FaceTime

Free plan AndroidiPhoneMacWebWindows

What FaceTime is

FaceTime is an app for audio and video calls, including group calls with up to 32 people. It runs on iOS and macOS, and people using Android or Windows can join through a browser with a FaceTime link. Joining from those platforms requires a strong Wi-Fi or mobile connection and the latest Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Calls support screen sharing, while SharePlay lets participants watch videos and listen to music together through Apple or third-party apps. The web version does not offer screen sharing or SharePlay. FaceTime calls are end-to-end encrypted; Apple says it does not store call content. Apple may keep information about invitations and device network configurations for up to 30 days. FaceTime links are not supported in mainland China. Calls are free and use Wi-Fi or cellular data, so data rates may apply. Apple’s support page links to instructions for FaceTime on Mac and for screening unknown callers on iPhone.

Who it suits

FaceTime suits people who want audio or video calls on iOS or macOS, including groups of up to 32. Android and Windows users can join calls in a supported browser, with some features unavailable on the web.

What it does well

Free calls use Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Group calls support up to 32 people.
SharePlay works with Apple and third-party apps.
Calls are end-to-end encrypted.

What to know first

Web calls lack SharePlay and screen sharing.
Links are not supported in mainland China.
Data rates may apply to calls.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
FaceTime	Free app · calls use Wi‑Fi or cellular data; data rates may apply	Free

As support.apple.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Open Apple’s FaceTime support page.
Start or join a call on iOS or macOS, or use a FaceTime link to join from a browser.
For Android or Windows browser access, use the latest Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
Make sure browser participants have a strong Wi-Fi or mobile internet connection.

Verdict

FaceTime covers audio, video, and group calling, with browser access for Android and Windows participants. Web callers have fewer sharing features, and calls rely on an internet connection.

Questions

How much does FaceTime cost?

FaceTime is free. Calls use Wi-Fi or cellular data, and data rates may apply.

Which platforms support FaceTime?

FaceTime supports iOS, macOS, web, Windows, and Android. Android and Windows users can join a call in a browser using a FaceTime link.

How many people can join a group call?

Group FaceTime supports calls with up to 32 people at once.

Can I share my screen or use SharePlay on the web?

Screen sharing and SharePlay are unavailable in FaceTime calls on the web.

Are FaceTime calls encrypted?

FaceTime calls are end-to-end encrypted, and Apple says it does not store call content. Apple may retain invitation and device network configuration information for up to 30 days.

Can FaceTime links be used in mainland China?

FaceTime links are not supported in mainland China.

Facts from FaceTime's own pages

Calling: FaceTime supports audio and video calls. · apps.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · apps.apple.com, 20 Sept 2026
Group calls: Group FaceTime supports calls with up to 32 people at once. · apps.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
Max participants: 32 · apps.apple.com, 20 Sept 2026
Supported platforms: iOS,macOS,web,Windows,Android · apps.apple.com, 20 Sept 2026
Privacy retention: Apple says it may retain information about FaceTime call invitations and device network configurations for up to 30 days. · images.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
Regional availability: FaceTime links are not supported in mainland China. · support.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
Screen sharing: Participants can share an iPhone, iPad, or Mac screen during a call. · apps.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
Security: FaceTime calls are end-to-end encrypted, and Apple says it does not store call content. · images.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
SharePlay: SharePlay lets participants watch videos and listen to music together during calls. · apps.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
Support: Apple’s FaceTime support page links to instructions for using FaceTime on Mac and for screening unknown callers on iPhone. · support.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
Third-party apps: SharePlay supports experiences from Apple or third-party apps, and information exchanged over SharePlay is end-to-end encrypted. · images.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
Web access: People using Android or Windows can join a FaceTime call from a browser using a FaceTime link. · support.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
Web limits: SharePlay and screen sharing are unavailable in FaceTime calls on the web. · support.apple.com, 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. · support.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026