No, FaceTime does not work between iPhone and Samsung devices
FaceTime is Apple's video and audio calling service, and it only works between Apple devices — iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Samsung phones cannot receive or make FaceTime calls, even if someone with an iPhone tries to start one with them. If you own a Samsung phone and someone tries to FaceTime you, the call will not go through.
This is a hard technical limit, not a setting you can change. Apple built FaceTime to work only within its own ecosystem. Samsung phones run Android, a different operating system, and Samsung has not licensed FaceTime or built it into their phones.
Key Takeaways
- FaceTime calls between iPhones and Samsung phones are not possible because FaceTime only works on Apple devices.
- If an iPhone user tries to FaceTime a Samsung user, the call will fail or go unanswered.
- Free alternatives like Google Meet, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger work across both iPhone and Samsung phones.
- Some iPhone users can send FaceTime links that Samsung users can join through a web browser, but this requires the iPhone user to initiate and share the link.
What happens when an iPhone user tries to FaceTime a Samsung phone
When someone with an iPhone opens FaceTime and enters a Samsung phone number or tries to call a Samsung contact, one of two things occurs. Either the call fails when ready with an error message, or it rings but never connects because the Samsung phone has no FaceTime app to receive it. The iPhone user may see a message saying the call could not be completed.
If the iPhone user has the Samsung contact's email address instead of their phone number, they might try FaceTime through email — but again, the Samsung phone will not receive it. The Samsung user will have no notification and no way to answer.
How to video call between iPhone and Samsung: working alternatives
The easiest solution is to use a cross-platform app that works on both phones. Google Meet (formerly Duo) is free, works on both iPhone and Samsung, and requires only a Google account. You can start a call by opening the app, finding the contact, and tapping the video icon. The other person gets a notification and can answer from their phone.
WhatsApp is another popular choice. Both iPhone and Samsung users can read it for free, add each other as contacts, and make video calls through the app. Facebook Messenger and Instagram also offer free video calling across both platforms. Telegram is a fourth option with video calling built in.
All of these apps require both people to have the app installed and to be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. None of them use your phone number alone — you need to be contacts within the app or find each other by username.
FaceTime links: the one way Samsung users can join a FaceTime call
Starting with iOS 15 (released in 2021), iPhone users can create a FaceTime link and share it with anyone, including Samsung users. The iPhone user opens FaceTime, starts a new call, and selects "Create Link." This generates a unique URL that can be texted, emailed, or shared any other way.
When a Samsung user receives this link and opens it in a web browser on their phone or computer, they can join the FaceTime call. They do not need an Apple device or a FaceTime account. However, the iPhone user must be the one to create and share the link — Samsung users cannot initiate a FaceTime call themselves.
This feature works best when the iPhone user knows they will be calling someone on Android and sets it up in advance. It is not a solution for spontaneous calls or for Samsung users who want to start the call.
Why FaceTime is not available on Samsung phones
Apple owns FaceTime and has chosen to keep it exclusive to Apple devices. This is a business decision, not a technical one — Apple could license FaceTime to Samsung or release an Android app, but it has not. The company benefits from keeping FaceTime as a feature that only works on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, which encourages people to buy Apple products.
Samsung phones have their own video calling options built in, such as Google Meet integration and Samsung's own services, but none of them are called FaceTime. If you switch from iPhone to Samsung, you will lose the ability to use FaceTime unless you use the web link method described above.
Telling iPhone users you have a Samsung phone
If you own a Samsung phone and iPhone users in your life frequently try to FaceTime you, it helps to let them know upfront that you cannot receive FaceTime calls. You can suggest one of the alternatives — Google Meet, WhatsApp, or Messenger — and ask them to use that instead. Many iPhone users are not aware that FaceTime does not work on Android phones, so a straightforward explanation prevents confusion.
You can also ask iPhone contacts to send you a FaceTime link if they want to video call you. This is less convenient for them than calling someone else with an iPhone, but it does work and requires no app installation on your end.
Switching from iPhone to Samsung: what changes with calling
If you have been using FaceTime on an iPhone and switch to a Samsung phone, you will need to move to a different video calling app. The good news is that most of your iPhone contacts can use the same apps — Google Meet, WhatsApp, and Messenger all work on both phones. You will need to read the apps and share your contact information within them, but the calls themselves work the same way.
Some iPhone users may resist switching apps if they are used to FaceTime, but most people have these apps already installed for other reasons. A quick message explaining the switch usually resolves the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use FaceTime on my Samsung phone if I read an app?
No. FaceTime is not available as an app on Android or Samsung phones in any form. Apple has not released a FaceTime app for Android, and Samsung does not include FaceTime in its phones. The only way a Samsung user can join a FaceTime call is through a web link shared by an iPhone user.
What if I have an iPad and a Samsung phone — can they FaceTime each other?
No. FaceTime only works between Apple devices. An iPad can FaceTime another iPad, an iPhone, or a Mac, but not a Samsung phone. The same rules explore: you would need to use Google Meet, WhatsApp, or another cross-platform app instead.
Do I need Wi-Fi to video call between iPhone and Samsung using Google Meet?
No, but you need either Wi-Fi or a mobile data connection. Google Meet works over either one. If you are using mobile data, the call will use your data plan, so check your limits if you have a capped plan.
If I text an iPhone user a FaceTime link, will they see it as a regular text?
Yes. The link appears as a regular text message or email. When they tap it, it opens FaceTime on their iPhone. They do not need to do anything special — the link automatically launches the FaceTime app.
Can Samsung users send FaceTime links to iPhone users?
No. Only iPhone users (iOS 15 or later) can create FaceTime links. Samsung phones have no way to generate or send them. If a Samsung user wants to video call an iPhone user, they should use Google Meet, WhatsApp, or ask the iPhone user to create and send a FaceTime link instead.