How to Use FaceTime on All Your Apple Devices

In today's gadget freak generation, FaceTime is perhaps one of the coolest features that any Apple user can have access to. No matter where you are, as long as both you and the person you want to connect with have an Apple device, you can enjoy a face to face chat. No restricted talk time, no network coverage required - all you need is the internet, and you can make free calls to anyone with an Apple device.

Step 1: What You Need

To use FaceTime on your Apple device, you need to ensure that:

Both you and the person you want to FaceTime with must have a reasonably modern Apple device that runs on the recent version of their respective OSes.

To be more specific, you will need to have an iPad 2 or later version, iPad mini, iPhone 4 or later, iPod touch 4th generation or later, and any Mac later than 2009, running OS X Mountain Lion or higher. (MacBooks of 2011 and later work better as they have upgraded cameras.)

FaceTime can be used between one Mac and another, iPad or iPhone In non-cellular devices, such as iPod and few iPads you will need Wi-Fi to use FaceTime. On devices that support cellular services, you can use FaceTime by connecting your device to a 3G or 4G network. However, you must remember that it could eat into your mobile data.

Step 2: Turning on Face Time

Before you start making calls on your FaceTime App, you will have to turn it on and log in. Here's how:

Take your iOS device, tap on Settings> FaceTime. Ensure that the FaceTime switch is turned ON.

You will have to log in with your Apple ID. If you are using an iPhone to log in to FaceTime app, then your phone number will be associated with the app. You can still add your email address so that people can find you both ways.

Once you are logged in you will see a list of email addresses and your mobile number at which you can be reached via FaceTime call.

Step 3: Making the Call

Now that you are successfully logged in, are you ready to make your first call? It's no trouble at all. Just follow these quick steps:

Tap on the FaceTime app icon on your Apple device.

Open the contact list, scroll through or search the person's phone number, name or email address on the list.

You can either make a video or an audio-only call by tapping the appropriate option. When the person on the other end accepts the call, the words ‘connecting' appear on your device.

You also have the option of switching to FaceTime while you are on a normal phone call. All you have to do is tap the icon and wait for it to get connected.

Step 4: Configuring Facetime on Mac

The Facetime app on your Mac handles its configuration by default. All you have to do is to launch it.

If you can't find it, then open Spotlight by hitting Command and Space. And then type 'FaceTime'.

Once you have launched the app, you will see a green light next to the camera on top your screen. In the app, you'll see a window that's showing what the camera is capturing, and an adjoining window displaying a list of your contacts.

Select the contact you want to connect with, and you're good to go.

Some points to consider:

What if you don't have FaceTime on your Mac?

If you have a Mac running OS X Snow Leopard or older version of the macOS, then FaceTime isn't built-into the system. You can, however, download it for free from the Mac AppStore.

Which is better for using FaceTime: Email address or Phone number?

If it is a call between iPhones, then phone number is probably the most convenient idea. However, if the person you are contacting with has an iPad or Mac, you will need their iCloud email address to contact.

Now that you know all about FaceTime pick up your iPhone and chat away with your family and friends without any restrictions. Be on the lookout for more information on Apple support in India on this website.

*Disclaimer: There are a few countries in the Middle East that won't allow FaceTime calls.