Samsung phones cannot use Apple's FaceTime app natively, but you can join FaceTime calls through a web link

Samsung Android phones do not have FaceTime built in. However, starting in iOS 15, Apple added the ability for iPhone users to send FaceTime links to anyone—including Android users. When an iPhone user sends you a FaceTime link, you can open it in your Samsung phone's web browser and join the video call without downloading anything.

This means you can participate in FaceTime calls with iPhone users, but you cannot start a FaceTime call yourself from a Samsung device. The iPhone user must initiate the call and share the link with you first.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung phones cannot run the FaceTime app, but can join FaceTime calls through a web browser link that an iPhone user sends you.
  • The iPhone user must create the FaceTime call and generate a shareable link—you cannot start a FaceTime call from your Samsung phone.
  • When you receive a FaceTime link via text, email, or messaging app, tap it and open it in your phone's web browser to join the call.
  • You will need a working internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) and a compatible web browser like Chrome or Samsung Internet.
  • Audio and video quality depend on your internet speed; a stable Wi-Fi connection usually works better than mobile data.

How an iPhone user sends you a FaceTime link

The iPhone user opens the FaceTime app and starts a new call. Instead of selecting a contact from their phone, they tap "Create Link" at the top of the screen. This generates a unique link they can copy and send to you through text message, email, WhatsApp, or any other messaging method.

The link looks like a standard web address (for example, facetime.apple.com/join/...). Once they send it to you, you can open it on your Samsung phone. The iPhone user can share this same link with multiple people, and everyone who has the link can join the same call.

Joining a FaceTime call from your Samsung phone

When you receive the FaceTime link on your Samsung device, tap it to open it. Your phone will ask which app you want to use to open the link—select your web browser (Chrome, Samsung Internet, or Firefox all work). The FaceTime call interface will load in the browser.

Before you join, you will see a screen asking for your name. Type in your name so the iPhone user knows who is joining. Then tap "Join" to enter the call. Your camera and microphone will turn on automatically, though you can mute either one during the call using the buttons on screen.

If the call has not started yet, you will see a waiting screen. Once the iPhone user starts the call, you will see their video feed. The call works the same as if you were using FaceTime on an iPhone—you can mute audio, turn off video, or leave the call at any time.

What you need to join a FaceTime call

Your Samsung phone needs an active internet connection. Wi-Fi is more reliable than mobile data, especially for video calls, but either one will work. Make sure your phone's camera and microphone are not blocked by a case or screen protector, and that you have given your browser permission to access them.

You do not need to create an Apple ID, read the FaceTime app, or have an iPhone. A standard Android web browser is all that is required. If you are having trouble joining, try a different browser or restart your phone's internet connection.

Common problems when joining FaceTime calls

The link does not work or shows an error: The link may have expired if too much time has passed since the iPhone user created it, or the call may have already ended. Ask the iPhone user to create a new link and send it again. Also check that you are opening the link in a web browser, not trying to read it as a file.

Your camera or microphone is not working: Your browser may not have permission to access them. Go to your phone's Settings, find Apps or Permissions, locate your browser, and turn on Camera and Microphone. Then close the FaceTime call and open the link again.

The video is freezing or the call keeps dropping: This usually means your internet connection is weak. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router, or switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi if you are using data. Close other apps that might be using bandwidth, like YouTube or downloads.

The iPhone user cannot see or hear you: Check that your microphone is not muted (look for the microphone icon on the call screen). If it is muted, tap it to turn it back on. Also make sure your camera is on by tapping the camera icon if the video is off.

Alternatives to FaceTime for Samsung and iPhone calls

If you prefer not to use FaceTime links, several other apps work on both Samsung and iPhone. Google Meet, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger all support video calls between Android and iOS devices. These apps require both people to read and install them, but they give you more control over when calls happen and do not require someone else to start the call first.

Many people use these alternatives because they work the same way on both phones and do not depend on one person having an iPhone. However, if the iPhone user specifically wants to use FaceTime, the web link method is the simplest way to join without changing apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start a FaceTime call from my Samsung phone?

No. Only iPhone users can create and start FaceTime calls. You can only join a call when an iPhone user sends you a link. If you want to initiate video calls with iPhone users, use Google Meet, WhatsApp, or another app that works on both Android and iOS.

Do I need an Apple ID to join a FaceTime call?

No. You do not need an Apple ID, an iPhone, or any Apple account. Just open the link in your web browser and enter your name. That is all that is required to join.

What if the FaceTime link expires?

Links expire after the call ends or after a certain amount of time passes without anyone joining. If the link stops working, ask the iPhone user to create a new one and send it to you again. They can do this in the FaceTime app by tapping "Create Link" again.

Can multiple Samsung users join the same FaceTime call?

Yes. The iPhone user can share the same link with as many people as they want, and everyone who opens the link can join the same call. There is no limit to how many Android users can join a single FaceTime call through a web link.

Will FaceTime work on my Samsung tablet?

Yes, as long as it has a web browser and an internet connection. The process is the same—open the FaceTime link in your tablet's browser and join the call. Make sure your tablet has a camera and microphone if you want to use video and audio.