For a long time, Android lovers have yearned for a platform that basically offers the same abilities as that of iMessage on iPhone, iPad, and Mac as well. After many failed attempts, Google recently started rolling out RCS (Rich Communication Services) as an alternative to iMessage on Android, however, only to users in the US. In this article, we are going to talk about How to Facetime on Android Hack – Best Alternatives. Let’s begin!
Well, besides iMessage, it is Apple’s FaceTime that is widely used on iPhones, iPads, and Macs as well. The app is designed in order to make video calling easy between Apple’s devices.
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What is Facetime
FaceTime is a video-calling application designed for use on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac as well. The service basically works on mobile data and WiFi. Hence letting you make free internet-based calls to anywhere right from the phone app on an iPhone as well.
Can You Use FaceTime on Android?
In order to keep things simple, the answer is NO. FaceTime is a really closed software, which that means until Apple chooses to, and the app won’t be available outside the Apple ecosystem and that’s not likely to change anytime soon. So, if you’re hoping to FaceTime a friend from your Android phone, then you’re out of luck. If anyone says otherwise, they are making a fool out of you actually.
Are there any first-party alternatives to FaceTime?
As we’ve already discussed, that there’s actually no way for Android users to use Apple’s FaceTime. But, relying on your manufacturer, you might still be able to video chat with your loved ones, straight from the dialer app. The leading smartphone manufacturer in the world, Samsung, basically offers its users the option to video call straight from the dialer app actually. Simply click on the camcorder icon to start the video call.
You could also switch to video calling in the middle of a voice actually. Bring your phone to the front and then click on ‘Video call’ in order to switch to video calling. It actually works flawlessly both on mobile data and Wi-Fi actually. Samsung’s video calling isn’t End-to-End Encrypted such as Apple’s. So, it’s better to steer clear of the app if you guys are looking for maximum privacy.
Other OEMs, such as Xiaomi and OnePlus, also support intra-OEM video calling actually. You have to look for the camcorder icon in order to start a video call. Just make sure that the person you’re calling is using a device from the same manufacturer.
Best Alternatives to FaceTime on Android
Luckily for you, Android is loaded along with a sea of FaceTime alternatives. Even if you guys can’t take Apple’s video calling app for a ride, and there are some solid video calling apps available for Android smartphones. What’s more? You guys can even use most of these apps in order to make video calls to iPhones or MacBooks.
Here are a few apps that basically offer video calling on Android phones along with the same level of quality as on FaceTime. All of the apps below should work for you no matter that Android device (Google, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, LG, Motorola, as well.). You own, meaning this support cross-OEM calling actually.
Google Duo
What we like: It works on iOS and Android, Simple, Knocks Knock functionality, End-to-End Encrypted
What we don’t like: Nothing besides video calling actually.
Most recent Android phones ship along with the Google Duo app pre-installed. The app is also available on both Android and iOS devices as well. That means you would be able to make video calls to iPhone, iPad, and also Mac users as well. Calls can be made over mobile data or WiFi. Just like on FaceTime and you guys can leave a video message (just like a voicemail) when the person on the receiving end doesn’t answer your call.
Plus, there’s a Knock Knock feature that permits users in order to see who is actually calling. Providing a live video preview. All calls are protected along with end-to-end encryption, just like that on FaceTime to make sure privacy. Duo also supports group video calling to more than 8 people.
Facebook Messenger Rooms
What we like: Supports more than 50 participants, screen-sharing, joining link, meeting lock, non-Facebook users can join, ends meeting for all as well
What we don’t like: Only Facebook users can create a meeting room actually
Messenger Rooms is also available inside Facebook Messenger as a tool to host more than 50 other people in an audio or video call. Users can also join meetings via a joining link, use it for an unlimited amount of time, lock a session. It will notify when someone leaves or joins, mute others, and also share screens.
Plus, the Facebook service also offers the ability to change the video layout during a video call. That allows you to choose from two layout options – Primary speaker view and grid view as well. You guys can also decide who can join your meeting and it could be anyone along with the joining link. Or someone who actually has an account on Facebook as well. The service can also be used inside the Facebook Messenger app on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and also on the web too.
Download Facebook Messenger
Meet now on Skype
What we like: Simple UI, Cross-platform support, group video calling to more than 50 people
What we don’t like: Meeting links have any expiration date actually
In case you guys don’t know, Skype was actually the first video calling service that went mainstream. Even after a decade of its existence, it has also managed to stay relevant and is yet another widely used app across many platforms. The service recently started to offer a new ‘Meet Now in Skype’ feature. That permits users to easily set up a collaboration space and invite both Skype and non-Skype contacts as well.
Via Meet now, you can send and also receive text messages, video-call to individuals and groups, and also invite new members to your group via sharing a call link as well. Skype also offers a live transcription of the video if the language is supported and is also compatible. Along with Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Windows and can even be used on some smart TVs and gaming consoles as well. The service comes close to replicating FaceTime on Android and also offers the ability in order to grab a screenshot during a video call, just like on Apple’s video calling service as well.
Download Skype
Google Hangouts
What we like: Runs on Android, iOS, and Web, video calling along with screen sharing
What we don’t like: Could be a little complicated for many
Google offers a secondary video calling option in Hangouts that also works on Android and iOS in addition to the web. However, Duo only supports video calls, Hangouts basically comes with full message-sharing functionalities including text messages, and voice calling as well.
