Video calling guide: WhatsApp, FaceTime and Zoom

Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.

A video call is a telephone call where you can see each other. It is free over Wi-Fi, works on any smartphone, tablet or laptop, and takes two or three taps once it is set up. WhatsApp is the easiest for most families, FaceTime is simplest between Apple devices, and Zoom is the one for groups and classes.

What you need

A device with a camera: a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or a smart display. A tablet on a stand is the most comfortable.
An internet connection. Home Wi-Fi is best. Video calls over mobile data work, but use up your allowance.
The same app as the person you are calling. Ask your family which one they use and start with that.

Which app?

App	Works on	Best for
WhatsApp	iPhone and Android phones; also tablets and computers	Family and friends, one-to-one or small groups
FaceTime	iPhone, iPad and Mac. Others can join by a link in a web browser	Families who all use Apple devices
Zoom	Any phone, tablet or computer	Groups, clubs, classes, some appointments

All three are free for everyday use. Zoom's free plan puts a time limit on meetings; check Zoom's own website for the current limit.

WhatsApp, step by step

Setting up (once)

Install WhatsApp from the App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android). It is free.
Open it and enter your mobile number. WhatsApp sends a six-digit code by text to confirm the number is yours. Type it in. Never give this code to anyone else.
Allow access to your contacts, camera and microphone when asked.

Making a video call

Open WhatsApp and tap the name of the person you want, or use the search at the top.
Tap the video camera symbol at the top of the screen.
Wait for them to answer. Hold the phone at arm's length, or prop it up.
Tap the red button to finish.

Answering

The phone rings and shows who is calling. Tap or swipe the green button to answer with video.

FaceTime, step by step

FaceTime is already installed on every iPhone and iPad.

Open the green FaceTime app.
Tap New FaceTime, type the person's name, and tap the FaceTime button with the camera symbol.
Next time, simply tap their name in the list of recent calls.
Tap the red button to end.

You can also start one from the Contacts or Phone app: open the person's entry and tap the video symbol next to FaceTime. If your relative has an Android phone, either use WhatsApp instead or tap "Create Link" in FaceTime and send it to them.

Zoom, step by step

With Zoom you usually join a meeting someone else has arranged. They send you an invitation by email or message containing a link.

Install the Zoom app beforehand. You do not need an account just to join.
At the meeting time, tap the link in the invitation. Zoom opens.
Type your name if asked, then choose Join with Video.
When asked about sound, choose the option for Wi-Fi or device audio (the wording varies). Without this step nobody can hear you.
You may wait briefly until the host lets you in.
Tap the screen to show the controls. The microphone button mutes and unmutes you; the camera button turns your picture off and on. A red line through either means it is off.
Tap Leave to finish.

Looking and sounding your best

Face the light. Sit facing a window or lamp. With a window behind you, you become a dark outline.
Raise the camera to eye level. Prop the device on a stand or a pile of books so people are not looking up your nose.
Prop, do not hold. It is steadier, and frees your hands.
Cut background noise. Turn off the television and radio.
Turn the volume up, or connect hearing aids or headphones if speech is hard to follow. Zoom and some other apps can show live captions (subtitles).

When it goes wrong

Problem	Try this
They cannot hear you	Tap the microphone button to unmute. Check the app has permission to use the microphone in Settings.
You cannot hear them	Press the volume-up button on the side during the call. Check the device is not connected to headphones in another room.
They cannot see you	Tap the camera button. Check nothing is covering the lens.
Picture freezes or breaks up	Move nearer the router. Ask others at home to pause streaming. Turning video off keeps the sound going.
Camera shows the wrong way	Tap the "flip camera" symbol, a camera with circular arrows.

If the connection is often poor, see broadband for over-60s.

How a family member can help

Install the app and complete the setup in person.
Save family contacts with photographs, and pin the most important chats to the top.
Make several practice calls from the next room, taking turns to ring and answer.
Write out the steps in large print and leave them by the device.
Agree a regular time to call, so it becomes routine.

Watch out: Fraudsters send messages pretending to be a son or daughter with a "new number", then ask for money urgently. Before sending anything, ring the old number or ask something only your real relative would know. And if anyone ever asks for a six-digit code sent to your phone, refuse: it is the key to your account. See spotting scams.

Staying safe on video calls

Do not answer video calls from numbers you do not recognise.
Turn on two-step verification in WhatsApp's settings; see passwords made simple.
Only join Zoom meetings from invitations you were expecting.
Nobody genuine will ask you to share your screen so they can "help" with your bank account.

Common questions

Do video calls cost money?

Not over Wi-Fi, even to relatives abroad. Away from home they use mobile data from your allowance; see SIM-only deals for light users.

Can I video call without a smartphone?

Yes, from a tablet, a laptop or a smart display. WhatsApp needs a mobile number to set up; FaceTime and Zoom can use an email address.

Can several of us be on one call?

Yes. All three apps allow group calls. Start a call, then use the "add person" button, or call a family group chat.

Is it private?

WhatsApp and FaceTime calls are "end-to-end encrypted", meaning only the people on the call can see or hear it.