Skip to main content
    Step 1 of 5
    Mac Guides
    Beginner
    3 min read 5 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Make FaceTime Video Calls From Your Mac

    FaceTime on Mac lets you make and receive video and audio calls using your computer — perfect when you want a bigger screen for calls with family and friends.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Mac Guides
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    3 min read
    Steps
    5
    Topics covered
    facetime
    mac
    video call
    audio call
    apple
    family

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Open FaceTime on Mac
    2. 2.Start a new call
    3. 3.Answer an incoming FaceTime call
    4. 4.Use FaceTime controls during a call
    5. 5.Create a FaceTime link for Android or Windows users
    1

    Open FaceTime on Mac

    ~15s
    Look for FaceTime in your Dock (the green video camera icon) or search for it with Spotlight (Command + Space, type "FaceTime"). Click to open. If prompted, sign in with your Apple ID.
    2

    Start a new call

    ~24s
    Click "New FaceTime" at the top left. Start typing a person's name, phone number, or email address — Apple contacts auto-complete as you type. Select the person you want to call. Click "FaceTime" to start a video call or the down arrow to choose "FaceTime Audio" for voice only.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: You can add multiple people to a group FaceTime call — type additional names before clicking FaceTime to call them all at once.

    3

    Answer an incoming FaceTime call

    ~22s
    When someone calls you on FaceTime, a notification appears on your Mac screen. Click "Accept" to answer with video, click the phone icon to answer as audio only, or click "Decline" to send it to voicemail. The call opens full screen.

    Quick Tip

    If you miss a FaceTime call, it shows up in the Recents list in the FaceTime app — click the green camera icon to call back.

    4

    Use FaceTime controls during a call

    ~17s
    During a call: hover over the screen to see controls. Click the microphone icon to mute/unmute. Click the camera icon to turn video on/off. Click "Add People" to invite more callers. Click the red phone icon to end the call. You can also resize the FaceTime window.
    5

    Create a FaceTime link for Android or Windows users

    ~20s
    In the FaceTime app, click "Create Link" at the top. A shareable link is created. Copy and share it via Messages, email, or any messaging app. The recipient clicks the link and joins the call from their web browser — no iPhone or Mac needed. You start the call as normal on your Mac.

    You Did It!

    You've finished reading: How to Make FaceTime Video Calls From Your Mac

    How well did this guide stick with you?

    Need more help? Book a TekSure tech

    FaceTime is Apple's built-in video and audio calling app. While most people use it on iPhone or iPad, you can also make and receive FaceTime calls right from your Mac. This is great when you want a larger screen for a call with family, when your phone is charging in another room, or when you are working at your computer and a call comes in.

    FaceTime on Mac has all the same features as on iPhone: video calls, audio-only calls, group calls with multiple people, and SharePlay for watching content together.

    The Mac's microphone and speakers (or headphones) handle the audio. The Mac's built-in camera handles video — though if you set up Continuity Camera (using your iPhone as the webcam), calls look a lot better.

    You can call anyone with an Apple device or — since 2021 — generate a FaceTime link and invite Android or Windows users to join from their web browser.

    To use FaceTime on Mac, you need to be signed into your Apple ID. Your FaceTime number is your Apple ID email address and any phone numbers linked to your Apple ID.

    Rate this guide

    How helpful was this guide?

    facetime
    mac
    video call
    audio call
    apple
    family

    Official Resources

    Apple SupportHow-To Geek — MacApple Support YouTube

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    ← Previous

    How to Send and Receive Text Messages on Your Mac

    Next →

    How to Get the Most Out of the Notes App on iPhone and Mac

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    A real person can walk you through this over the phone, anywhere in the US. If we can't fix it, you don't pay.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Learn more from official sources

    Related Guides

    How to Turn Your Mac On and Off

    Learn the proper way to start up and shut down your Mac for everyday use.

    1 min read

    How to Connect to Wi-Fi on Mac

    Get your Mac online by connecting to a wireless network quickly and easily.

    1 min read

    How to Open and Close Apps on Mac

    Learn the basics of launching and quitting applications on macOS.

    1 min read