How to Video Call Friends and Family

What is a Video Call?

A video call is a real-time conversation where you can see and hear the other person through your device. Unlike a regular phone call, you'll see the person's face on your screen and they'll see you. It's the closest thing to being in the same room together.

Video calling has become one of the best ways to stay connected with grandchildren, especially if they live far away. You can watch them grow, see their faces light up, and have meaningful conversations as if you were sitting across the table from each other.

Popular Video Calling Apps

There are several apps that let you make video calls. Here are the most popular ones, especially good for connecting with grandchildren:

• FaceTime — Available on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Works seamlessly if you have an Apple device.
• Google Meet — Works on Android phones and tablets, as well as computers. Easy to use and reliable.
• WhatsApp — Available on both iPhone and Android. Great if your family already uses WhatsApp for messaging.
• Zoom — Works on any device. Useful for group calls or when you want to join a call someone sends you a link for.💡 Quick Tip

Ask your grandchildren or their parents which app they prefer before you get started. It's easier to learn one app well than to jump between many.

What You Need to Get Started

Before you make your first video call, make sure you have these three things:

• A device — iPhone, iPad, or Android phone with a camera and microphone (almost all modern devices have these built-in).
• A stable internet connection — WiFi works best. If you're on mobile data, make sure you have a good signal.
• The video calling app installed — Download the app from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play Store (Android) before you start.ℹ️ Good to Know

Video calls use more data and WiFi bandwidth than regular phone calls or texting. If you're on a limited mobile data plan, it's best to use WiFi at home.

How to Make a FaceTime Call on iPhone or iPad

FaceTime is built into every iPhone and iPad. If you and your grandchild both have Apple devices, FaceTime is the easiest option.

1. 1Open the FaceTime app. Look for the green app with a white video camera icon on your home screen. Tap it to open.
2. 2Tap the "+" or compose button. This is usually in the top right corner of the screen. It will let you start a new call.
3. 3Enter a name or phone number. Type the name of your grandchild or their phone number if they've shared it with you. FaceTime will suggest contacts as you type.
4. 4Tap the video camera icon. Don't tap the phone icon — that's for regular calls. The video camera icon will start a video call.
5. 5Wait for them to answer. You'll see their name on the screen while the call is ringing. Once they tap to accept, you'll see their face appear on your screen.💡 Quick Tip

If you've talked to someone before in FaceTime, you can tap on their name in your recent calls list to call them again — no need to type their number each time.

How to Make a Video Call on Android (Google Meet or WhatsApp)

Android phones use different apps than iPhones. Here are two easy options for making video calls.

Using Google Meet

1. 1Open the Google Meet app. Look for the app with a colorful camera icon and tap it.
2. 2Tap "New Meeting" or "New Call." This creates a new video call.
3. 3Select the person you want to call. You can either type their name or phone number, or select them from your contacts.
4. 4Tap the video camera or call icon. The app will attempt to connect the call.
5. 5Wait for them to answer. The call will ring on their device. Once they accept, you'll see them on your screen.

Using WhatsApp

1. 1Open the WhatsApp app. Tap the app icon to open it.
2. 2Find the contact you want to call. Look through your chat list or search for the person by name at the top of the screen.
3. 3Tap the video call icon. In the contact's chat or name, you should see a video camera icon. Tap it (not the phone icon).
4. 4Wait for them to accept. You'll see their image on the screen while the call rings. When they answer, their video will appear.⚠️ Watch Out

Make sure you tap the video camera icon, not the phone icon. The phone icon is for regular voice calls (audio only). You want the video camera icon for face-to-face calls.

How to Join a Zoom Call Your Grandchild Sends You

Zoom is commonly used for group calls or when someone wants to invite you to a specific call. If your grandchild sends you a Zoom link, here's how to join.

1. 1Tap the link they sent you. They might text, email, or message you a link. When you tap it, it will ask if you want to open it in the Zoom app. Tap "Yes" or "Open."
2. 2Install Zoom if you don't have it. If you've never used Zoom before, you may need to download the app first. Follow the prompts to install it.
3. 3Enter your name. Zoom will ask for your name so the other people in the call can see who you are. Type your first name or full name.
4. 4Tap "Join" or "Join with Video." Make sure video is enabled so they can see you. You may need to allow Zoom permission to use your camera and microphone the first time.
5. 5You're in the call! You'll see the other people's faces on your screen, and they'll see you.ℹ️ Good to Know

Zoom might ask for permission to access your camera and microphone. This is normal and necessary for video calls to work. Tap "Allow" or "Yes" to grant permission.

What to Do If Your Camera or Microphone Isn't Working

Sometimes video calls don't work on the first try. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them:

You Can See Them But They Can't See You

• Check your camera. Look at the top or bottom edge of your device. There's a small camera lens. Make sure it's not covered by your case or your finger.
• Grant camera permission. Go to your device's Settings, find the app (like FaceTime or Google Meet), and make sure it has permission to use the camera. Tap "Allow" or turn on the camera permission.
• Restart the app. Close the app completely and open it again. Sometimes this fixes connection issues.

They Can See You But Can't Hear You

• Check your mute button. On the side of your iPhone, there's a mute switch. Make sure it's not in the muted position (the orange line should not be visible).
• Check the app's microphone icon. During a call, look for a microphone icon on the screen. If it has a line through it, you're muted. Tap it to unmute.
• Grant microphone permission. Go to Settings and make sure the app has permission to use your microphone.

You Can't See or Hear Them

• Check your internet connection. Make sure WiFi is turned on and you have a strong signal. Look at the WiFi icon at the top of your screen — it should show connected.
• Move closer to your WiFi router. If the signal is weak, move to a location closer to your router.
• Hang up and call back. Sometimes the connection drops. End the call and try again.💡 Quick Tip

If you're still having trouble, ask your grandchild to hang up and call you back. Sometimes that works better than you calling them.

Tips for a Better Video Call Experience

Once you've got your first call working, these tips will make your conversations even better:

Lighting

Position yourself so light comes from in front of you, not behind you. Sit near a window during the day, or face a lamp if you're calling in the evening. This way, your face is clearly visible and not in shadow.

Sound Quality

Find a quiet place for your call. Close windows and doors to reduce background noise. If you're in a noisy environment, consider moving to a quieter room. Avoid holding your device too close to your mouth — about 12 inches away is ideal.

Camera Positioning

Position your device so the camera is roughly at eye level. This creates a more natural, face-to-face feeling. If you're holding your device, keep it still — moving it around too much can be distracting. You can prop it up using a case or small stand.

Internet Speed

Close other apps and browser tabs that might use internet. Video calls work best when most of your internet bandwidth is available. Avoid downloading large files during a call.

Be Yourself

Don't worry too much about being perfect. Your grandchildren want to see you and hear your voice. A simple, relaxed call is worth far more than any technical setup. They're excited to talk to you!

The Bottom Line

Video calling is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to stay connected with your grandchildren. With your device, WiFi, and the right app, you can see their faces and share real moments together no matter the distance. Don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of it — practice makes it easy, and each call will feel more natural than the last.

One More Thing

The first video call might feel a bit nerve-wracking. That's completely normal. Your grandchildren will likely be thrilled to see you and won't judge you if you accidentally tap the wrong button or need to ask them how something works. In fact, they'll probably enjoy helping you figure it out. Start with just one person, keep the call short (10-15 minutes), and have fun with it. Before long, you'll be the one initiating video calls!