Samsung phones cannot use Apple's FaceTime app natively, but iPhone and Samsung users can video call each other through other apps
Samsung devices do not have FaceTime built in the way iPhones do. FaceTime is Apple's proprietary video and audio calling service, and Samsung phones run Android, a different operating system. However, this does not mean Samsung and iPhone users cannot video call each other — they straightforward need to use a different app that both phones support.
Starting in 2021, Apple did allow iPhone users to create FaceTime links and send them to Android users, including Samsung phone owners. When a Samsung user clicks that link in a web browser, they can join the call without downloading anything. But Samsung users cannot initiate a FaceTime call themselves or use the FaceTime app on their phone.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung phones cannot read or use Apple's FaceTime app because they run Android instead of iOS.
- iPhone users can create a FaceTime link and send it to a Samsung user, who can join through a web browser without installing an app.
- Samsung and iPhone users can video call each other using third-party apps like Google Meet, WhatsApp, Zoom, or Telegram, which work on both operating systems.
- If you want to receive video calls from iPhone users on your Samsung phone, ask them to use one of these cross-platform apps instead of FaceTime.
How iPhone users can include Samsung users in FaceTime calls
An iPhone user can start a FaceTime call and then create a link to share with others. To do this on an iPhone, they open the FaceTime app, tap the plus sign to start a new call, enter a name for the call, and then tap "Create Link." This generates a shareable link that can be texted, emailed, or sent through any messaging app.
When a Samsung user receives that link, they tap it and open it in their phone's web browser. They do not need to read FaceTime or create an Apple account. The browser will ask for their name, and then they can join the video call. The call quality and features work the same as a regular FaceTime call between two iPhones, though the Samsung user is joining through the web rather than an app.
This method works well for one-time calls or group calls where you want to include people on different phones. The limitation is that the iPhone user has to create the link and send it first — a Samsung user cannot initiate a FaceTime call to an iPhone user.
Better options: cross-platform apps that work on both phones
If you regularly video call between Samsung and iPhone, using a dedicated app is often simpler than asking someone to create a FaceTime link each time. Google Meet is free, requires no account setup if you use a link, and works on both Android and iOS. One person creates a meeting link and shares it; the other person taps it and joins in a browser or through the app.
WhatsApp is another option if both people already have the app installed. Video calls are built in, encrypted, and work the same way on Samsung and iPhone. Zoom is widely used for group calls and works on both phones. Telegram also offers free video calling between Android and iOS users.
These apps have one advantage over FaceTime links: both people can start the call. You do not have to wait for an iPhone user to create a link. If you and the iPhone user both have the same app installed, either of you can initiate the call at any time.
Why Samsung phones do not have FaceTime
FaceTime is owned and operated by Apple. Apple built it specifically for iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. Samsung phones run Android, which is a different operating system made by Google. Apple does not make FaceTime available as an app in the Google Play Store, so Samsung users cannot read it.
Apple could choose to release FaceTime as an Android app, but it has not done so. The company has opened FaceTime to Android users only through web links, which is a limited form of access. This is a business decision by Apple, not a technical limitation — other companies like Google and Meta release apps that work on both iOS and Android.
What happens if a Samsung user receives a FaceTime call
If an iPhone user tries to call a Samsung phone using FaceTime, the call will not go through. The iPhone will show an error or the call will fail to connect. The Samsung phone will not receive any notification of the attempted FaceTime call.
This is why it is important to let iPhone users in your life know that you use a Samsung phone. If they want to video call you, they should use one of the cross-platform apps listed above, or they can create a FaceTime link and send it to you. Once they know your preference, they can save it and use the same method each time.
Comparing your options in a quick reference
| Method | Who starts the call | Requires app read | Works on Samsung |
|---|---|---|---|
| FaceTime link | iPhone user only | No (uses web browser) | Yes |
| Google Meet | Either person | No (uses web browser) | Yes |
| Either person | Yes | Yes | |
| Zoom | Either person | No (uses web browser) | Yes |
| Telegram | Either person | Yes | Yes |
Setting up a preferred calling method with contacts
If you have iPhone-using friends or family members, consider telling them which app you prefer to use for video calls. You can send them a message saying something like: "I have a Samsung phone, so I can't use FaceTime. Can we use WhatsApp or Google Meet instead?" Most people are happy to switch if they know it makes calling easier.
If you use multiple apps, you can keep them all installed. Some people use WhatsApp for calls with certain contacts and Google Meet for others. There is no rule that says you have to pick just one. The key is making sure the other person knows which app to use when they want to reach you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read FaceTime on my Samsung phone?
No. FaceTime is not available in the Google Play Store and Apple does not make it for Android phones. Your only option to use FaceTime is through a web browser when an iPhone user sends you a link.
Will an iPhone user know I have a Samsung phone if they try to FaceTime me?
Not automatically. The call will straightforward fail or show an error on their end. They may not realize you have a Samsung phone unless you tell them. It is helpful to mention it so they know to use a different app or send you a FaceTime link instead.
Do I need an Apple ID to join a FaceTime call from a Samsung phone?
No. When you click a FaceTime link on your Samsung phone, the browser will ask for your name but not for an Apple ID or any account information. You can join as a guest.
Is video quality the same on Samsung phones as on iPhones when using these apps?
Video quality depends on your internet connection and the app you use, not on whether you have a Samsung or iPhone. All the apps mentioned here offer similar video quality on both phones.
What if the iPhone user does not know how to create a FaceTime link?
You can walk them through it: they open FaceTime, tap the plus sign, enter a name for the call, and tap "Create Link." Then they send you the link through text or email. Alternatively, suggest using Google Meet or WhatsApp instead, which may be simpler for them.