What You Need to Get Started
Video calling does not require any special equipment. You likely already have everything you need.
- A smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer with a camera
- A working internet connection (Wi-Fi is best)
- The free app for whichever service you want to use
- The other person also needs the same app — or a compatible one
Tip: Tablets are often the easiest device for video calling because the screen is large and easy to see. An iPad or Amazon Fire tablet works very well.
FaceTime: The Easiest Option for Apple Users
If you and your family members all use iPhones or iPads, FaceTime is the simplest choice. It comes pre-installed on every Apple device — no downloading required.
- 1Open the FaceTime app on your iPhone or iPad
- 2Tap the green "+" button in the top-right corner
- 3Type the name, phone number, or email address of the person you want to call
- 4Tap their name when it appears, then tap "FaceTime" to start a video call
- 5To answer an incoming FaceTime call, tap the green button when your phone rings
Tip: FaceTime only works between Apple devices. If your family member has an Android phone, use Zoom or Google Meet instead.
Zoom: Works on Any Device
Zoom works on iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and computers. It is the most popular option for group calls and works even when family members have different types of devices.
- 1Download the free Zoom app from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play (Android)
- 2Open Zoom and tap "Sign Up" to create a free account using your email address
- 3To start a call: tap "New Meeting," then tap "Start a Meeting"
- 4Tap "Participants" and then "Invite" to send a link to family members
- 5To join someone else's call: tap "Join" and enter the Meeting ID they sent you
Tip: The free Zoom plan allows unlimited one-on-one calls. Group calls with three or more people are limited to 40 minutes on the free plan — plenty for most family catch-ups.
Google Meet: Simple and Free
Google Meet is built into Gmail and works on any device. If your family uses Gmail, this is the easiest option.
- 1On a phone: Download the Google Meet app from the App Store or Google Play
- 2Sign in with your Google (Gmail) account
- 3Tap "New meeting" to start a call
- 4Tap "Share" to send the meeting link to family members by text or email
- 5Family members click the link to join — they do not need a Google account
Tips for a Better Video Call Experience
A few simple things make video calls much more enjoyable.
- Sit near a window or lamp so your face is well-lit — avoid sitting with a bright window behind you
- Hold your phone or tablet at eye level rather than looking down at it
- Use headphones or earbuds if there is an echo or background noise
- Sit in a quiet room if possible — background noise makes it hard to hear
- If the video is choppy, move closer to your Wi-Fi router
- Charge your device before a long call so you do not run out of battery
What to Do If the Call Is Not Working
Video call problems are almost always easy to fix.
- No sound: Check that your phone is not on silent and the volume is turned up
- They cannot hear you: Make sure the app has permission to use your microphone — check in your phone Settings under Privacy
- They cannot see you: Make sure the app has permission to use your camera — same location in Settings
- Choppy or freezing video: Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or ask others in the house to pause streaming
- Cannot connect at all: Close the app completely and reopen it, then try again