📋 Verified Walkthrough
Mac • Video Calls

How do I make a FaceTime video call from my Mac or MacBook?

Direct Answer

Open the green FaceTime app from your Dock or Launchpad, click "New FaceTime," type your family member's name or phone number, and click the green video camera button.

Why You Might Want to Do This

  • To see children and grandchildren face-to-face on a large, clear laptop or desktop screen instead of holding a small phone.
  • To sit comfortably on a chair with your hands completely free while talking.

Before You Start

  • A Mac with a built-in FaceTime HD camera and microphone (all modern MacBooks and iMacs have these built-in).
  • Your Mac signed into your Apple ID.

FaceTime video calls are free between Apple devices over your home Wi-Fi.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Open the FaceTime app on your Mac

    Click the green video camera FaceTime icon on your bottom Dock, or press Command + Space, type "FaceTime," and press Enter.

    👀 Green icon with white video camera.

  2. 2

    Click the green "New FaceTime" button

    In the top-left of the FaceTime sidebar, click the rectangular button labeled "New FaceTime."

    👀 Green button labeled "New FaceTime."

    3. ✅ Success Checkpoint: You're Doing Great

    If your screen matches the description above, you have followed the steps correctly. Continue to the next step.

  3. 3

    Type the person's name, phone number, or email

    Type your family member's name into the "To:" line and click their name in the contact list.

    👀 Search line labeled "To:."

  4. 4

    Click the green "FaceTime" camera button

    Click the green button with the video camera icon at the bottom of the sidebar. The call will ring on their iPhone or iPad.

    👀 Green video camera button.

  5. 5

    Adjust volume and end the call

    Use the volume keys at the top of your Mac keyboard (F11 and F12) to adjust sound. To hang up when finished, click the red round button with the phone receiver.

    👀 Red round button with phone symbol to end call.

If You Don't See It / Troubleshooting

If your family member has an Android phone or Windows PC

Click "Create Link" at the top of FaceTime, copy the link, and email or text it to them. They can join your FaceTime call directly from their Google Chrome web browser!

Good to Know

  • You can maximize FaceTime to full screen by clicking the green circle in the top-left corner of the window.
  • Adjust your laptop lid angle so your face is nicely centered in the built-in webcam.