Hangouts also offer a built-in screen sharing option, conversation history, and location sharing. Users can also make audio-only calls to many other Google Hangouts users and can also turn off their microphone from within a video call without ending the session.
Download: Hangouts
ZOOM Cloud Meetings
What we like: Support for more than 1000 participants, Integration along with third-party collaboration services, recording a meeting, Chat privately during a meeting, Mute all participants, Save group chats
What we don’t like: Security concerns, needs an app on desktops
Zoom has recently seen a meteoric rise in its userbase on both PCs and smartphones along with the impact of COVID-19. The service also offers free and paid plans relying upon your requirements. And offers support for large group meetings with more than 100 participants on the free plan and more than 1000 users on the Enterprise plus plan as well. Besides that, Zoom provides users along with audio and video messaging, file sharing, screen sharing, sharing files. Through cloud services, and also cross-platform transition.
Organizers on Zoom can also change the permissions of members relying on if they’d be interactive participants or view-only webinar attendees. The service is also available for use on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, ZoomPresence, H.323/SIP room systems, and telephones as well.
Download: ZOOM Cloud Meetings
What we like: It basically supports iOS, Android, and Web, Share anything for free of cost, End-to-End Encrypted
What we don’t like: Nothing exactly!
Well, FaceTime is used by all iPhone and Mac users, WhatsApp is used by almost any smartphone user as well, be it on Android or iOS. The app has a go-to chat service across many regions and its video calling functionality is quite famous as well.
Calls and chats are encrypte such as on FaceTime. Besides video calls, you guys can send and receive audio or video messages within the app. The app sorts out the people you should call via the contacts saved on your phone. And you can start communicating with them when you’ve set up the app along with your phone number. The service also comes along with desktop and web clients to reply to messages on a PC.
Download: WhatsApp
Cisco Webex Meetings
What we like: Schedule meetings, change hosts, Get a call from Webex when it’s time to meet, Call into a meeting as well
What we don’t like: UI could be more intuitive actually
Cisco recently expanded its absolutely free plan for Webex offering support for more than 100 meeting attendees. No time limit on the duration of a meeting, and an option in order to call in for audio. The service also has paid plans that are starting from $14.95 per month. That offers the ability to share applications or files, transcribe recordings, and assign alternate hosts as well.
People you invite to Webex Meetings don’t really have to download anything or also even have a Webex account and as an organizer. You guys can schedule meetings or start an instant meeting in a personal room. Cisco permits you to join meetings right from your web browser, or through its apps on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS actually.
Download: Cisco Webex Meetings
Houseparty
What we like: Playing games during group meetings, have the ability to invite friends of friends,
What we don’t like: Can only connect you to 8 users maximum, Potential concerns on privacy
Not aimed a those who really want to work remotely or talk to their co-workers. Houseparty is basically an app that lets you catch up along with your friends via inviting them to join you in a video chat. Unlike other video calling apps in the list, Houseparty permits you to play quizzes and games even whenever on a group video call. Friends can quickly video chat with you without even notice or you can drop into any room as long as it’s online.
As for the games that you are allowed to play, then you can jump into Quick Draw, Heads Up, Trivia, and much more. The app also lets you send Facemail which is just a redefined word for sending video messages to friends as well.
Download: Houseparty
Marco Polo
What we like: Sends and saves video messages, no time limit on videos
What we don’t like: Not a traditional video calling app
Having highlighted as the Editor’s choice on Google Play, as we couldn’t ignore Marco Polo. Just stay In Touch which is a video-based instant messaging app. If you’re someone that doesn’t actually like to talk in real-time, then Marco Polo permits you to use your phone as a video walkie-talkie. When you take turns sending videos to your friends and family.
The app also lets you send text messages, it has no limits on the length of the video, stores video on the cloud. And it offers privacy as you cannot search and find anyone without even their mobile number.
Download: Marco Polo
Facebook Messenger
What we like: Widely used because everyone is on Facebook, Mobile & Web support
What we don’t like: Won’t work without a Facebook account, unnecessary notifications as well
WhatsApp might have been a no-brainer, however, there’s another Facebook product. That might interest you if you’re searching to make video calls from an Android phone – Facebook Messenger. The app is actually an established service alongside Facebook, meaning you guys won’t have to convince people to install it.
Chats are end-to-end encryption protected, also even in groups as well. Calling and texts are possible on mobile data or WiFi too. It also runs on all platforms also including Android, iOS, and web (compatible with Windows, macOS, or Linux PCs). And can thus use in order to make video calls no matter which device you’re using.
Download: Facebook Messenger
Snapchat
What we like: Supports video calling to more than 16 people, augmented reality stickers
What we don’t like: Hard to use because it’s a photo chatting app, Can’t be accessed on desktops
Snapchat came into the limelight as a self-destructing image-sharing platform. However, has lately branched into a full-fledged messaging service along with many social features. The app is also available on iOS and Android but unlike its competitors. It also asks for an account to be set up via using your email address rather than a phone number.
However, the app is primarily used to send snapshots and short videos. Users can also make video calls to a single person or also within a group of more than 16 people all at once. Users can also share stories for a day’s viewing, use filters, Bitmojis, and also augmented reality stickers in their videos for a change as well.
Download: Snapchat
Conclusion
Alright, That was all Folks! I hope you guys like this article and also find it helpful to you. Give us your feedback on it. Also if you guys have further queries and issues related to this article. Then let us know in the comments section below. We will get back to you shortly.
Have a Great Day!
