How to Video Call Family and See Them Clearly

Would you love to see your children and grandchildren while you talk — not just hear their voices? A video call lets you do just that. You can watch a grandchild wave, show you a drawing, or blow out birthday candles, even from far away.

It sounds fancy, but it is really just a phone call with a picture. Follow the steps for your phone below, go slowly, and take your time. There is no rush, and you cannot break anything by trying.

First, two simple words to know

Video call means a call where you see the other person on your screen, and they see you. An app is a little program on your phone — you open it by tapping its picture. Wi-Fi is the internet in your home. Use Wi-Fi when you can: the picture will be clearer.

Before you start: sit in a bright room with the light in front of you, prop your phone up on a book or stand so your hands are free, and wipe the little camera lens on the front with a soft cloth.

If you have an iPhone — use FaceTime

FaceTime is Apple's free video calling app. It is already on your iPhone.

1. First, check it is turned on. Tap Settings (the grey gear), then tap Apps, then FaceTime, and make sure FaceTime is ON. On some iPhones you will find it at Settings > FaceTime. Sign in with your Apple ID if it asks.
2. Tap the FaceTime app to open it. It is green with a white video camera.
3. Tap New FaceTime.
4. Type the name of the person you want to call. If their name appears, tap it.
5. Tap the Video button to start the call.
6. Wait a moment while it rings. When they answer, you will see their face big on the screen — and your own face in a small box, so you can check you look just right.
7. To finish, tap the screen once, then tap the red button to hang up.

🎉 You did it! You just made your first video call. The next one will feel even easier.

Easy way in Messages: Open a text conversation with family, tap their name or picture at the top, then tap FaceTime.

Good to know: FaceTime works best iPhone to iPhone. If family has Android, ask them to try Google Meet or WhatsApp below — or they can join a FaceTime link you send them in a web browser.

If you have an Android phone — use Google Meet

Android phones are made by companies like Samsung and Google. Google Meet is Google's free video calling app, and it comes on most Android phones.

1. Tap the Google Meet app to open it. Sign in with your Google account if it asks — that is usually your Gmail address.
2. Tap New, or tap Search contacts at the top.
3. Type the name of the person you want to call, then tap their name when it appears.
4. Tap Call to start the video call.
5. If your phone asks if Meet may use your camera and microphone (the part that picks up your voice), tap Allow. It needs both so family can see and hear you.
6. To finish, tap the red phone button at the bottom.

🎉 You did it! You are now face to face with family, wherever they are.

Another easy way: Open your Phone app, choose a contact, and tap the video camera picture if you see one.

When family calls you

1. Your phone will ring and show who is calling. On iPhone, tap the green button to answer. On Android, tap or swipe the green answer button.
2. Hold the phone up so your whole face fits on the screen — about an arm's length away works well.
3. Speak in your normal voice. You do not need to shout.
4. Too quiet? Tap the speaker button during the call so the sound comes out loud and clear, hands-free.

3 tips for a clear, happy call

1. Stay close to your Wi-Fi. The closer you are to the little internet box in your home, the clearer the picture.
2. Light your face, not your back. Sit facing a window or lamp. If the bright window is behind you, your face will look dark.
3. Only answer people you know. If a video call comes from a stranger, do not answer — just hang up. Family will always be happy to call again.

Question for you: Who would you love to see face to face on your very first video call — a grandchild, a child, or an old friend? Tell us in the comments — we love hearing your stories.

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