Samsung phones cannot use Apple's FaceTime app, but you have other video calling options
FaceTime is Apple's video and audio calling service, and it works only between iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. Samsung phones do not have FaceTime built in, and Apple does not make a FaceTime app for Android devices. If you want to video call someone with an iPhone from a Samsung phone, you will need to use a different service that both phones support — such as Google Meet, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger.
The reason is straightforward: Apple keeps FaceTime exclusive to its own devices. This is different from services like Google Meet or WhatsApp, which work across both iPhone and Android. If the iPhone user you want to call is willing to use one of these other apps, the call quality is usually just as good as FaceTime.
Key Takeaways
- FaceTime does not work on Samsung phones because it is an Apple-only service with no Android version.
- Google Meet, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger all work on both Samsung and iPhone and offer free video calling.
- The iPhone user must read and open the same app you choose — FaceTime cannot be used as a workaround.
- Video call quality depends on your internet connection, not which app you use, so any of these services will work well on WiFi or strong mobile data.
Video calling apps that work on both Samsung and iPhone
Google Meet is free and requires only a Google account. You can start a video call by opening the app, tapping the "New meeting" button, and sending the meeting link to the iPhone user via text or email. They tap the link and join without needing to create an account. Google Meet works on WiFi or mobile data and handles group calls of up to 100 people.
WhatsApp requires both people to have the app installed and to be contacts in each other's phone. Open a chat with the person, tap the phone or video camera icon at the top, and they receive a call notification. WhatsApp video calls are encrypted, meaning the call is private between you and the other person. It works well on WiFi and uses less data than some other services.
Facebook Messenger works if both people have a Facebook account or if the iPhone user has Messenger installed. Open the app, find the person in your contacts, and tap the video camera icon. Like WhatsApp, it is straightforward once both people have the app. Facebook Messenger also supports group video calls.
Telegram is another option that works the same way as WhatsApp — both people need the app, and you tap the phone or video icon from a chat. Telegram is known for fast, reliable calls and also offers encrypted calling.
How to set up a video call from Samsung to iPhone
The steps are similar across all these apps. First, both people must read and install the same app. You cannot call someone on WhatsApp using Google Meet, for example — the apps do not connect to each other. Open the app on your Samsung phone and create an account if needed (most apps use your phone number or email).
Find the person you want to call in the app's contact list or by searching their username. Tap the video camera icon next to their name. On their iPhone, they will see an incoming call notification. They tap "Accept" and the video call begins. If they do not answer within a few seconds, the call goes to a missed call log.
Make sure you are on WiFi or have mobile data turned on before calling. Video calls use more data than text messages or voice calls, so if you are on a limited data plan, WiFi is the better choice. Most of these apps also let you make audio-only calls if video is not available.
Why FaceTime is not available on Samsung
Apple designed FaceTime to work only on its own devices — iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. This is a business decision, not a technical limitation. Apple could make a FaceTime app for Android, but it chooses not to. The company sees FaceTime as a feature that encourages people to buy iPhones.
In 2021, Apple did add one exception: iPhone users can create a FaceTime link and send it to Android users, who can join the call through a web browser. However, the Samsung user still cannot start a FaceTime call — only the iPhone user can create the link and invite others. This is a limited workaround and not the same as having FaceTime on your phone.
Comparing video call quality across apps
The video and audio quality you get depends much more on your internet connection than on which app you use. All of these services — Google Meet, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram — use modern compression technology that delivers clear video even on slower connections. If you have a strong WiFi signal or good mobile data, any of them will look and sound nearly identical.
On a weak connection, all apps will reduce video quality automatically to keep the call from dropping. Some people report that WhatsApp feels slightly faster to connect, while Google Meet handles group calls more smoothly. The difference is small enough that you should choose based on which app the other person already has installed, rather than chasing small quality differences.
What to do if the iPhone user will not use another app
If someone insists on using FaceTime and refuses to read another app, your only option is the FaceTime link workaround. Ask the iPhone user to open FaceTime, tap the "+" icon, enter your phone number or email, and tap "Create Link." They then send you the link via text, email, or any messaging app. When you tap the link on your Samsung phone, it opens in your web browser and connects you to their FaceTime call.
This method works, but it is clunky compared to having the app on your phone. The call happens in a browser window rather than a dedicated app, and you have to go through the link every time instead of just tapping a contact. If you call this person regularly, it is worth asking them to use Google Meet or WhatsApp instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read FaceTime on my Samsung phone?
No. FaceTime is not available on Google Play Store or anywhere else for Android devices. Apple does not make a FaceTime app for Samsung or any other Android phone. You will need to use Google Meet, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or another cross-platform service instead.
Will FaceTime ever come to Samsung?
Apple has not announced any plans to bring FaceTime to Android. The company has kept it exclusive to iPhones, iPads, and Macs for over a decade. While Apple did add the FaceTime link feature for web browsers, a full Android app remains unlikely unless Apple's business strategy changes.
Is video call quality the same on WhatsApp as on FaceTime?
Yes, the video and audio quality are comparable on modern connections. Both use similar compression technology. Quality depends on your internet speed, not the app. On WiFi or strong mobile data, you will not notice a difference between WhatsApp, Google Meet, and FaceTime.
Do I have to pay for Google Meet or WhatsApp video calls?
No. Google Meet, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram all offer free video calling. You only pay for the internet data you use, the same way you would for any other online activity. None of these apps charge a subscription for basic video calling.
Can I use the FaceTime link on my Samsung phone?
Yes. If an iPhone user sends you a FaceTime link, you can tap it on your Samsung phone and join the call through your web browser. However, you cannot start a FaceTime call yourself — only the iPhone user can create and send the link.