Put a FaceTime Link in Email or Text Message to Direct Recipient to Call FaceTime

Apple provided a multi-page document in September 2017 that describes several URL methods that are supported by system apps on iOS, macOS, and watchOS 2 and later. Native iOS apps and web apps running in Safari on any platform can use these methods to integrate with system apps and provide a more seamless experience for the user. For example, if an iOS app displays telephone numbers, software designer can use an appropriate URL to launch the Phone app whenever someone taps one of those numbers. Similarly, clicking an iTunes link launches the iTunes app and plays the song specified in the link. When a user clicks a link, the response depends on the platform and the installed system apps.

This Apple document describes the methods that require special attributes or special formatting in order to be understood by the associated system app. As a result, this document does not describe all URL schemes supported on different Apple platforms.

We've found that regular users can apply these techniques in some every day tasks in the Notes app or in iMessage or the Mail app. For example, if a user wants customers (iOS only) to make contact on FaceTime rather than by telephone, the user can put a Native app URL string in a text message or email in the following format: facetime://user@example.com

For FaceTime audio calls for iOS customers only the format is:
facetime-audio://user@example.com

The user replaces "user@example.com" with their own email address. However, the user must set the iPhone to use an Apple ID as well as the phone number.

FaceTime calls can be received when a user sets their iPhone to "Use your Apple ID for FaceTime". Once this command is selected, the user then logs into their Apple ID or crates another Apple ID account.

Once the user is signed in to FaceTime the user can also assign additional real email addresses to use to receive FaceTime video or FaceTime audio calls.

To add additional emails ...

Open the Settings app in iOS and go to “FaceTime”

Tap on “Add Another Email…” and enter the email address to add to FaceTime as “user@email.com” format

Adding more email addresses to FaceTime in iOS is allowed.

Users will receive a verification message at the assigned email address.

When the email address is verified, users can make and receive FaceTime video and voice calls with that email address. Users also have the option of selecting a Caller ID to use from any of the assigned emails or the phone number. FaceTime can also work from an Apple iPod, iPad or retired iPhone without a phone number.

For more link information, see FaceTime Links from the Apple Developer Documentation Archive ...