You’re sitting there with your shiny new Galaxy S26, and your best friend—the one who refuses to leave the Apple "walled garden"—wants to FaceTime. You look for the app. You search the Play Store. Nothing. It’s frustrating, right?
Honestly, the short answer is no. Samsung does not have a native FaceTime app. Apple hasn't released one for Android, and they probably never will. FaceTime is their "sticky" feature that keeps people buying iPhones. But here’s the twist: just because you don't have the app doesn't mean you're blocked from the conversation.
Since the release of iOS 15 a few years back, Apple opened a tiny window. You can't start a call, but you can absolutely show up as a guest.
Does Samsung have FaceTime? Bridging the gap
If you're asking does samsung have facetime in the sense of an icon you can tap to call your mom, the answer is a hard no. You cannot initiate a call. You cannot "FaceTime" someone from a Samsung phone using Apple's proprietary protocol.
However, you can join a FaceTime call if an Apple user invites you.
It works through your web browser. Think of it like a Zoom link or a Google Meet invite. Your friend with the iPhone creates a link and texts it to you. You click it, your browser opens, and suddenly you’re staring at their face. It’s a bit of a workaround, but it works surprisingly well.
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How it works on a Galaxy
To get this running, you don't need an Apple ID. You don't need to sign up for anything. You just need a stable internet connection and a modern browser like Google Chrome.
- Your friend (the iPhone user) opens their FaceTime app.
- They tap Create Link.
- They send that link to you via text, WhatsApp, or email.
- You tap the link on your Samsung.
- You type in your name and hit Continue.
- You wait for them to "let you in" from their end.
That’s it. You’re in the call.
The catches you should know about
It’s not perfect. Since you’re running FaceTime through a web browser (WebRTC) and not a native app, you lose the "fun" stuff.
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Don't expect to use Memojis. You can’t put a digital shark head over your face. You also can't share your screen or use SharePlay to watch movies together. It’s basically a raw video and audio feed. For most people, that’s plenty. But if you’re looking for the full-featured Apple experience, you’re just not going to get it on a Samsung device.
Also, quality can be hit or miss. If your Chrome browser isn't updated, or if your connection is spotty, the web version of FaceTime tends to struggle more than the native app does.
What about "FaceTime" apps in the Play Store?
Warning: Do not download anything claiming to be "FaceTime for Android." There are dozens of fake apps on the Play Store and third-party sites. They use the FaceTime logo and promise to connect you to the service. They are almost universally scams, malware, or just shells designed to show you ads. Apple has never released an official .apk for FaceTime. If you see one, delete it immediately.
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Better ways to video call from a Samsung
If the "joining a link" thing feels too clunky—and it kind of is—there are way better alternatives that work natively on your Galaxy. Samsung has actually leaned heavily into Google's ecosystem lately.
Google Meet is now basically the "FaceTime of Android." It comes pre-installed on almost every Samsung phone. If you open your Contacts app or your Phone app, you’ll often see a small video camera icon next to a contact's name. That’s usually Google Meet. It’s high-def, supports live captions, and works across both Android and iPhone (as long as the iPhone user downloads the app).
Then there's WhatsApp. Pretty much the global standard for video calling. It’s owned by Meta, it’s end-to-end encrypted, and it doesn't care if you're on a $1,200 Ultra or a $200 budget phone. The quality is reliable, and everyone already has it.
Why doesn't Apple just make the app?
Business. Pure and simple.
Apple knows that FaceTime and iMessage are the primary reasons people stay with iPhones. If they gave Samsung users a perfect, native FaceTime app, that's one less reason for a teenager to beg their parents for an iPhone. By keeping it "web-only" for Android, they provide just enough compatibility to be helpful without giving away the crown jewels.
Actionable steps for Samsung users
If you’re tired of being left out of the group chat or the family video call, here is what you should actually do:
- Educate your iPhone friends: Tell them they can invite you. Most iPhone users don't even realize the "Create Link" button exists. Tell them to look for the green button at the top of their FaceTime app.
- Keep Chrome updated: Since your FaceTime experience lives and dies in the browser, make sure you aren't running an old version.
- Push for Google Meet: If you have a regular group, suggest switching to Meet or WhatsApp. These apps treat Samsung and Apple users as equals, meaning you get the filters, the screen sharing, and the stability that FaceTime denies you.
- Check your permissions: When you click a FaceTime link, your phone will ask for permission to use the camera and mic. If you accidentally hit "Block," the link won't work. You’ll have to go into your browser settings to reset it.
The reality of 2026 is that the "green bubble vs. blue bubble" war is still happening, but the walls are getting slightly shorter. You can participate, even if you can't lead the charge.