How do I video call my family?
Video calling lets you see your family face-to-face even when you are far apart. If you have an iPhone or iPad and your family member also has an Apple device, FaceTime is the easiest option — it is built right in, completely free, and the quality is excellent. If your family uses Android phones or computers, WhatsApp and Zoom both work on all devices and are free to download. For Zoom, the person you are calling needs to send you a meeting link first. For WhatsApp, you both need to have the app installed and each other's phone numbers saved. Video calls use your WiFi or mobile data — on WiFi they are free. A good internet connection makes the call smoother. If the picture is blurry or choppy, try moving closer to your WiFi router.
How to make a FaceTime call (easiest for iPhone and iPad)
- Open the FaceTime app (green icon).
- Tap "New FaceTime" at the top right.
- Type the name of the person you want to call — they must have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Tap the video camera icon to start the call.
- When finished, tap the red X button to hang up.
The 3-Second Rule
If someone calls you on video unexpectedly and asks you to do something unusual or show personal documents — hang up. Real family and friends do not call like that.