FaceTime has made it easy for Apple users to stay connected with family and friends, even if they are overseas. Calling someone is a straightforward process if you have a Wi-Fi or cellular network connection.
But is FaceTime really free, even when calling internationally?
Here’s if FaceTime Is Free Internationally In 2025:
Yes, the actual FaceTime call to someone in a different country is free, whether you use Wi-Fi or your mobile data. However, FaceTime calls can consume a significant amount of data, so if you use mobile data and are on a pay-as-you-go plan, your call could use up a lot of data, which may result in additional costs.
FaceTime is a built-in video and audio calling app that runs on Apple devices. You can call anyone with just your phone and your Apple ID.
To make FaceTime calls completely free, you will need an internet connection (which may involve paying for Wi-Fi or mobile data depending on your plan). If you use mobile data, calls will cost you something, but they’re usually much less than regular phone calls.
If you want to avoid higher phone bills, be sure to connect to Wi-Fi before making international FaceTime calls.
Is FaceTime Free Internationally Without WI-Fi?
To use FaceTime for free on international calls, you need a Wi-Fi connection. Using a cellular network consumes data, which will impact your phone bill.
When connected through Wi-Fi at home, you don’t have to worry about data usage. Even if there’s no internet connection available at home, places like coffee shops and restaurants often offer free Wi-Fi.
If you're connected through a cellular network, FaceTime calls can get quite expensive, as they count against any data cap you may have.
For cellular networks, you might want to use FaceTime’s audio-only option to avoid using up too much data and getting hit with expensive bills.
Video Calls vs. Audio Calls:
FaceTime offers the option to switch between audio and video during the call. Video calls use significantly more data compared to audio calls, so if you’re using cellular data and have a limited data plan, you’ll use up more data for video calls.
Audio calls don’t require as much bandwidth and won’t drain your data as quickly.
On cellular data, FaceTime calls can use up to 3 MB of data per minute, but this is just a rough estimate. Data usage can vary based on factors like call quality and network conditions.
While FaceTime calls via mobile data are still more affordable than international phone calls or roaming charges, it’s a good idea to watch your data usage.
How Can You FaceTime Internationally?
FaceTime is pre-installed on all Apple devices, so you don’t need to pay separately to access this service.
Since FaceTime is part of Apple’s ecosystem, it doesn't take up extra space on your device, unlike other video calling apps.
To use FaceTime, your iPhone, iPad, or Mac must have iOS 7 or macOS 10.9.2 or later. Older devices may not support iOS updates and won’t be able to use the latest versions of FaceTime.
Setting up FaceTime is easy. Go to your device's Settings, select FaceTime, and turn on the app.
Next, enter your Apple ID and password to register your phone number on the device.
Once set up, open the FaceTime app and make a call by entering the email address or phone number of the person you're calling.
If the person is in your contacts, you can just type their name and tap the audio button to start a voice call.
During the call, you can switch from audio-only to video if you and your correspondent agree. If you prefer not to video chat, you can decline the request at any time.
When the call is done, simply press the end button at the bottom of the screen.
Important:
FaceTime only works on Apple devices, so the person you're calling must also have an Apple device to accept a FaceTime call. The app isn’t compatible with Android or other non-Apple devices.
How Is It That FaceTime Is Free Internationally but Phone Calls Are Not?
Unlike the expensive international phone calls, FaceTime is a convenient option for connecting with others across the globe. Calls are essentially free if you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
Regular phone calls are different because they involve costly international tariffs. These charges come from the fact that networks need agreements to process international calls, and the infrastructure (like trans-Atlantic or Pacific cables) is expensive to install and maintain.
FaceTime, on the other hand, doesn’t rely on traditional phone networks, so it doesn’t incur these costs. As long as your Apple device (and the person you're calling) supports FaceTime, you can use it as often as you want without paying for the call itself—except for the data or Wi-Fi charges you may incur.
In Conclusion:
FaceTime is the least expensive way to make international calls, provided you use Wi-Fi. If you use cellular data, be aware of your plan’s data limits to avoid excess charges. Always ensure that both you and the person you're calling have Apple devices, and you'll be able to connect globally without any extra cost—aside from your internet or data fees.
Sources:
Apple Support
FCC: Check Basic Rate Before Making International Calls