Staying connected through video chat is easier than ever.
Except when two phones with different operating systems are involved.
In this guide, we will walk through those options one by one. We will introduce you to FaceCall, which is a free video chat app. It comes with advanced features that make Android-to-iPhone video calls effortless.
By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly how to set up a call from Android to iPhone or the other way around. Additionally, you will be able to select the top video calling app.
Before we move to the steps, it is helpful to understand why Android and iPhone need a separate app to talk to each other.
Why Android-to-iPhone Video Calls Need a Third-Party App?
Let us pause for a moment and look at why this problem even exists.
Android and iPhone are built on two completely different operating systems. The video calling tools that come preinstalled on them do not talk to each other.
iPhone users have FaceTime, and they use it a lot.
But Android phones do not have FaceTime at all, and they cannot start a FaceTime call on their own.
To make this a little flexible, Apple introduced a small workaround.
An iPhone user can create a FaceTime link and share it with someone using Android or even Windows, and that person can join the call through a web browser. It works, but there is still one condition: an Apple device has to start the video call first.
Because of this limitation, in most real situations it is far simpler to use a third-party app that works on both Android and iPhone. Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Google Meet, Zoom, and a few other video chat apps make this very easy.
If both people install the same app, they can start a video call within seconds, no matter which phone they are using.
In the next part, we will quickly look at these common cross-platform apps and how they work.
Best Cross-Platform Video Call Apps
If you and the person you want to talk to are using different phones. You just need to pick one common video call app and use that for the call.
Below are a few ways to make an Android-to-iPhone video call using different apps:
1. FaceCall
FaceCall is a free, cross-platform video calling app that has been designed primarily for mobile users.
It does not require you to sign up with a phone number. It adds modern features such as video caller ID, adaptive bitrate technology, and AI-driven capabilities.
This means you can place a call from an Android device to someone with an iPhone without any additional steps, provided both parties have FaceCall installed.
It is simple: download the app, add a contact, and initiate the video call.
This is particularly convenient for families using different devices.
2. FaceTime
When a person with an iPhone wants to use FaceTime, they can generate a FaceTime link on iOS 15 or newer.
They open FaceTime, select Create Link, assign a name to the call, and share that link with the Android user.
The Android user clicks the link and joins via the browser.
This method is effective, but there is a drawback. An Apple device must initiate the call first, as Android cannot start FaceTime on its own.
3. WhatsApp
This is one of the easiest methods because most people already have WhatsApp installed.
Download the application, verify your phone number, make sure that both of you have each other’s contact numbers saved, open the chat, and click on the video camera icon.
The call will ring on the recipient’s device, regardless of whether it’s an iPhone or an Android.
WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption and even supports group video calls, so it is a good everyday option.
4. Facebook Messenger
If both people who want to make a video call are using Facebook or Messenger, they can connect easily. They can open their chat and start a video call directly from the app.
Messenger works on Android, iPhone, and the web.
So, it is useful when you do not want to share their phone numbers.
5. Google Meet (earlier Google Duo)
Google Meet is compatible with nearly all devices.
You can start a meeting on your mobile device or laptop and share the link with the other person. They simply click the link and join.
Since it runs on both Android and iPhone, it is a good option for personal as well as professional work calls.
6. Zoom or Microsoft Teams
These applications are primarily targeted toward business use.
Yet they can still be utilized for personal purposes.
You set up a meeting and share the invitation link. The other participant joins via their convenient device.
It is compatible across different platforms. But it usually requires signing in or opening the app, so these are not always the quickest for family calls.
7. Other messaging apps (Signal, Telegram, Viber, etc.)
Many modern messaging apps now offer video calling features. The requirement remains consistent: both users need to use the same app.
After fulfilling this condition, making calls between Android and iPhone devices poses no issues.
In the next section, we will compare FaceCall with these other third-party apps.
FaceCall is a mobile app built specifically for secure video chatting across devices. It has some advanced features that you will not find in regular apps.
After reading it, you can decide why it can be a better choice for mixed Android and iPhone families.
