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How to Schedule FaceTime Calls

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you how to schedule FaceTime calls in advance, whether you want to set a reminder for a future video chat, send an invitation to a friend, or plan a recurring family call. You’ll learn the built-in methods using the Calendar and Messages apps on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, plus how to handle cross-platform scheduling with Android or Windows users.

What You’ll Need

  • An iPhone, iPad, or Mac with FaceTime enabled (Apple ID signed in).
  • For Calendar invitations: the other person needs an Apple device with FaceTime, or a device that can join a FaceTime web link (iPhone, iPad, Mac, or a recent Android/Windows device with a browser).
  • For Messages scheduling: both you and the recipient need iMessage enabled.
  • Internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular) for the actual call.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Schedule a FaceTime Call Using the Calendar App (iOS/iPadOS/macOS)

  1. Open the Calendar app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
  2. Tap the + (plus) button (or press Command+N on Mac) to create a new event.
  3. Enter a title for the event, e.g., “FaceTime with Mom”.
  4. Set the start and end times for when you want the call to happen.
  5. In the URL field (or “Location” field on some versions), type facetime:// followed by the person’s Apple ID email or phone number. For example: facetime://john@example.com. This makes the event link directly to a FaceTime call.
  6. If you want to send an invitation, add the person’s email or phone number in the Invitees field. They will receive a calendar invitation with the event details.
  7. Tap Add (or press Return on Mac) to save the event.
  8. When the event time arrives, open the event and tap the FaceTime link to start the call. Alternatively, you can set a reminder on the event to alert you before the call.

Method 2: Schedule a FaceTime Call Using the Messages App (iOS/iPadOS/macOS)

  1. Open the Messages app and start a new conversation with the person you want to call.
  2. Type a message like “Let’s FaceTime at 3 PM today?”
  3. To make it a scheduled reminder, you can use the Send Later feature (available in iOS 18 and later):
    • Compose your message, then tap the + button next to the text field.
    • Select Send Later.
    • Choose the date and time you want the message to be sent (e.g., 10 minutes before the call).
    • Tap the send arrow. The message will be delivered automatically at the scheduled time.
  4. When the recipient replies, you can tap the FaceTime icon in the conversation to start a call immediately, or wait until the agreed time.

Method 3: Schedule a FaceTime Call with a Web Link (for Android/Windows users)

  1. On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open the FaceTime app.
  2. Tap Create Link (or the link icon on Mac).
  3. Choose how to share the link: via Messages, Mail, or copy it to the clipboard.
  4. Send the link to the person via any messaging app, email, or calendar invite.
  5. The recipient can open the link in a web browser (on Android, Windows, or even Apple devices) to join the call at the scheduled time.
  6. To schedule a specific time, include the link in a calendar event or message with the agreed time.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong URL format: The FaceTime URL must be facetime:// (not https://). If you use a regular web link, it won’t open FaceTime directly.
  • Forgetting to include the invitee: If you add a FaceTime link but don’t add the person to the calendar event’s invitee list, they won’t receive an automatic invitation.
  • Scheduling a call with someone who doesn’t have FaceTime: FaceTime calls require Apple devices for direct calls. However, if you use a web link, the other person can join via a browser on any device.
  • Not setting a reminder: Without a reminder, you might forget the call. Always set a calendar alert (e.g., 10 minutes before) to avoid missing it.
  • Time zone confusion: If you schedule a call with someone in a different time zone, the calendar event will show the time in your local time zone, but the invitee will see it in their own time zone. Double-check the time difference before confirming.

Tips

  • Use the Send Later feature in Messages to automatically send a reminder to the other person before the call.
  • For recurring calls (e.g., weekly family catch-up), create a repeating calendar event with the FaceTime link.
  • If you’re scheduling a call with multiple people, create a Group FaceTime link and share it with everyone.
  • Test the FaceTime link before sending it to ensure it works.
  • On Mac, you can also use the Calendar app’s “FaceTime” option in the event’s URL field—just type facetime:// and the address.

Troubleshooting

  • The FaceTime link doesn’t open the app: Make sure you’re using the correct format facetime:// and that FaceTime is installed and signed in. On iOS, you may need to copy the link and paste it into Safari to open it.
  • The other person doesn’t receive the calendar invitation: Verify that you’ve added their correct email or phone number in the Invitees field. Also check that they use iCloud Calendar or a compatible calendar service.
  • The Send Later message doesn’t send: Ensure you have a stable internet connection and that the Messages app is allowed to send scheduled messages (check Settings > Messages > Send Later).
  • FaceTime call fails at the scheduled time: Check that both you and the other person have a working internet connection and that FaceTime is not blocked by network restrictions (e.g., firewall).
  • Web link doesn’t work for Android/Windows: The web link should work in any modern browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari). If it doesn’t, try a different browser or ensure the link is not expired (links don’t expire, but the call may have ended).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule a FaceTime call on an Android phone?

You cannot schedule a FaceTime call directly from an Android device, but you can receive a FaceTime web link and join the call from a browser. The scheduling itself must be done by an Apple user.

Does the person need an Apple ID to join a FaceTime call?

For direct FaceTime calls, yes, they need an Apple ID. However, if you share a FaceTime web link, they can join without an Apple ID—just open the link in a browser.

Can I schedule a FaceTime call for a group?

Yes, you can create a Group FaceTime link and share it with multiple people. They can all join at the scheduled time using the same link.

Will the calendar event automatically start the FaceTime call?

No, the calendar event only provides a link. You or the invitee must tap the link to start the call. It does not auto-start.

Can I set a reminder for a FaceTime call?

Yes, you can set a reminder on the calendar event (e.g., 10 minutes before) or use the Send Later feature in Messages to remind yourself or others.

What if I miss the scheduled time?

You can still start the call after the scheduled time by tapping the FaceTime link in the calendar event or message. The link remains active until the call is ended.

Related

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.