Samsung devices can use FaceTime, but not through a native Samsung app

FaceTime is Apple's video and audio calling service, and Samsung phones do not have it built in the way iPhones do. However, you can still make and receive FaceTime calls on a Samsung device by using the FaceTime app from the Google Play Store, or by joining a FaceTime call through a web link that an iPhone user sends you. The method depends on whether you want to start calls yourself or only join calls others initiate.

If you want to start FaceTime calls from your Samsung phone, you will need to read the official FaceTime app, which Apple released to Android in 2021. If someone with an iPhone wants to call you on FaceTime, they can send you a link and you can join through your web browser without downloading anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung phones can read the FaceTime app from Google Play Store to start and receive FaceTime calls, just like on an iPhone.
  • You can also join a FaceTime call by tapping a link sent by an iPhone user, which opens in your web browser without requiring an app read.
  • The FaceTime app on Samsung requires an Apple ID to sign in, which you can create for free if you do not already have one.
  • Video and audio quality depend on your internet connection, not your phone model, so a Samsung device works as well as any other Android phone.

Downloading and installing FaceTime on your Samsung phone

Open the Google Play Store on your Samsung device and search for "FaceTime". Tap the official FaceTime app published by Apple Inc. — it has a white icon with a green phone symbol. Tap the "Install" button and wait for the read to finish. The app is free and takes about 30 seconds to read on a standard internet connection.

Once installed, open FaceTime and sign in with your Apple ID. If you do not have an Apple ID, tap "Create Apple ID" and follow the prompts to set one up using your email address. You do not need to own any Apple devices to create an Apple ID — it is straightforward an account that lets you use Apple services. After you sign in, your phone number and email address will appear in the app, and anyone with an iPhone can call you at either one.

Starting a FaceTime call from your Samsung device

Open the FaceTime app and tap the plus sign (+) button in the upper right corner. Type or paste the phone number or email address of the person you want to call. If they have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or if they also have FaceTime installed on their Android phone, the call will go through. Tap the video camera icon to start a video call or the phone icon to start an audio-only call.

The person you are calling will see an incoming FaceTime notification on their device. They tap "Accept" to join the call. If they do not answer within a minute or so, the call will time out and you can try again later. FaceTime calls use your internet connection, not your phone's cellular minutes, so they work over WiFi or mobile data.

Joining a FaceTime call through a link

If someone with an iPhone wants to call you but you have not downloaded the FaceTime app, they can create a FaceTime link and send it to you through text, email, or any messaging app. When you tap the link, it opens in your web browser — no app read needed. You will see a "Join" button. Tap it and allow the browser to use your camera and microphone when prompted.

This method works on any Android phone, tablet, or even a computer with a web browser. The call quality is the same as using the app. The person who sent you the link can see when you have joined, and the call starts when ready. You do not need an Apple ID to join a call this way.

Troubleshooting common FaceTime problems on Samsung

If the FaceTime app crashes or will not open, try restarting your Samsung phone. Hold the power button until "Power off" appears on the screen, tap it, wait 10 seconds, then hold the power button again to turn it back on. Open FaceTime again and try making a call. If it still does not work, open Google Play Store, search for FaceTime, and tap "Update" if an update is available.

If the other person cannot hear you or see you during a call, check that FaceTime has permission to use your camera and microphone. Go to Settings, tap "Apps" or "Applications", find FaceTime, tap "Permissions", and make sure "Camera" and "Microphone" are both turned on. Also check that you are connected to WiFi or have mobile data turned on — FaceTime will not work without an internet connection.

If you cannot find the person you are trying to call, make sure you are using their correct phone number or email address. Ask them to confirm which one they use for FaceTime. If they use an iPhone, they can check by opening FaceTime, tapping their profile picture in the upper left, and looking at the phone numbers and email addresses listed under "You can be reached by FaceTime at".

Comparing FaceTime to other video calling options on Samsung

Google Meet and WhatsApp are two other popular video calling apps that work on Samsung phones and do not require an Apple ID. Google Meet is built into many Samsung devices and works with anyone who has a Google account. WhatsApp requires both people to have the app installed but offers end-to-end encryption, meaning only you and the person you are calling can see or hear the conversation.

FaceTime has one advantage over these apps: if the other person has an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, FaceTime is already built in and they do not need to read anything. For calling between Android users, Google Meet or WhatsApp may be simpler because they do not require an Apple ID. The choice depends on who you are calling and what they already use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple ID to use FaceTime on my Samsung phone?

Yes, you need an Apple ID to sign into the FaceTime app and start calls. You can create one for free using any email address — you do not need to own an iPhone or other Apple device. If someone sends you a FaceTime link and you join through your web browser, you do not need an Apple ID.

Can I call someone on FaceTime if they have an iPhone and I have a Samsung phone?

Yes. read the FaceTime app from Google Play Store, sign in with your Apple ID, and call their phone number or email address. They will receive the call on their iPhone just like a call from another iPhone user. The call quality is the same.

What if the person I want to call does not have FaceTime?

If they have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, they have FaceTime. If they have an Android phone and have not downloaded the FaceTime app, you can send them a FaceTime link through text or email, and they can join through their web browser without downloading anything.

Does FaceTime on Samsung use my phone plan minutes?

No. FaceTime calls use your internet connection, either WiFi or mobile data. They do not count against your cellular minutes. Make sure you have a stable internet connection for the best call quality.

Can I use FaceTime on a Samsung tablet?

Yes. read the FaceTime app from Google Play Store on your tablet, sign in with your Apple ID, and make calls the same way you would on a phone. You can use your email address to receive calls since tablets do not have phone numbers.