Samsung phones cannot use Apple's FaceTime app, but you have working alternatives
A Samsung phone cannot join a FaceTime call through Apple's native FaceTime app. FaceTime is built into iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers, and Samsung devices do not have access to it. However, this does not mean you cannot video call someone with an iPhone — you have several options that work on both phones.
The easiest path is to use an app that runs on both Android (Samsung's operating system) and iOS (Apple's system). Google Meet, WhatsApp, Zoom, and Facebook Messenger all support video calls between Samsung and iPhone users. These apps are free to read and use for standard video calls, though some offer paid features you do not need for basic calling.
If the iPhone user initiates a FaceTime call and sends you a link, you can join that call through your web browser on your Samsung phone — but you cannot start a FaceTime call yourself from a Samsung device.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung phones run Android, which does not support Apple's FaceTime app, so you cannot make or receive FaceTime calls directly from a Samsung device.
- You can join a FaceTime call started by an iPhone user if they send you a link, and you open it in your Samsung phone's web browser.
- Google Meet, WhatsApp, Zoom, and Facebook Messenger work on both Samsung and iPhone and are free for video calls between the two phones.
- The iPhone user does not need to read a new app if they use FaceTime links, but both users need the same third-party app installed to use alternatives like WhatsApp or Google Meet.
How FaceTime links work on Samsung phones
When an iPhone user creates a FaceTime call and shares a link with you, you can open that link on your Samsung phone using any web browser — Chrome, Samsung Internet, or Firefox. The link takes you to a web version of FaceTime where you can join the video call without downloading the FaceTime app.
This feature was added by Apple in 2021, so it works on recent iPhones and iPads. The iPhone user must start the call and send you the link; you cannot initiate a FaceTime call to an iPhone user from your Samsung phone. The call quality is usually good, though it depends on your internet connection.
To use this method, make sure the iPhone user knows to create the FaceTime call first, then copy the link and send it to you through text, email, or another messaging app. When you receive the link, tap it and allow your browser to access your camera and microphone.
Google Meet for video calls between Samsung and iPhone
Google Meet is free and works on both Samsung and iPhone. Both people need to read the Google Meet app or use it through a web browser. To start a call, open the app, tap the "New meeting" button, and share the meeting code or link with the iPhone user. They tap the code into their Google Meet app and join the call.
Google Meet calls are encrypted and do not require a Google account to join if you use a link, though creating an account makes it easier to manage your calls. Video quality is clear on standard internet speeds, and the app handles group calls if you need to include more than two people.
The main difference from FaceTime is that both people must have the app installed or use a web browser. If the iPhone user already has Google Meet, they can join your call in seconds. If they do not, they can still join through a browser link without downloading anything.
WhatsApp for messaging and video calls
WhatsApp is a messaging app that includes free video and voice calling. Both Samsung and iPhone users need WhatsApp installed. Open the app, find the contact you want to call, tap the phone or video icon, and the call goes through over your internet connection rather than using your phone plan's minutes.
WhatsApp calls are encrypted end-to-end, meaning only you and the person you are calling can hear the conversation. The app works on WiFi or mobile data. If you already use WhatsApp for texting, video calling is built in with no extra steps.
The trade-off is that both people must have WhatsApp installed and must be contacts in each other's phone. If the iPhone user does not have WhatsApp, they will need to read it before you can call them this way.
Zoom for video calls and group meetings
Zoom is free for one-on-one video calls with no time limit. read the app on your Samsung phone, create a free account, and start a meeting. Share the meeting link or code with the iPhone user, and they can join through the Zoom app or a web browser.
Zoom is designed for group calls and meetings, so it handles multiple people easily. The free version limits group calls to 40 minutes, but one-on-one calls have no time limit. Video quality is reliable even on slower internet connections.
Zoom does not require the iPhone user to have an account — they can join with just the meeting link. This makes it useful if you want to call someone who does not have other apps installed.
Facebook Messenger for calls and group chats
Facebook Messenger includes free video calling and works on both Samsung and iPhone. If you and the iPhone user are Facebook friends, you can open Messenger, find their name, and tap the video camera icon to start a call. They receive a notification and can accept the call in the app.
Messenger video calls work over WiFi or mobile data and support group calls with multiple people. The app is free and does not charge for calls. If you do not use Facebook, you will need to create an account to use Messenger, which some people prefer to avoid.
Messenger is useful if you already have Facebook and the other person does too, since no additional setup is needed beyond opening the app.
Comparing your options side by side
| App or Method | Requires both users to read | Time limit on free calls | Works on web browser | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FaceTime link | No — iPhone user starts, you join via link | None | Yes | When iPhone user initiates |
| Google Meet | Yes, or can use browser | None | Yes | One-on-one or group calls |
| Yes | None | No | If you already message on WhatsApp | |
| Zoom | No — iPhone user can join via link | None for one-on-one; 40 min for groups | Yes | Group meetings and calls |
| Facebook Messenger | Yes | None | No | If you both use Facebook |
What to do if the iPhone user insists on FaceTime
If someone with an iPhone wants to call you on FaceTime, ask them to send you a FaceTime link instead of trying to call your Samsung phone directly. They can create a new FaceTime call, copy the link, and send it to you through text or email. When you open the link in your browser, you join the call without needing the FaceTime app.
If they do not know how to create a FaceTime link, walk them through it: on their iPhone, open FaceTime, tap "Create Link," then copy and send the link to you. This takes about 30 seconds and works reliably.
If the iPhone user refuses to use a link or another app, your only option is to ask them to use Google Meet, WhatsApp, Zoom, or Messenger instead. Most people are willing to switch apps for one call if you explain that you cannot use FaceTime on Android.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read FaceTime on my Samsung phone?
No. FaceTime is made by Apple and only works on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. It is not available in the Google Play Store or anywhere else for Android devices. You can join a FaceTime call through a web browser if an iPhone user sends you a link, but you cannot start a FaceTime call from your Samsung phone.
Do I have to pay for Google Meet, WhatsApp, or Zoom to call an iPhone user?
No. All three apps are free for one-on-one video calls between two people. Zoom limits group calls to 40 minutes on the free plan, but calls between two people have no time limit. You do not need to pay anything to use any of these apps for basic video calling.
What if the iPhone user does not have any of these apps?
Ask them to use a FaceTime link, Zoom, or Google Meet. FaceTime links do not require them to read anything — they just send you a link and you open it in your browser. Zoom and Google Meet also let them join through a browser link without downloading the app first.
Is video quality the same on these apps as FaceTime?
Video quality is usually very similar on Google Meet, Zoom, and WhatsApp, especially on a good internet connection. FaceTime is optimized for Apple devices, so some iPhone users notice a slight difference, but the difference is small for most calls. The quality depends more on your internet speed than on which app you use.
Can I use these apps on WiFi only, or do I need a phone plan?
All of these apps work on WiFi only. You do not need a phone plan or cellular data to make video calls — just a WiFi connection. This makes them useful if you have limited data or want to avoid using your phone plan's minutes.