Video calling is much easier now than it was ten years ago — but the options can be confusing. Here’s a quick cheat sheet followed by clear instructions for each one.
Which app should I use?
- Everyone in the family has iPhones or iPads → use FaceTime (built in, free).
- Some family has iPhones, some have Androids → use Google Meet or WhatsApp.
- A larger group gathering → use Zoom.
FaceTime (iPhone, iPad, Mac)
Open the FaceTime app
Green camera icon on your iPhone or iPad home screen.
Tap "New FaceTime"
Green button at the top. Type the phone number or Apple ID email of the person you’re calling.
Tap the video button
The green camera icon with the word FaceTime next to it. It will ring — they answer and you see their face.
Google Meet (Android, iPhone, any computer)
Download the app once
On Android it’s pre-installed. On iPhone, open the App Store, search for Google Meet, and tap Get. Sign in with your Google/Gmail account.
Start a new meeting
Tap New meeting → Start an instant meeting. Tap Share and pick a way to send the link to your grandchild — Messages, WhatsApp, or email.
Wait for them to join
When they tap the link, their phone or computer joins the call. Tap Admit if it asks.
Zoom (any device)
Create a free Zoom account
Go to zoom.us on a computer or download the Zoom app on your phone. Sign up with your email. The free plan allows unlimited 40-minute calls.
Tap New Meeting
In the Zoom app, tap the big orange New Meeting button. Then Start a Meeting. You’ll see your own face.
Invite the family
Tap Participants → Invite → Send Invitation. Pick email or messages. Everyone who taps the link joins your call.
Troubleshooting
- “They can’t hear me.” Look at the bottom of your screen for a microphone icon with a line through it — tap it to unmute.
- “I can’t see them.” They need to tap their camera icon to turn the video on.
- Echo / feedback. Only one person per household should be on the call. Everyone else should mute.
What’s next
Once the call ends you might want to save a photo of the family. Your phone’s screenshot button on video calls captures everyone’s faces — check your phone’s manual for the shortcut.