No, you can't FaceTime on WhatsApp. FaceTime is Apple's own calling app and WhatsApp is a separate app with its own video calls, so a FaceTime call can't ring someone's WhatsApp. What you can do is make a WhatsApp video call, which works between iPhone and Android, or share a call link that people can open even if they don't use the same app.
Here's the useful bit: both apps now let outsiders in. A FaceTime link can be opened by someone on Android or Windows in a web browser, and a WhatsApp call link lets people without a WhatsApp account join as a guest from a desktop browser.
FaceTime vs WhatsApp video calls
| FaceTime | WhatsApp video call | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can start a call | Apple devices only | Anyone with WhatsApp on a phone or computer |
| Who can join from a link | Android or Windows users in the latest Chrome or Edge | Anyone with WhatsApp, plus guests without WhatsApp in a desktop browser |
| What the outsider can't do | No SharePlay or screen sharing on the web | Guests can't add or remove people, start new calls or send messages |
| Do people need letting in? | Yes, the host lets web joiners in | Guests always need approval; WhatsApp users only if you turn on Require approval |
| Group calls | Web joiners can see Group FaceTime calls in a grid layout | Up to 32 people in a group voice or video call |
The easiest swap: a WhatsApp video call
If the person you want to call already uses WhatsApp, this is the simplest route. WhatsApp says video calls are free, have no time limit and work even if the other person is in another country, using your internet connection. Open the chat and tap the video camera icon. The full steps for phones and computers are in how to make a video call on WhatsApp.
On a voice call you can also ask to switch to video. The other person taps Switch to accept or Decline to stay on voice.
Video calling from a computer
WhatsApp video calls work from its desktop apps and the web too. WhatsApp says you'll need an internet connection, a camera, a microphone and an audio output, and WhatsApp must have access to your camera and microphone. Video calling isn't supported on a device without a camera, and WhatsApp suggests a headset, because separate speakers and microphones can cause echo.
Calling someone who doesn't have WhatsApp
This is where call links help. You create a link in WhatsApp, send it however you like, and someone without a WhatsApp account can open it in a web browser on a computer and join as a guest.
- Go to the Calls tab in WhatsApp.
- Choose New call link.
- Pick Video or Voice.
- Decide whether to turn on Require approval to join.
- Copy the link, or send it through WhatsApp.
What guests need to know
- Guests join from a desktop web browser: WhatsApp names Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge.
- Guests always need approval to join, whatever your Require approval setting.
- They can use audio, video, screen sharing and reactions, and appear in the call as their name followed by (Guest).
- If a guest is still in the waiting room and every WhatsApp user leaves, the call ends for everyone. Otherwise calls carry on until everyone leaves or 60 minutes have passed.
- A link that hasn't been used for 30 days stops working, so send a fresh one.
Calling an iPhone user who only uses FaceTime
Flip it round and FaceTime has the same trick. Apple says anyone can join a FaceTime call from a web browser using a FaceTime link, which an iPhone, iPad or Mac user creates in FaceTime. The Android or Windows user needs the latest Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge and a strong connection, then opens the link, enters a name, selects Join and waits for the host to let them in. I've covered the steps in how to FaceTime on Android.
Apple notes two limits for web joiners: SharePlay and screen sharing aren't available. FaceTime links also aren't supported in China mainland.
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Which one should you use?
- Everyone has WhatsApp: use a WhatsApp video call. It works on iPhone and Android.
- You're on iPhone and they're not on WhatsApp: send a FaceTime link.
- A mixed group, some without WhatsApp: send a WhatsApp call link, so guests can join from a computer.
- A big family call: check the WhatsApp group call limit first.
My verdict
You can't FaceTime on WhatsApp, but you rarely need to. If you're mixing iPhone and Android, WhatsApp video is the easy default because it's on both. And when someone isn't on WhatsApp at all, a call link gets them in from a browser, which is the closest thing to a FaceTime link that WhatsApp has.
Frequently asked questions
Can you FaceTime on WhatsApp?
No. FaceTime is Apple's calling app and WhatsApp has its own video calls. You can make a WhatsApp video call instead, which works between iPhone and Android.
Can Android users join a FaceTime call?
Yes, from a FaceTime link. Apple says Android and Windows users can join in the latest Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, and the host lets them in.
Can someone without WhatsApp join a WhatsApp call?
Yes, through a call link. People without a WhatsApp account can join as a guest from a desktop web browser, and guests always need approval to join.
Is a WhatsApp video call free?
WhatsApp says you can video call a contact for an unlimited duration for free, even if they're in another country. It uses your internet connection.
How many people can join a WhatsApp video call?
WhatsApp says up to 32 people can join a group voice or video call.
