What You Need Before You Start

Video calling works on any device with a camera, microphone, and internet connection — a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. You do not need to buy anything new if you already own one of these. The camera and microphone are usually built in; if you are using a desktop computer without them, you can add a webcam and microphone for under $50.

Your internet connection needs to be stable enough to handle video. A standard home broadband connection works fine. If you are on a mobile phone plan, make sure it includes data — most plans do, but check your bill or call your provider to confirm. Video calls use more data than email or web browsing, so if you have a limited plan, ask your provider what the monthly allowance is.

The other requirement is that the person you want to call also has a device and internet connection. They do not need the same device or service as you — most video calling services work across different phones, tablets, and computers.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a device with a camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, or computer) and a stable internet connection; you do not need to buy new equipment if you already own one.
  • The three most common services for seniors are FaceTime (Apple devices only), Google Meet (works on any device with a web browser), and Zoom (also works on any device and is widely used by groups and organizations).
  • Setting up an account takes 5 to 10 minutes and usually requires only an email address and a password you choose.
  • Before your first call, test your camera and microphone in a quiet room to make sure the other person can see and hear you clearly.
  • If video calling feels overwhelming, start with one person you trust and ask them to walk you through it the first time.

Choosing the Right Service for Your Situation

FaceTime is the simplest option if everyone in your family uses Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, or Macs). You do not need to create an account — it uses your phone number or Apple ID. To start a call, open the Phone or FaceTime app, find the person's name, and tap the video icon. The drawback is that it only works between Apple devices, so if your grandchild uses an Android phone, FaceTime will not work.

Google Meet works on any device — iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, or even a basic web browser on a computer. You can start a call without creating an account by going to meet.google.com, clicking "Create a meeting," and sharing the link with the other person. They click the link and join; no account needed on their end. This is the most flexible option if people in your life use different devices.

Zoom is widely used by hospitals, senior centers, and organizations, so you may already be using it for a class or appointment. Like Google Meet, it works on any device. You can start a free meeting by going to zoom.us, signing up with an email address, and downloading the app. Zoom meetings have a 40-minute limit for three or more people, but one-on-one calls are unlimited.

If you are not sure which to choose, ask the person you want to call what they use. Most people have a preference, and starting with their service makes the first call easier.

Setting Up FaceTime on an iPhone or iPad

FaceTime is already installed on iPhones and iPads. Open the FaceTime app (look for a green icon with a white phone symbol). If this is your first time, you will see a screen asking for your Apple ID — this is the email and password you use for the App Store or iCloud. Enter it and tap "Sign In."

Once you are signed in, tap the plus icon (+) in the top right corner. Type the name or phone number of the person you want to call. Their name will appear in a list below. Tap it, then tap the video camera icon. The app will ring their device, and when they answer, you will see their face on your screen.

If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free at appleid.apple.com. You will need an email address and a password. Once it is created, sign in to FaceTime with it.

Setting Up Google Meet on Any Device

Go to meet.google.com in any web browser (Safari, Chrome, Edge, or Firefox). You will see a button that says "Create a meeting." Click it. Google will ask you to sign in with a Google account — if you have Gmail, you already have one. If not, you can create a free Google account at accounts.google.com.

After you sign in, Google will generate a meeting link that looks like this: meet.google.com/abc-defg-hij. Copy this link and send it to the person you want to call by email, text, or phone. When they click the link, they will see a screen asking for their name. They type it in and click "Ask to join." You will see a notification and can click "Admit" to let them in. Then you will both see each other on video.

You do not need to create an account to join a Google Meet call — the other person can click your link and join without signing in. This makes it the easiest option for calling someone who is not comfortable with technology.

Setting Up Zoom on Your Device

Go to zoom.us and click "Sign Up" in the top right. Enter your email address, create a password, and click "Sign Up." Zoom will send you a confirmation email — open it and click the link to verify your account.

read the Zoom app from the App Store (iPhone or iPad), Google Play (Android), or zoom.us (Windows or Mac). Open the app and sign in with the email and password you just created. Click "New Meeting" to start a call. Zoom will generate a meeting ID — a nine-digit number. Share this number with the person you want to call, and they can join by opening the Zoom app, clicking "Join a Meeting," and typing in the ID.

Like Google Meet, people do not need a Zoom account to join your meeting. They can read the app, click "Join a Meeting," enter your meeting ID, and join when ready.

Testing Your Camera and Microphone Before Your First Call

Before you call someone, test that your camera and microphone are working. Sit in a quiet room with good lighting — natural light from a window is best, but a lamp behind your device works too. Avoid sitting with a bright window behind you, because it will make your face appear dark.

On an iPhone or iPad, open FaceTime and tap the plus icon. Instead of entering a name, tap "Me" at the bottom. You will see yourself on video. Speak a few words and watch your lips move. If you see yourself and hear your voice played back, your camera and microphone are working.

On a computer or Android phone, open Google Meet, click "Create a meeting," and wait for the preview screen. You will see yourself on video and hear a test sound. If you see your face and hear the sound, you are ready to call.

If you do not see yourself or hear sound, check that your device's camera and microphone are turned on. On most devices, there is a small switch or button on the side. If it is off, turn it on. If you still have trouble, restart your device and try again.

Making Your First Call and Troubleshooting Common Problems

When you call someone for the first time, give them a heads-up by text or phone first. Let them know you are going to send them a link or meeting ID, and ask them to click it when they are ready. This prevents them from being startled by a sudden video call.

If the call drops or freezes, it is usually because the internet connection is weak. Move closer to your router (the device that sends your Wi-Fi signal), or ask the other person to do the same. If you are on mobile data, move to a location with stronger signal. Restart the app and try again.

If the other person cannot hear you, check that your microphone is not muted. On most devices, there is a microphone icon on the screen during a call — if it has a line through it, the microphone is muted. Tap it to turn sound back on. If you still cannot be heard, check that your device's microphone is not physically blocked — sometimes a case or cover can muffle it.

If the other person cannot see you, check that your camera is not covered. Some devices have a small camera cover you can slide open. If the camera is uncovered and they still cannot see you, restart the app and call again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for video calling?

No. FaceTime, Google Meet, and Zoom all offer free video calling. You do not need to pay for a subscription to make one-on-one calls or group calls under 40 minutes (on Zoom). Some organizations may charge for advanced features, but basic video calling is always free.

What if I do not have an email address?

You can create one for free at gmail.com or outlook.com. You will need to choose a username (like yourname@gmail.com) and a password. Write down your email address and password somewhere safe so you do not forget them. If you need help creating an email, ask a family member or visit your local library — many librarians can walk you through it.

Can I video call on my regular phone if it is not a smartphone?

No. Video calling requires a device with a camera, microphone, and internet connection. Regular phones (flip phones or basic phones) do not have these. You would need a smartphone, tablet, or computer. If you do not have one, consider asking a family member if they have an old device you can use, or look for refurbished smartphones at a low cost.

Is video calling safe? Can people see me when I am not on a call?

Video calling is safe. Your camera only turns on when you start a call or when someone calls you — it does not record or transmit when you are not actively in a call. If you are worried, you can cover your camera with a small piece of tape or a camera cover when you are not using it. This is a common practice and does not affect how the device works.

What if the other person is not tech-savvy either?

Use Google Meet and send them the link by text or email. They do not need to create an account or read anything — they can click the link in their web browser and join when ready. If they are on a phone, they may need to read the Google Meet app first, but the app is free and takes one minute to install. Walk them through it step by step over the phone while they do it.