Also Read: 5 Best Cross-Platform Video Calling Apps (Android to iPhone)
FaceCall vs. Other Video Calling Apps
FaceCall is a free video calling app that works on both Android and iOS. It is the best video chat app built with modern features in mind.
Unlike traditional messaging apps, FaceCall was developed specifically for mobile use from the very beginning.
Here are some primary benefits of FaceCall when compared to other apps:
- No phone number required: Many apps require you to provide your mobile number or log in using social media accounts. FaceCall offers an alternative; you can set up an account without connecting it to your phone number.
All you need is an internet connection. This feature is useful when you do not want to share your number with everyone.
- High-quality video even on a weak internet: FaceCall is designed to maintain clear video and audio quality, even in slow network conditions.
It reduces the data usage of the call, yet still delivers high-quality video.
Many well-known apps tend to become blurry or experience lag when the internet connection falters. FaceCall is specifically made to perform better in such scenarios.
Also Read: Best Video Calling App with Low Data Usage
- Video Caller ID: One of the most exciting features is that you can upload a brief introduction video of yourself before making a call.
When you place the call, the recipient views that video, allowing them to immediately recognize who’s reaching out, which adds a more personal touch.
It significantly improves the experience compared to merely seeing a number displayed on the screen.
- AI Translation of 76 Languages: If you and your contact communicate in different languages, FaceCall’s auto-translate feature can provide real-time translation for 76 languages.
It’s similar to having immediate captions throughout the conversation. This functionality simplifies connecting with friends or coworkers globally, regardless of language barriers.
- Group calls up to 100 people: FaceCall allows for group video calls that can accommodate as many as 100 participants. You can invite people and transform it into a small group conversation or a family reunion.
FaceCall is the best group video call app for small teams, friends, and relatives spread across various cities, or parents connecting with their children overseas.
- Cross-Platform & Mobile-Centric: FaceCall is available on both the Play Store and App Store. Users just have to download the app to begin calling one another, regardless of the type of phone they have. It is designed specifically for smartphones. The interface is simple and user-friendly.
- Additional features: There are small add-ons like AI masks, video templates, and screen sharing that make calls more engaging.
And all of this is free.
You do not have to upgrade to unlock basic calling features.
Now, if we compare this with other apps, the picture becomes clearer.
WhatsApp is great, but it asks for your phone number, and sometimes the video quality drops when the internet is slow.
FaceTime has amazing quality, but it is tied to Apple, and Android users can only join through a link.
FaceCall sits right in the middle.
It is free like WhatsApp, and it delivers quality like FaceTime. It works on both Android and iPhone without any extra steps.
In the next part, we will show you exactly how to set it up and make your first Android-to-iPhone video call using FaceCall.
Step-by-Step Guide to Video Calling from Android to iPhone with FaceCall
Got an Android on one side and an iPhone on the other?
Here’s the simple way to start a FaceCall together.
- Download the FaceCall app from the App Store on iPhone and Google Play on Android, then open the app on both devices.
- Complete the setup steps as prompted. You can sign in using your phone number or choose to sign in with Google or Apple. Agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms. You will receive your verification code via SMS or email.
- In FaceCall, navigate to Contacts, select Add/Invite (the label may differ based on the version), enter the individual’s name/number/email, and save it. You should now see each other listed in your contacts.
- On the Android device, launch FaceCall, locate the iPhone user in Contacts, and tap the video icon. This will initiate a ringing call on their iPhone.
- On the iPhone, press Accept to enter the video call.
If the video or audio quality is poor, verify that the camera and microphone permissions are set correctly in your phone’s settings and ensure your internet connection is stable.
Conclusion
Calling across Android and iPhone does not have to be a tech headache. Once you pick a cross-platform app and set it up, you will be just a tap away from a virtual face-to-face conversation.
FaceTime links work when an iPhone kicks things off, but for everyday, two-way calling, a shared app is the easiest option.
If you want something simple and mobile-first, FaceCall makes the whole flow feel natural. Download FaceCall on both phones, add each other, and start the call.
That’s all there is to it.
