Learning how to video call the people you love is one of the most rewarding things a phone or computer can do, turning a plain screen into a window where you can see grandchildren smile, catch up with old friends, and feel close to family who live far away. If the idea sounds complicated, take heart: video calling has become remarkably simple, and most of the apps do the hard work for you. All you really need is a device with a camera and an internet connection.
In this friendly guide we will walk through the most popular video calling apps, including FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Meet, and Zoom, with clear steps for both phones and computers. We will help you choose the right one, make your first call, and look and sound your best. Keep your device handy, follow along, and you will be seeing familiar faces before you know it.
Choosing the Right App
The best app often depends on what the person you are calling already uses, since both of you generally need the same app. FaceTime is built into every iPhone, iPad, and Mac and is perfect when everyone has Apple devices. WhatsApp works on both iPhone and Android and is popular worldwide. Google Meet and Zoom work on almost any device and are great for group calls with several people at once.
You Both Usually Need the Same App
Think of a video app like a telephone line: both people need to be on the same one to connect. Before your first call, it helps to ask a family member which app they use, then install that same app on your device. Once you match, calling each other becomes as easy as a regular phone call.
Making a FaceTime Call on iPhone or Mac
If you and the other person both have Apple devices, FaceTime is the simplest choice because it is already installed. Here is how to start a call.
- Open FaceTime. Tap the green camera icon on your iPhone, or find FaceTime in the Dock on a Mac.
- Start a new call. Tap “New FaceTime” at the top of the screen.
- Choose your person. Type their name, phone number, or email, picking them from your contacts.
- Begin the call. Tap the green FaceTime button to ring them.
- Allow camera and microphone. If asked, tap Allow so they can see and hear you.
- End when finished. Tap the red button with the phone symbol to hang up.
- Connect to Wi-Fi first for clear video.
- Sit facing a window or lamp so your face is lit.
- Prop the device up or use a stand.
- Speak a little slower than usual.
- Check that your Wi-Fi is connected.
- Make sure the camera is not covered.
- Unmute yourself if you cannot be heard.
- Hang up and call again to reset.
Making a Video Call on WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a favorite because it works between iPhones and Android phones, so it does not matter which one you or your family have. First, install WhatsApp from the App Store or Google Play Store and set it up with your phone number. Then open the app, tap the person you want to reach in your chats or contacts, and tap the small video camera icon at the top of the screen. Allow access to your camera and microphone, and the call will connect.
Using Google Meet and Zoom for Group Calls
When you want to gather several people at once, such as a family celebration or a book club, Google Meet and Zoom shine. Someone creates a meeting and shares a link, which you simply tap to join. On a computer the call opens in your web browser with no installation needed, while on a phone you install the free app first. You can find gentle step-by-step walkthroughs for these in our how-to guides.
Once you join, you will see everyone’s video in tidy boxes on your screen. Look for the microphone and camera icons along the bottom; tapping them turns your sound or video on and off. A red “Leave” button ends your part of the call whenever you are ready to go.
Comparing the Popular Apps
This table shows the main choices at a glance, so you can pick the one that best fits you and the people you want to reach.
| App | Works on | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| FaceTime | iPhone, iPad, Mac | Apple-to-Apple calls |
| iPhone and Android | One-on-one across any phone | |
| Google Meet | Any phone or computer | Easy link-based group calls |
| Zoom | Any phone or computer | Larger family gatherings |
Looking and Sounding Your Best
A few small touches make a big difference. Face a window or a lamp so your face is well lit rather than in shadow, and prop your device against a stack of books or use a stand so your hands are free. Speak clearly and pause a moment when others talk, since a slight delay is normal. Above all, relax and enjoy seeing the people you care about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is video calling free?
Yes, the apps themselves are free to download and use, and calls over Wi-Fi cost nothing beyond your regular internet bill. If you make a video call using mobile data away from Wi-Fi, it uses some of your data plan, so connecting to Wi-Fi first is the most economical choice whenever you can.
Do both people need the same app?
In most cases, yes. FaceTime only connects to other Apple users, and WhatsApp calls other WhatsApp users. Google Meet and Zoom are more flexible because you can join by tapping a shared link. When in doubt, ask the person you want to call which app they already have and match it.
What do I need to make a video call?
You need a device with a camera, which includes almost every modern smartphone, tablet, and laptop, plus an internet connection, ideally Wi-Fi. You also need the app installed and, usually, the other person’s phone number or email so the app knows who to reach. That is all it takes.
Why can’t the other person see or hear me?
The most common reason is that the app was not given permission to use your camera or microphone. Check that you tapped Allow, that your camera lens is not covered, and that you are not muted, which is shown by a crossed-out microphone icon. Tapping that icon usually turns your sound back on.
Can I video call more than one person at a time?
Yes. All of these apps support group calls. FaceTime and WhatsApp let you add several people, while Google Meet and Zoom are especially good for larger gatherings where everyone appears in their own little box on your screen. It is a lovely way to bring the whole family together at once.
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