How To Make and Receive Free iOS FaceTime Calls

FaceTime is a revolutionary service provided by Apple to all its customers that own an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. It’s a feature that facilitates Wi-Fi video and audio calling between iOS users. You only need a valid Apple ID, a FaceTime compatible Apple device, connected to a wireless hotspot and a conversation partner to talk with. Practically, it uses VoIP (Voice over IP) technology to provide free and unlimited videophone calls between its registered users.

You can also use FaceTime with a cellular data connection, if no Wi-Fi is available, but you have to make sure that you don’t overspend your data plan, in order to avoid additional charges from your carrier. So, besides setting up your iPhone and making a FaceTime call you also need to know what contact is an iOS user and qualifies as a conversation partner!

Apple Devices Compatible With FaceTime
You can initiate or receive FaceTime calls via Wi-Fi or cellular data with the following iOS gadgets:
– iPhone 4S or later (iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus);
– iPad (3rd generation or later);
WiFi only FaceTime conversations are available on:
– iPhone 4 or later;
– iPad 2 or later;
– iPad mini (all models);
– iPod touch 4th generation or later (audio calling starting from 5th generation).

How To Enable FaceTime
Open the Settings app on your iOS device and scroll for FaceTime. Tap it and now make sure that the knob next to the FaceTime label is ON.
If you wish to use your iPhone’s cellular connection to make and receive calls on devices registered with your iCloud account, when they are nearby and on Wi-Fi, toggle ON, the second knob, next to the iPhone Cellular Calls tab. This will transfer any incoming cellular call, to a third iOS device, via Wi-Fi connectivity.
Fact: If you use this video calling service via an iPhone you should know that FaceTime will automatically register your phone number. You can also register with your email address, by tapping on Use your Apple ID for FaceTime. Provide your Apple ID username and password and now you can be reached for video calling by email too. Apple ID is mandatory for using FaceTime on iPad and other non-cellular Apple devices.

Tip: Here is how to create an Apple ID if you don’t own one already!

How To Make FaceTime Calls
The only tricky part of initiating a free video or audio call is to know if there is FaceTime availability at the other end of the line. This is why you have to open the FaceTime app and proceed as follows:
Step 1A: If you plan to call an existing contact start typing his name in the Search field available at the top of the screen.
Step 1B: If the number or email address you’re planning to call isn’t saved as a contact simply type the digits or letters in the same Search field.
Step 2: Notice the video (camera) and audio (receiver) icons next to each result. If they’re active (lit), you can tap the desired form of communication and a specific FaceTime call will be initiated.

Tip: You can also switch from a regular cellular call to a FaceTime video conversation, by tapping the FaceTime button available on the iPhone’s ongoing call screen!

Audio FaceTime with Call Waiting Feature
Starting with iOS 8, Apple has added a new function to the audio FaceTime calls. If you’re in the middle of a free Wi-Fi audio conversation and another regular phone call or another FaceTime audio call lands in, you can choose between the following options:
– Reject the incoming call, by pressing the red Decline button, or use one of the methods presented here.
– End the ongoing call and accept the new one;
– Answer the incoming call and place the existing one on hold.