Published May 19, 2023, 7:15 AM EDT
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Making a FaceTime call on an iPhone is as easy as dialing a contact on your phone. However, FaceTime isn't limited only to iPhones; Apple's built-in video calling app is also available on Macs.
We realize that it might not be as intuitive on a Mac as on an iPhone, and that's why we've come up with a guide to help you make a FaceTime call on your Mac.
How to Set Up FaceTime on Your Mac
You can't use FaceTime without an Apple ID, which is one of the reasons to use an Apple ID on your Mac. If you have an Apple ID, simply launch System Settings and click Sign In at the top of the sidebar.
If you don't have an Apple ID yet, you can easily create one by clicking Create Apple ID on the Sign In page.
You could also launch the FaceTime app from the Dock or Launchpad and input or create your Apple ID from there.
How to Make a FaceTime Call on Your Mac
Once you're signed in with your Apple ID, you can now make and receive FaceTime calls on your Mac.
Place a call using the FaceTime app by following the steps below:
- Launch FaceTime by clicking the video camera icon on the Dock (or Launchpad).
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Click New FaceTime and type in the name, number, or email of the person you want to call.
- Click FaceTime, and the call should connect any second.
There are a few things worth noting about using the FaceTime app :
- You can add multiple contacts to create a FaceTime group call.
- Numbers and emails not attributed to an Apple ID will appear in green instead of blue. FaceTime will send them links via SMS if you proceed. This is one of the primary ways to FaceTime non-Apple users on a Mac.
- You can click the dropdown arrow on the FaceTime button to make a FaceTime Audio call if you don't wish for a video call.
- In the dropdown menu, you'll also find the option to make a FaceTime call with your iPhone (if you have one linked to the same Apple ID nearby).
You can also start a FaceTime call by asking Siri to FaceTime someone on your contact list. You can say, "Place a FaceTime Audio call" if you want a FaceTime audio call instead.
How to Create a FaceTime Link on Your Mac
The FaceTime app also has a feature for creating and sharing links with users, reminiscent of more popular video conferencing services like Zoom and Google.
Here's how to create and share a FaceTime link (you can do this instead of placing calls):
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Click Create Link in the FaceTime app.
- Click Copy Link to save the link to your clipboard, and you can paste it wherever you want.
- You can also share it via SMS by clicking Messages from the dropdown menu.
How to Use FaceTime Video Effects on a Mac
Portrait mode is a FaceTime Video Effect that blurs out the background and focuses the visage on you. Turn it on while you're in a video call by selecting Video Effects from the Control Center in the menu bar. You can also use the Mac's Portrait mode in any app.
FaceTime also comes with Apple's SharePlay feature, which allows you to share your Mac's screen with others during a video call. To take advantage of this, click the FaceTime icon in the menu bar during an active FaceTime video call, and select the SharePlay button.
Use a Mac to FaceTime Conveniently
If you're used to relying on your iPhone for FaceTime calls, it might take a while to get the hang of FaceTime on your Mac. However, it's a great built-in way to host video conferences, answer calls, or just chat with your friends on your Mac.
And it could be especially convenient if your iPhone is far away or you're trying to get all your work done on one device to avoid distractions. So, take advantage of the instructions here and use FaceTime to streamline your productivity.