Video calling the grandkids, made simple

Seeing faces makes a real difference when family lives far away. The good news: once it’s set up, a video call is no harder than a phone call.

Which app should you use?

The best app is the one your family already uses. Ask them. Here’s the short version:

• FaceTime: built into every iPhone, iPad and Mac. The easiest choice if everyone has Apple devices. People on Android or Windows can join if you send them a FaceTime link.
• WhatsApp: free on iPhone and Android, and very popular with families abroad. Calls use the internet, so there’s no charge for international calls on Wi-Fi.
• Zoom or Google Meet: good for bigger family gatherings, like a birthday with relatives in several places. Someone sends a link; you tap it to join.
• Amazon Echo Show or a similar smart display: a screen that sits on the counter. Family can call it, and you answer by voice. Handy for anyone who doesn’t want to fuss with a phone.

Making a FaceTime call

1. Open the Phone app and find the person in your contacts.
2. Tap their name, then tap the video camera button labeled FaceTime.
3. To end the call, tap the red button.

Making a WhatsApp video call

1. Open WhatsApp and tap the chat with the person.
2. Tap the video camera icon at the top of the screen.
3. Tap the red button to hang up.

Joining a Zoom call from a link

1. Tap the link someone texted or emailed you. If it asks, let it open the Zoom app.
2. Tap Join with Video and Call using Internet Audio (or Wi-Fi audio).
3. If people can’t hear you, look for the microphone button at the bottom and make sure it doesn’t have a line through it.

Small things that make a big difference

• Prop it up. A cheap phone or tablet stand means no tired arms and no ceiling shots.
• Face the light. Sit facing a window or lamp, not with it behind you, so people can see your face.
• Use Wi-Fi. Video uses a lot of data. On Wi-Fi it’s smoother and doesn’t eat into your phone plan.
• Turn it up, or use headphones. Bluetooth hearing aids and headphones make voices much clearer.
• Keep a regular time. A standing Sunday call means nobody has to arrange it each week, and the grandkids look forward to it.

For the family on the other end

Call at the same time each week, hold the camera at face height, and let the youngest ones do the talking. If a parent’s picture freezes often, their Wi-Fi may be the problem rather than the device. That’s usually an easy fix.

If small text is getting in the way, see how to make text bigger on a phone or tablet.