple says it does not store call content. Apple may retain information about call invitations and device network configurations for up to 30 days. FaceTime links are not supported in mainland China. Calls use Wi-Fi or cellular data, so data rates may apply. Apple’s support page links to instructions for using FaceTime on Mac and screening unknown callers on iPhone.
Good
- Group calls support up to 32 people.
- Android and Windows users can join by browser.
- Calls are end-to-end encrypted.
- SharePlay supports Apple and third-party app experiences.
Watch out
- Web calls lack screen sharing and SharePlay.
- FaceTime links are unsupported in mainland China.
- Calls use data; data rates may apply.
- Browser joining requires Chrome or Edge.
Who it suits
FaceTime suits people who want free audio or video calls on iOS or macOS, and those inviting Android or Windows users through a browser link. Web participants should be aware that screen sharing and SharePlay are unavailable there.
Verdict
FaceTime offers free audio and video calling across Apple devices, with browser joining for Android and Windows users. The web feature limits and regional restriction are worth checking if they affect your callers.
Plans and prices
From FaceTime's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| FaceTime | Free | Free app · calls use Wi‑Fi or cellular data; data rates may apply |
The facts
Each one read from FaceTime's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Calling
- FaceTime supports audio and video calls.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Group calls
- Group FaceTime supports calls with up to 32 people at once.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Max participants
- 32checked 20 Sep 2026
- Privacy retention
- Apple says it may retain information about FaceTime call invitations and device network configurations for up to 30 days.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Regional availability
- FaceTime links are not supported in mainland China.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Screen sharing
- Participants can share an iPhone, iPad, or Mac screen during a call.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Security
- FaceTime calls are end-to-end encrypted, and Apple says it does not store call content.checked 11 Oct 2026
- SharePlay
- SharePlay lets participants watch videos and listen to music together during calls.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- Apple’s FaceTime support page links to instructions for using FaceTime on Mac and for screening unknown callers on iPhone.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Web access
- People using Android or Windows can join a FaceTime call from a browser using a FaceTime link.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Web limits
- SharePlay and screen sharing are unavailable in FaceTime calls on the web.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Web requirements
- Joining from Android or Windows requires a strong Wi-Fi or mobile internet connection and the latest Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.checked 11 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Supported platforms
- iOS,macOS,web,Windows,Androidchecked 20 Sep 2026
- Third-party apps
- SharePlay supports experiences from Apple or third-party apps, and information exchanged over SharePlay is end-to-end encrypted.checked 11 Oct 2026
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