Updated On December 13, 2021
Video chats have become everyday ways to stay in touch, whether it is between long-distance friends or between co-workers. Sure, FaceTime between iPhones is easy. It’s not quite as straightforward when one party has an iPhone and the other has an Android device. Many smartphone users may think that having different device types will keep them from being able to chat. Not so!
Today, there are plenty of third-party apps that work on both Android and iPhones that can be downloaded by each party. These apps will allow video chats between iPhone and Android devices.
If you want to learn how to make video calls between Android and iPhone devices, here are some of the best apps you and your chat partner can use to get that important face-to-face time.
Video Chat Apps for Android and iPhone
FaceTime for Android
No, FaceTime won’t be directly available for Android devices. However, Android users will now be able to join in FaceTime calls with their iPhone-owning friends. Developed as an alternative to Zoom and Microsoft Teams, Apple released a new feature within the iOS 15 system update that allows Android users to join in FaceTime calls.
So, can a Android users video call iPhones via FaceTime? That’s a “no” for now. Although iPhone users can initiate face-to-face calls via their FaceTime feature, Android users must receive an invitation from the iPhone user via text, email, invite or a WhatsApp message. Learning how to FaceTime between Android and iPhone will take a bit of getting used to, and perhaps this is only the beginning. It’s certainly a bold step forward for Apple, who has kept its FaceTime function under wraps and exclusively between Apple devices for years.
Google Duo
Google Duo, which came out in 2016, is another popular way to initiate Android to iOS video calls. Google Duo is an app that works on both Android and iPhone phones and devices.
This free video chat app for Android and iOS devices uses end-to-end encryption so messages and calls stay private. Groups of up to 32 participants can join the chat and be set up in groups, so everyone can begin with the tap of a button. This app has several useful features, including the Knock Knock feature, which will allow you to see a video of the person calling before you answer. Google Duo features a simple interface with a singular functionality that’s user friendly. Unlike Google Hangouts, Google Duo is exclusively for video calls from tablets to phones, and vice versa.
You can download Google Duo on both Google Play and the App Store. All parties involved in the chat must have the app installed so iPhone and Android users can all join. If you want to know how to use Google Duo on iPhone, you’re in luck: Google has a set of instructions to get you started!
Viber
Like Google Duo, Viber allows people to connect across Android devices, Apple devices and more with audio calls, video calls and messaging. Viber is a free VoIP and instant message application that has high-quality security, unlimited group conversations and a wide selection of stickers and gifs. You’ll enjoy HD video calls, international calls and Viber games.
Once you’ve downloaded and set up Viber, you can use it to sync all your contacts. When you want to call someone, all you’ll have to do is select a contact through the app and make the call.
Facebook Messenger
If you and a friend both have a Facebook account and Messenger, this tool can be an easy option for all devices involved. Like the other apps on this list, you can use Messenger to send quick messages and create group chats. The benefit of Facebook Messenger is that many people already have the interface downloaded on their phones and are familiar with how the app works. Since many people have this function on their phones already, Messenger a great way to video call Androids without adding an extra app by the iPhone user. In addition, any calls made on Messenger on Wi-Fi connections are free. Many users find the filters fun to use as well.
To make a video call with Messenger, just go into the app, find your contact and then tap the video or phone option at the top of the screen.
Skype
Skype is a common program used for both personal and business-related video calls. If you have a Microsoft account, you can download the app and log in using any iOS or Android device.
With Skype, you can create group chats with as many contacts as you need. As long as you have a strong internet connection, you can do video or voice calls with multiple parties.
Zoom
Throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns, people with limited video chat know-how likely had some experience with Zoom Cloud Meetings. It is one of the most popular apps for video conferencing for both individuals and for businesses. It can be used by multiple numbers of people – from two users to thousands. Free versions are available, which will most likely be adequate for personal use; premium versions allow for longer calls between more participants.
WhatsApp is becoming increasingly popular. It is not only used by individuals who are wanting to video chat on iPhones and Android devices domestically, but also widely used for international conversations – without those pesky (and not to mention pricey) international call and chat fees. Once you’ve downloaded WhatsApp, you can easily add contacts via their phone numbers. The cross-platform video call function supports chats between up to 50 people.
ICQ
Another app compatible with iPhone and Android devices, ICQ not only offers secure encryption and live group chats, but it also allows you to dictate text messages, creating a seamless, convenient experience.
Experiment With Video Chat Apps for iPhone and Android Devices
With all of the different applications available, it’s never been easier to find the best ways to video chat between iPhone and Android devices. Once you’ve downloaded a smartphone video chat app, it’ll be easy to contact your friends and co-workers with just a few screen taps. Try out these apps to see which platform and features you prefer; there’s certainly plenty variety of other video chatting tools on the market that will allow you to experiment. Try out each one to find what works best for you!
If you want more information about your options, contact The Whiz Cells today.