What Is FaceTime?

For those who own Mac computers or any Apple device, the app comes built-in to your device. Simply access it by going to Settings and looking for FaceTime on your phone or tablet. You'll need to enter your Apple ID. For your Mac computer, launch the FaceTime app.

You can use FaceTime video (the standard way) which will show you and the person you're speaking to on video. You can even do a group FaceTime call that way. There is also a FaceTime Audio call setting which puts the call on audio mode only.

To make a FaceTime call, just open the app on your device and tap the "+" button on the FaceTime option and choose "Video" (or "Audio").

To do a group FaceTime, open the FaceTime app and tap the "+" button at the top of the contacts list. In the "To" field, start to type the name or number of the first person you want to call. As you type, suggestions will come up. Only names in blue can be added (names appearing in gray mean that the contact has not upgraded to OS 12.1 and so can't support group FaceTime.)

To add another person, start typing their name or number also in the "To" field. Once you have all the people added, tap the "Video" or "Audio" button to start the call. Each person in the chat gets a notification about the call.

As we said before, FaceTime only works between callers who own Apple devices. You can't place a FaceTime call to Android and Windows users because they don't have access to FaceTime. If you need to make a video call to an Android user, you'll need to use a third-party app like WhatsApp or Skype.

Beyond its primary use for personal conversations, FaceTime use has expanded into various sectors. In education, teachers and tutors utilize it for one-on-one sessions, offering a more personal touch to distance learning. The healthcare industry has adopted FaceTime for telemedicine consultations, allowing patients to receive medical advice without leaving their homes.

Furthermore, FaceTime has proven invaluable for remote work, enabling team meetings and collaboration across different locations. Its ease of use, coupled with the integration into Apple devices, ensures a seamless communication experience. Additionally, creative professionals use FaceTime for virtual photoshoots and interviews, showcasing its versatility beyond traditional communication bounds.

FaceTime's benefits extend well beyond simple video calling, transforming it into a pivotal tool for modern communication. Its high-definition video quality ensures that interactions are not just connected but also clear and engaging, making conversations feel more intimate and less distant.

The real-time aspect fosters a sense of immediacy and presence, crucial for maintaining personal relationships over long distances. For families separated by miles, FaceTime provides a lifeline, enabling grandparents to witness their grandchildren's first steps or share in birthday celebrations, despite geographical barriers.

In the business realm, FaceTime enhances collaboration, allowing for more nuanced communication than traditional phone calls or emails. The ease of initiating a FaceTime call directly from messages or emails streamlines connectivity, making it more spontaneous and efficient.

Finally, accessibility features, such as sign language compatibility, ensure that it is inclusive, offering a communication platform for those who might be left behind by other technologies. Overall, FaceTime's integration into everyday devices, coupled with its user-friendly interface, underlines its value in creating and sustaining meaningful connections across various spheres of life.

This article was updated in conjunction with AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.