To video chat between Android and iPhone, share a FaceTime link from the iPhone or use WhatsApp, Google Meet, or Signal on both phones. FaceTime lets you join from Android in Chrome or Edge without installing an app or signing in to an Apple account. With a shared calling app, you can start the call from either phone.
The short version
- No Android app needed: An iPhone user can create a FaceTime link and admit the Android participant through their browser.
- Call from either phone: Use WhatsApp, Google Meet, or Signal when both people have the same service set up.
- Allow video and sound: Give the calling app or browser permission to access your camera and microphone.
- Waiting to connect: A shared invitation may require the host to admit you before the call begins.
| Method | What you need | Main catch |
|---|---|---|
| FaceTime link | FaceTime on iPhone and Chrome or Edge on Android | The iPhone user creates the invitation and admits the guest |
| WhatsApp accounts and apps on both phones | Both people need the mobile app for this route | |
| Google Meet | Meet set up and signed in on both phones | Share a meeting link when direct calling is unavailable |
| Signal | Signal on both phones | Call links also require Signal |
Send a FaceTime link from the iPhone
On the iPhone, open FaceTime, tap New Call, then choose Create Link. Share the invitation through Messages, Mail, or another offered app. FaceTime links require iOS 15 or later; older versions place the link control differently.
On Android, open the invitation in a current version of Chrome or Edge. Enter your name, select Continue, and grant camera and microphone access. Select Join, then wait for the iPhone host to admit you.
Once connected, use Camera and Microphone to control your video and sound. Select Leave when you finish. You can use this method for individual and group calls.
If you are waiting to enter, ask the host to admit you. To invite another person from the browser call, select More > Copy Link or Share Link and send the invitation. Sharing that existing link does not create a new FaceTime call.
Make a WhatsApp video call
For a direct WhatsApp call, both people need WhatsApp accounts and the mobile app. Get the appropriate Android or iPhone app from the WhatsApp download page if needed. WhatsApp lists Android 6.0 or later and iOS 15.1 or later as its mobile requirements.
Open the person's WhatsApp conversation and tap the video-camera icon; on Android, tap Call to confirm. Alternatively, open Calls, tap the new-call icon, choose the contact, and tap the video-camera icon.
To send an invitation instead, open Calls, select the + icon, create a call link, and send it to the other person. If the call connects without your picture or sound, check the camera and microphone permissions below.
Call or share a link with Google Meet
Install Google Meet on both phones using the mobile app links on the Google Meet product page, then open the app and sign in. Tap New or Search contacts, find the person, and select their contact. Enable video on the preview screen and tap Call.
If the person cannot receive direct calls, choose Create and share a link. To create a meeting invitation from Android yourself, tap New > Create link, then choose Copy or Share. Send it to the iPhone participant and tap Join meeting to enter.
As the recipient, open the invitation in Meet and tap Join. When admission is required, select Ask to join and wait for the host. A meeting link lets you enter a meeting rather than placing a direct ringing call.
For a group call, tap New > Group call, select your contacts, then tap Next > Call. You can select up to 31 contacts in addition to yourself. Use Share link for someone who cannot receive a ringing call.
If you are looking for Google Duo, use the updated Google Meet calling experience. Follow the current Meet controls above instead of older Duo or legacy-group instructions.
Start a Signal video call
Both participants need Signal for this method. Install the appropriate mobile app from the Signal download page, then open Signal and tap the compose icon. Choose a contact or enter their number to open the conversation.
Tap the camera icon and, when prompted to confirm, select Call or Start Call. The in-call camera button controls your video. Grant camera and microphone access so the other person can see and hear you.
For a group video call, everyone needs the latest Signal version and membership in the same group. You can update Signal on your iPhone before starting. Open the shared group conversation, tap its video-call icon, then select Start Call or Join Call; Signal supports up to 75 participants.
To invite people through a link, open Calls > Create a Call link. Select Require admin approval to control admission, then choose Copy link or Share link via Signal and select DONE. Recipients open the invitation using Signal, so they still need the app to join.
Fix missing video or sound
If you have joined but cannot send video or sound, first check the call's camera and microphone controls. Then check permissions on the phone with the problem. For a browser call, both the browser app and the calling website need access.
On Android, open Settings > Apps, choose the calling app or browser, and open Permissions. Select Camera and choose Allow only while using the app, then repeat for Microphone. Manufacturer labels can differ.
Android also has controls that can block access across apps. Open Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy > Privacy controls. Turn on Camera access and Microphone access.
For FaceTime or another website in Android Chrome, select Allow while visiting the site when asked for access. To repair a blocked permission, open Chrome > More > Settings > Site settings, then choose Camera or Microphone. Select the blocked website and choose Allow.
On iPhone, open Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and enable the calling app. Repeat under Microphone. Apps appear in these lists after requesting access, so start the call and respond to its permission request if the app is missing.
Restore FaceTime and Meet calling options
If FaceTime is unavailable on the iPhone, open Settings > Apps > FaceTime and turn on FaceTime. Also check Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps & Features. Enable Camera and FaceTime; the person who controls Screen Time may need to change those restrictions.
When Meet cannot find someone by phone number, have that person open Meet and tap their Profile picture > Add your phone number. Choose or add a number, tap Continue, and complete verification. To manage it later, open Profile picture > Manage your phone numbers.
A contact restriction can also prevent a personal Meet call from reaching you. Open Menu > Settings > General and find Only contacts can call me. If that setting is enabled, save the caller as a contact, or try a meeting invitation. For a work or school account, your administrator may need to review calling restrictions and meeting access separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you schedule a FaceTime call with an Android user?
Yes, create a FaceTime link, insert it as the location of a Calendar meeting, and send the invitation. Your Android guest joins through the included link.
Can you start an iPhone video call from Google Messages on Android?
Yes, through Google Meet when both of you have Meet installed, set up, and signed in, and the iPhone recipient has a reachable phone number in their Google Account. Open the individual conversation in Google Messages and tap the video-camera icon. The shortcut appears only when Google's eligibility conditions are met.
Can someone join a WhatsApp video call without an account?
Yes, WhatsApp lets you join as an account-free guest through a shared call link in a computer browser. Enter your name and wait for the host to admit you. WhatsApp specifies computer browsers for this guest option, so use the mobile app for the phone calling methods above.
Do FaceTime links work in mainland China?
No, you cannot use FaceTime links in mainland China. You also cannot create those links on an iPhone purchased there.
Can you still use Skype for Android to iPhone video calls?
No, consumer Skype availability ended on May 5, 2025, and Microsoft replaced it with Teams. You cannot use the remaining Skype Dial Pad as a replacement for cross-platform video calls.
Do Signal call links expire?
Yes, Signal call links expire after 90 days without use. If your old invitation has expired, create and share a new call link.