Samsung phones cannot use Apple's FaceTime app, but you have working alternatives
Samsung devices do not have access to FaceTime, Apple's video calling service. FaceTime is built into iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers, but Samsung phones run Android, a different operating system. However, you can still video call someone with an iPhone — you just need to use a different app that works on both Android and iOS.
The practical solution is to use apps that run on both Samsung and Apple devices. Google Meet, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Zoom all let you video call iPhone users from your Samsung phone without any special setup. The iPhone user does not need to switch apps or install anything new on their end — they can receive your call through the same app you are using.
Key Takeaways
- FaceTime is exclusive to Apple devices and does not work on Samsung phones or any Android device.
- Google Meet, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Zoom all support video calls between Samsung and iPhone users.
- You and the iPhone user must both have the same app installed to video call each other.
- If an iPhone user sends you a FaceTime link, you can join the call through a web browser on your Samsung phone.
Why Samsung phones cannot run FaceTime
FaceTime is owned by Apple and designed only for devices running iOS, iPadOS, or macOS. Samsung phones use Android, which is a separate operating system made by Google. Apple does not make FaceTime available to Android users, so there is no official FaceTime app in the Google Play Store.
This is a business decision, not a technical limitation. Apple could release FaceTime for Android, but the company has chosen to keep it exclusive to its own devices. This is one reason iPhone users sometimes prefer calling other iPhone users — FaceTime is already built in and requires no setup.
Cross-platform apps that work for video calls
Google Meet is free and works on both Samsung and iPhone. You can start a video call directly in the app, or send a link to someone who does not have the app installed — they can join through a web browser. Google Meet is straightforward and does not require a Google account to receive a call, though you need one to start a call.
WhatsApp is a messaging app with built-in video calling. Both you and the iPhone user need WhatsApp installed, but once you do, video calls are straightforward and encrypted. WhatsApp requires a phone number to set up, and you must have the other person's number saved in your contacts.
Facebook Messenger lets you video call anyone you are connected with on Facebook, whether they use Samsung or iPhone. The app is free, though Facebook collects data on your usage. You need a Facebook account to use it.
Zoom is designed for group calls and meetings but works for one-on-one video calls too. You can send a meeting link to an iPhone user, and they can join through the Zoom app or a web browser without creating an account.
What to do if an iPhone user sends you a FaceTime link
When an iPhone user creates a FaceTime call and shares a link, you can join that call from your Samsung phone using a web browser — you do not need the FaceTime app. Open the link in Chrome, Firefox, or Samsung Internet, and you will be able to see and hear the other person.
This feature was added by Apple in 2021 to let Android and Windows users join FaceTime calls. The iPhone user still initiates the call and sends you the link, but you can participate without owning an Apple device. The video and audio quality is the same as if you were using FaceTime on an iPhone.
Setting up video calls between Samsung and iPhone
The steps are the same regardless of which app you choose. First, both people need to install the same app — read it from the Google Play Store on your Samsung phone and from the App Store on the iPhone. Open the app and create an account if required.
Find the other person in the app — this might mean searching for their username, phone number, or Facebook profile, depending on the app. Start a video call by tapping the video icon next to their name. On the iPhone side, they will see an incoming call notification and can accept or decline.
If the other person does not have the app installed, you can send them a link to read it, or in some cases (like Google Meet or Zoom) they can join through a web browser without installing anything.
Which app is best for calling iPhone users
If you call the same person regularly, WhatsApp is the simplest choice because it works like a built-in calling feature once both people have it installed. The video quality is good, and calls are encrypted for privacy.
If you want something that does not require the other person to have an account or app, Google Meet is the most flexible. You can send a link, and the iPhone user can join through their web browser without downloading anything.
If you are already on Facebook, Messenger is convenient because you likely already have the other person as a contact. If you need to include multiple people or schedule calls in advance, Zoom is designed for that purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use FaceTime on my Samsung phone at all?
No. FaceTime is exclusive to Apple devices and is not available on any Android phone, including Samsung. However, you can join a FaceTime call that an iPhone user starts by opening the link they send you in a web browser.
Do both people need to have the same app installed?
Yes, unless the app offers a web browser option. For WhatsApp, both people need the app. For Google Meet and Zoom, the other person can join through a web browser if they do not want to install the app.
Is there a way to make Samsung and iPhone video calls automatic?
Not without both people choosing the same app. Once you both have the same app installed, you can call each other directly from your contacts. Some apps let you set a default calling app, but the other person must have that app too.
Will the iPhone user know I am calling from a Samsung phone?
No. When you call through WhatsApp, Google Meet, Messenger, or Zoom, the iPhone user only sees that you are calling through that app. They will not see what type of phone you are using.
What if the iPhone user insists on using FaceTime?
Ask them to send you a FaceTime link instead of calling directly. You can join their FaceTime call through a web browser on your Samsung phone. This works for one-on-one calls and group calls.