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.
3 min read · 5 steps · Checked April 2026
Step 1. Open FaceTime on Mac
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.
Step 2. Start a new call
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.
Step 3. Answer an incoming FaceTime call
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.
Step 4. Use FaceTime controls during a call
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.
Step 5. Create a FaceTime link for Android or Windows users
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.
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.
Official sources
- Apple Support — support.apple.com
- iPhone User Guide — support.apple.com
- AppleCare contact options — support.apple.com
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