A phone call is one thing. But seeing someone's face — watching them laugh, noticing they look well, catching a grandchild's expression when they open a birthday card — that's something else entirely. Video calling makes that possible from wherever you are, on almost any device.
If you've been curious but not sure where to start, this article covers everything you need to know to make your first call.
What You Need
Video calling doesn't require anything special — just what you likely already have:
- A device with a front-facing camera. Most smartphones and tablets made in the last several years have one. If you can take a selfie, you can video call.
- A Wi-Fi connection. A home Wi-Fi connection is ideal. Video calls do use more mobile data than a regular phone call, so Wi-Fi is recommended when you're at home.
- A video calling app. There are a few good options, and the best one is whichever one your family already uses.
- The other person's contact information. Either their phone number or their account in the app.
Which App Should You Use?
The honest answer: use whatever your family uses. If your daughter is already on WhatsApp and your son uses FaceTime, start with one and learn the other later. The most important thing is being on the same app as the person you want to call.
Here's a quick look at the three most common options:
| App | Works on | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| FaceTime | Apple only (iPhone, iPad, Mac) | Already installed on Apple devices — nothing to download. Both people need an Apple device. |
| iPhone and Android | Works across all devices. Free to download. Requires a phone number to set up. | |
| Zoom | iPhone and Android | Free to download and use for one-on-one calls. Works on any device. Your family may already have it from work or community groups. |
How to Make Your First Video Call
Ask your family which app they use
Send a quick text or make a regular phone call and ask: "What do you use for video calling?" Start with whatever they already have — it's much easier than learning a new app separately and then trying to connect.
Download the app if you don't already have it
If your family uses WhatsApp or Zoom, open the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play (Android), search for the app by name, and tap Get or Install. FaceTime is already on your Apple device — no download needed.
Open the app and find the person you want to call
Most video calling apps show your contacts automatically. Tap the person's name, then look for a camera icon or a button that says Video. Tap it to start the call.
Set your device up so they can see your face
Prop your phone or tablet against something steady — a book, a cup, or a phone stand — so your hands are free and the camera is at face level. You'll see a small preview of yourself in the corner of the screen. If your face isn't showing, you may be pointing the camera the wrong way.
✓ A few things that make calls better
Light in front of you, not behind you. Sitting with a window or lamp in front of you lights up your face. If the light is behind you, your family sees a silhouette.
Keep the device close but not too close. About arm's length is good — close enough to see your face clearly, far enough that they're not looking up your nose.
Speak at your normal volume. You don't need to raise your voice. The microphone on most devices picks up normal conversation easily.
⚠ If the call keeps freezing or cutting out
A choppy call almost always means a weak internet connection. Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router, or closing other apps running in the background. If it keeps happening on the same device, your internet provider's support line can help check your connection speed.
Note
The steps in this article are based on how video calling works on most devices as of September 9, 2026. The exact location of buttons and menus varies by app and device, and may change with updates.