What You Need for a Video Call
Before your first video call, make sure you have these basics covered.
- A device with a camera — most laptops, smartphones, and tablets have a built-in camera. Desktop computers may need a separate webcam (available for $25–$80).
- A microphone — built into most laptops, phones, and tablets. Desktop computers may need a separate microphone or a headset with a built-in mic.
- A reliable internet connection — video calls require at least 1.5 Mbps upload and download speed. Most home internet connections are well above this threshold.
- A quiet, well-lit space — sit facing a window or lamp so your face is well lit. Avoid sitting with a bright window behind you, which makes you appear as a dark silhouette.
- The correct app installed — Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and FaceTime each require their own app or account.
Tip: A pair of earbuds or headphones dramatically improves audio quality on video calls — they reduce echo and background noise for both you and the people you are talking to.
Getting Started With Zoom
Zoom is the most widely used video call platform for work meetings, doctor appointments, and community events.
- 1Download Zoom — go to zoom.us/download on your computer, or search "Zoom" in the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Download and install the free Zoom app.
- 2Create a free account — open Zoom and click "Sign Up Free." Enter your email address and follow the confirmation steps. A free Zoom account lets you host meetings up to 40 minutes with up to 100 participants.
- 3Join a meeting — if someone sent you a meeting link, simply click the link and Zoom will open automatically. If you have a Meeting ID number, open Zoom, click "Join a Meeting," enter the ID, and click Join.
- 4When prompted, click "Join with Computer Audio" to use your computer's microphone and speakers.
- 5Host a meeting — open Zoom and click "New Meeting" to start an instant meeting. Click "Invite" to copy a link you can send to others via email or text.
- 6Use the toolbar at the bottom of the screen to mute/unmute your microphone (the microphone icon) and turn your camera on/off (the video camera icon).
Tip: Mute yourself when you are not speaking — this eliminates background noise (typing, pets, TV) that can be distracting for other participants. Unmute when you want to talk.
Getting Started With Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is the standard video call platform for many businesses and organizations, and it is included with Microsoft 365.
- 1Download Teams — go to microsoft.com/teams or search "Microsoft Teams" in your app store. Install the free app.
- 2Sign in — use your Microsoft account (the same email and password you use for Outlook, OneDrive, or Office). If you do not have one, you can create a free account at account.microsoft.com.
- 3Join a meeting — if you received a Teams meeting link by email, click the link. You can join through your browser without installing the app by clicking "Continue on this browser," or open the Teams app for a better experience.
- 4Start a video call — in Teams, click the video camera icon next to any contact's name to start an instant video call, or click "Meet Now" to start a meeting you can invite others to.
- 5Schedule a meeting — click "Calendar" in the left sidebar, then "New Meeting." Add a title, date, time, and the email addresses of the people you want to invite. They will receive a calendar invitation with a join link.
Tip: If your organization uses Microsoft 365, Teams is likely already set up for you. Check with your IT department or manager for your login credentials.
Getting Started With FaceTime
FaceTime is Apple's built-in video call app — it is free, requires no account setup, and works beautifully between iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
- 1FaceTime is pre-installed on every iPhone, iPad, and Mac — no download needed.
- 2Make sure FaceTime is enabled: go to Settings → FaceTime and make sure the toggle is green.
- 3Start a FaceTime call — open the FaceTime app, tap the "+" button, type the name or phone number of the person you want to call, and tap the video camera icon.
- 4You can also start a FaceTime call directly from the Contacts app or the Phone app — find the person's contact, scroll down, and tap "FaceTime."
- 5The person you are calling must also have an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) with FaceTime enabled.
- 6FaceTime Links — on newer iPhones, you can create a FaceTime link to share with anyone, including Android and Windows users, who can join through their web browser.
Tip: FaceTime automatically adjusts to your internet connection speed. If the video quality looks poor, it usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak — try moving closer to your router.
Troubleshooting Common Video Call Problems
If something is not working right, these fixes resolve the most common issues.
- Others cannot hear you — make sure your microphone is not muted in the app (look for a red line through the microphone icon). Also check that the app has permission to use your microphone: on iPhone, go to Settings → scroll to the app → make sure Microphone is enabled.
- Others cannot see you — make sure your camera is turned on in the app. Check that the app has camera permission: Settings → scroll to the app → Camera should be enabled.
- Video is choppy or freezing — this is usually a Wi-Fi signal issue. Move closer to your router, or ask others in your home to pause streaming or large downloads during your call.
- Echo on the call — if others hear an echo of their own voice, it is coming from your speakers being picked up by your microphone. Use headphones or earbuds to eliminate echo.
- Cannot find the meeting link — check your email's spam or junk folder. Ask the meeting organizer to resend the invitation.