Samsung phones cannot use Apple's FaceTime app, but you have other options to video call iPhone users

Samsung phones do not have access to Apple's FaceTime app. FaceTime is built into iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers, and Apple does not make a version for Android devices. If you want to video call someone with an iPhone, you will need to use a different app that works on both phones.

The good news is that iPhone users can start a FaceTime call and send you a link to join through a web browser on your Samsung phone. This is called FaceTime Link, and it lets you participate in the call without downloading anything. However, you cannot start the FaceTime call yourself — only the iPhone user can initiate it and share the link with you.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung phones cannot read or use Apple's FaceTime app directly.
  • iPhone users can create a FaceTime Link and send it to you, letting you join the call through your Samsung phone's web browser.
  • Google Meet, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger all work on both Samsung and iPhone for video calls you can start yourself.
  • FaceTime Link calls work best on newer Samsung phones with updated browsers, though older models may have trouble.

How FaceTime Link works on your Samsung phone

When an iPhone user creates a FaceTime call and chooses to share a link, they can text, email, or message that link to you. You tap the link on your Samsung phone, and it opens in your web browser — usually Chrome or Samsung Internet. The call starts in the browser window, and you can see and hear the iPhone user just like you would in a regular video call.

You do not need to create an Apple ID or sign into anything. The link is one-time use, so each call requires a new link from the iPhone user. The call quality depends on your internet connection, just like any other video call. If your connection is slow or unstable, the video may freeze or the audio may drop.

FaceTime Link is available on iPhones running iOS 15 or newer. If the iPhone user has an older version of iOS, they cannot create a shareable link, and you will need to use a different app to call them.

Video calling apps that work on both Samsung and iPhone

Google Meet is free and works on any phone with a web browser or the Google Meet app. You can start a call, send a link to the iPhone user, and they can join through their browser or the app. The call quality is generally good, and it handles group calls well.

WhatsApp requires both people to have the app installed, but it is free to read. Video calls over WhatsApp use your internet connection, not your phone plan's minutes. The app is available on both Samsung and iPhone, and you can start calls yourself.

Facebook Messenger works the same way — both people need the app, and calls are free over internet. It is straightforward to use if you already have a Facebook account.

Telegram is another option with free video calling, though it is less common than the others. All of these apps let you start the call yourself, unlike FaceTime Link where the iPhone user must initiate.

Why Apple does not make FaceTime for Android

Apple keeps FaceTime exclusive to its own devices as part of its business strategy. FaceTime is one of the features that makes iPhones attractive to buyers, and opening it to Android would reduce that advantage. This is a deliberate choice by Apple, not a technical limitation — the company could make an Android version if it wanted to.

FaceTime Link was Apple's compromise. Instead of building a full Android app, Apple lets iPhone users share calls with Android users through a web link. This keeps FaceTime mostly within Apple's ecosystem while allowing some cross-platform calling.

What to do if you need to call an iPhone user regularly

If you call iPhone users often, pick one app and stick with it. Google Meet is the easiest choice because it works in a web browser — the iPhone user does not even need to read anything. You can send them a link, and they can join when ready.

If the iPhone user is willing to read an app, WhatsApp or Telegram give you more control and slightly better call quality. You can start calls whenever you want without waiting for the other person to initiate.

If you only call one or two iPhone users occasionally, FaceTime Link is fine. Just ask them to send you the link when they want to call, and you can join through your browser.

Troubleshooting FaceTime Link on your Samsung phone

If a FaceTime Link does not work, first check that you have a strong internet connection. FaceTime Link calls require WiFi or mobile data — they do not work on a phone with no connection.

Try opening the link in a different browser. If Chrome does not work, try Samsung Internet or Firefox. Some older Samsung phones have browsers that do not support FaceTime Link properly, and switching browsers sometimes fixes this.

Make sure the link is fresh. FaceTime links expire after the call ends, so if the iPhone user sent you a link from a call that already happened, it will not work. Ask them to start a new call and send you a new link.

If you are still having trouble, the iPhone user can try creating the FaceTime Link again. Sometimes the link fails to generate correctly on their end, and creating a new one solves the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start a FaceTime call and send a link to an iPhone user?

No. Only iPhone users can create FaceTime calls and generate shareable links. Samsung phones do not have FaceTime, so you cannot start a FaceTime call. You can join a call if an iPhone user sends you the link, but you cannot initiate one yourself.

Do I need an Apple ID to use FaceTime Link?

No. You do not need to sign into anything or create an account. Just tap the link the iPhone user sends you, and the call opens in your browser. The link is anonymous and one-time use.

Will FaceTime Link work on my older Samsung phone?

It depends on your phone's browser and how old it is. Newer Samsung phones with updated browsers work reliably. Very old phones may have trouble, but trying a different browser sometimes helps. If FaceTime Link does not work, ask the iPhone user to call you through Google Meet or WhatsApp instead.

Is Google Meet as good as FaceTime for video quality?

Google Meet quality is comparable to FaceTime when both people have good internet connections. The main difference is that FaceTime is built into iPhones, while Google Meet requires a browser or app. For most calls, you will not notice a difference.

Can I use FaceTime Link without WiFi?

Yes, as long as you have mobile data. FaceTime Link calls use your internet connection, whether that is WiFi or cellular data. Just be aware that video calls use data quickly, so monitor your data usage if you have a limited plan.