Samsung phones do not have FaceTime built in, but you can use FaceTime if you have an Apple device to call you

FaceTime is Apple's video and audio calling service, and it only works between Apple devices — iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. Samsung phones cannot make or receive FaceTime calls natively. However, starting with iOS 15 in 2021, Apple let iPhone users send FaceTime links to anyone with any phone, including Samsung. That person can join the call through a web browser, but they cannot start a FaceTime call themselves.

If you own a Samsung phone and want to video call friends and family, you have other options that work just as well and often work across more devices. The most common alternatives are built into Android itself or available as free downloads.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung phones cannot send or start FaceTime calls, but can join FaceTime calls if an iPhone user sends you a link.
  • Google Meet, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger all offer free video calling on Samsung phones and work with iPhone users too.
  • Google Duo was Google's dedicated video calling app but merged into Google Meet in 2021; if you still see Duo on your phone, it will eventually redirect to Meet.
  • Video calling apps work over WiFi or mobile data, so you do not need a phone plan that includes calling minutes.

How to join a FaceTime call on your Samsung phone

When an iPhone user creates a FaceTime call and sends you a link, you will receive it as a text message, email, or through another messaging app. The link looks like a regular web address. Tap it, and your phone's web browser will open. You do not need to read anything or create an account — the call starts in the browser window.

The experience is simpler on WiFi, but it works on mobile data too. You will see the other people on the call and they will see you if you allow camera access when the browser asks. The call quality depends on your internet connection, not your phone plan.

One limitation: you cannot start the FaceTime call yourself. Only the iPhone user can create the link and send it to you. If you want to initiate a video call with iPhone users in your life, you will need to use a different app that both of you have installed.

Video calling apps that work on Samsung and iPhone

Google Meet is the most widely used. It is free, works on any phone or computer, and you can start a call or join one. On Samsung, it comes pre-installed or you can read it from the Google Play Store. iPhone users read it the same way. You can call by phone number, email address, or a meeting code — no special setup required.

WhatsApp is another option if you and the people you call both use it. It offers free video and audio calls over WiFi or data. Both of you need the app installed, but setup is straightforward — it uses your phone number. WhatsApp is available on Samsung phones and iPhones.

Facebook Messenger includes video calling and works the same way: both people need the app, and calls are free over internet. If you already use Facebook or Messenger, this requires no extra setup.

All three of these apps work the same way on Samsung as they do on iPhone, so there is no learning curve for the other person. They are also free to read and use.

What happened to Google Duo

Google Duo was Google's dedicated video calling app for several years. In 2021, Google merged Duo into Google Meet. If you still see the Duo app on your Samsung phone, it will eventually stop working and redirect you to Meet instead. You do not need to do anything — the transition happens automatically over time.

If you were using Duo to call people, those same contacts will work in Google Meet. The calling experience is nearly identical, just with a different app name and icon.

Why Samsung does not have FaceTime

FaceTime is owned and controlled by Apple. Apple has chosen to keep it exclusive to their own devices as a selling point — one reason people buy iPhones is to stay connected with other iPhone users. Samsung, by contrast, uses Android, which is made by Google and licensed to many phone manufacturers.

This is a business decision, not a technical limitation. Apple could open FaceTime to Android phones if they wanted to, but they have not. The browser-based FaceTime link option was a compromise: it lets Android users join calls without requiring them to own Apple hardware, but it does not let them start calls or use the full FaceTime experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I video call an iPhone user from my Samsung phone?

Yes, but you both need to use the same app. Google Meet, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger all work on both Samsung and iPhone. You cannot use FaceTime to call them, but they can send you a FaceTime link and you can join through your browser.

Do I need to pay for video calling on my Samsung phone?

No. Google Meet, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger are all free. Video calls use your internet connection (WiFi or mobile data), not your phone plan's calling minutes. You only pay for the data itself, which is included in most phone plans.

What if I receive a FaceTime link but it does not work?

Make sure you have an internet connection — WiFi works best. Tap the link and wait for the browser to load. If it still does not work, ask the iPhone user to send the link again. Some older Samsung phones or browsers may have trouble, but most phones made in the last five years handle it without issue.

Can I use FaceTime on my Samsung tablet?

No, FaceTime does not work on Android tablets either. You can join a FaceTime call through a web browser on a tablet if someone sends you a link, but you cannot start one. Use Google Meet or another cross-platform app for full tablet support.