Staying Fit
It’s no surprise that Apple’s FaceTime app has attracted multiple generations of users. What better way to see and chat with your grandchildren, celebrate a loved one’s birthday with a group or witness the natural beauty of the northern lights in real time?
As its name implies, FaceTime is a video call you initiate from your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac to another Apple device. It lets you see, hear and speak to the person on the other end. You can add people to the call and conduct a group call with up to 32 people.
AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.
Initially exclusive only to Apple devices, FaceTime’s reach broadened with Apple’s release of iOs 15 in 2021 — it launched iOS 16.1 in October 2022 — enabling Windows PC and Android phone and tablet users to join a FaceTime. While the call must be initiated from an Apple device, this opened up a bigger field for video chatting. All you need is Wi-Fi or a cellular signal.
Keep in mind, depending on your plan, you could incur data charges to place or accept a FaceTime call outside the home.
How to initiate a FaceTime call
If you’re new to making a FaceTime call, make sure you’re signed into the app with your Apple ID; you’ll need to do this just once. This confirms your identity with your email address and password.
On an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch
1. Go to Settings | FaceTime and confirm that FaceTime is selected green for “on.”
2. Open the FaceTime app on your device, a green square with a white video camera and click New FaceTime.
3. You can tap a previous conversation’s contact, key in a name and your Contacts list will appear or add a new contact’s name and phone number. Tap Facetime and your call will connect.
You can add more people by tapping the plus-sign button and selecting them from Contacts or typing in their name and number. Repeat the steps to add up to 31 people besides yourself.
More From AARP
Use Your Smartphone to Print Important Documents
All it takes are a few tweaks
AR Headset Takes New Steps in Immersive Technology
Apple’s high-priced device intrigues the tech savvyE-signatures Made Easy on a Smartphone, Tablet, Laptop
Learn to digitally sign documents on all your devices