Seeing your grandchildren's faces — even when they are hours away — is one of the great gifts of modern technology. Video calling lets you watch them grow up, share a meal together from opposite sides of the country, or simply wave hello on a Tuesday afternoon. And it is genuinely simpler than most people expect.
This guide will walk you through how to make your first video call, using the most popular apps. If you have an iPad or iPhone, FaceTime is already installed and waiting for you to use it.
What You Need to Get Started
- An iPad, iPhone, or Android device with a front-facing camera (the small camera on the screen side, used for selfies and video calls).
- A Wi-Fi connection or mobile data — video calls use quite a bit of data, so Wi-Fi at home is ideal.
- The phone number or email address of the person you want to call.
- The other person's device must be turned on, charged, and have the same app installed.
New to your iPad? Start with Module 1: Mastering the Escape Hatch to get comfortable with the basics before diving into video calling.
Which App Should You Use?
There are several options. The best one depends on what devices your family uses:
Free, built into every Apple device, very easy to use. Works beautifully. Only works between Apple devices — so if your grandchildren have Android phones, they need to use a different app (or FaceTime via a link on newer versions).
Free app, works on all devices, video and voice calls included. Popular with Canadians who have family on Android. Requires both people to have the app installed.
Great for calling multiple family members at once. Free for calls up to 40 minutes. Often used for family gatherings or holiday calls with the whole family on screen at once.
How to Make a FaceTime Call (iPhone or iPad)
Open the FaceTime app. It has a green icon with a white video camera. If you cannot find it, look in your App Library or search for "FaceTime" by swiping down from the middle of your Home Screen and typing the name.
Tap the plus (+) button in the top right corner to start a new call.
Type your grandchild's name, phone number, or Apple ID email in the search box. Their name will appear if they are in your Contacts.
Tap the name when it appears, then tap the green video camera icon to make a video call (or the green phone icon for a voice-only call).
Their phone will ring. When they answer, you will see their face on your screen and they will see yours. The small box in the corner shows what your own camera sees — make sure your face is in it!
To end the call, tap anywhere on the screen to bring up the controls, then tap the red X button at the bottom.
Tips for a Better Video Call
- Hold the device steady — a shaky camera is tiring to watch. Prop your iPad on the table or hold it with both hands.
- Face a window or light source — the light should come from in front of you, not behind. If there is a window behind you, you will appear as a dark shadow.
- Hold the device at eye level — pointing the camera up from your lap makes for an unflattering angle. Put it at face height, or slightly above.
- Check your volume — tap the side volume buttons if you cannot hear well. You can also connect earphones for clearer sound.
- Use Wi-Fi if possible — video calls can be choppy on a weak mobile signal. Move closer to your router if the picture is breaking up.
What If They Cannot Hear Me or See Me?
If the person you are calling cannot see or hear you, try these things:
- Check that you have allowed the app to access your camera and microphone. (You may have been asked for permission when you first used it — if you said no, go to Settings → [App Name] → Camera and Microphone and turn them both on.)
- Make sure your camera is not covered by your hand or a case.
- Check that your volume is not set to zero — tap the top volume button on the side of your device.
- Try ending the call and starting again.
For a full lesson on staying connected with family digitally — including video calls, messaging, and sharing photos — visit Module 8: Stay Connected.
Sending a Message Instead
Not everyone is comfortable jumping straight into video calls. Text messaging is a great first step. The Messages app (blue icon with a white speech bubble) lets you send text messages to anyone with a phone number — completely free between iPhones (blue bubbles) and for a small data cost to Android phones (green bubbles).
Learn about email and messaging apps in Module 5: Email & Messages.
The Joy of Connection
Many seniors who learn to video call describe it as one of the best things technology has ever given them. Watching a grandchild open a birthday gift in real time, seeing a new baby's face for the first time, or simply saying goodnight to someone across the country — these moments are precious.
The first call is often the hardest. Once you have done it once, you will wonder why it took you so long.