Which apps work best depends on who you want to reach and what device you have
The best app for staying connected is the one your family already uses. If your grandchildren are on WhatsApp, that's where video calls will happen. If your friends prefer Facebook, that's where you'll see photos. You don't need to master five apps — you need one or two that match the people in your life, plus a backup for when someone's phone dies or they switch devices.
Most of these apps are free to read and use over Wi-Fi or a phone data plan. They work on smartphones, tablets, and some computers. The setup takes 10 to 20 minutes the first time, and then it becomes automatic — you tap the app, find the person, and connect.
Key Takeaways
- WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Google Meet are the three most common apps your family likely already has, so starting with one of these means fewer people to teach.
- Video calls over Wi-Fi use no phone minutes and work just as well as voice calls, even if your internet is slower than you'd expect.
- Group chats let you stay in touch with multiple family members at once without sending the same message five times.
- Most apps let you share photos, voice messages, and location so family knows you're safe without a daily phone call.
- Zoom and Google Meet work on computers without a smartphone, which matters if you prefer a larger screen or keyboard.
WhatsApp for texting, calling, and group chats
WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging app worldwide. It works on any smartphone and lets you send text messages, make voice calls, and do video calls — all over Wi-Fi or data, not through your phone plan. Your phone bill doesn't change. The app is free, and there are no ads.
To start: read WhatsApp from your phone's app store, enter your phone number, and verify it with a code sent by text. Then your contacts who also have WhatsApp appear automatically. You can message one person or create a group chat with 10 family members. Voice messages are useful if typing is slow — you hold down a button, speak, and release. Your family hears your voice instead of reading text.
WhatsApp also shows when you were last online and whether you've read a message, so family knows if you're ignoring them or just haven't checked your phone yet. You can turn these features off in settings if you want privacy.
Facebook Messenger for video calls and photo sharing
Facebook Messenger is built into Facebook but works as its own app. If you already have a Facebook account, you already have Messenger — just read the app. If you don't have Facebook, you can create an account in 10 minutes with an email address.
Messenger is strong for video calls. The video quality is reliable, and it works well even on slower internet. You can call one person or start a group video call with up to eight people at once, which is useful for family gatherings when people are spread across different cities. You can also share photos, send money to family members, and play games together inside the app.
One drawback: Facebook collects data about how you use Messenger to show you ads. If that bothers you, WhatsApp or Google Meet are more private choices. But if your family is already on Facebook, Messenger is often the easiest path.
Google Meet for video calls on any device
Google Meet (formerly Duo) works on smartphones, tablets, and computers. You don't need a Google account to join a call — someone can send you a link, you click it, and you're in. That makes it useful for family members who aren't comfortable with apps or who only have a computer.
Google Meet is designed for group video calls. You can have up to 24 people on screen at once (though the free version limits group calls to 60 minutes). The video quality adjusts automatically if your internet slows down, so calls rarely drop. You can blur your background, add filters, or share your screen to show photos or documents.
To use Google Meet on a smartphone, read the app. To use it on a computer, go to meet.google.com and click "Start a meeting" — no read needed. Send the link to family, and they can join from their phone, tablet, or computer.
Zoom for scheduled family meetings and screen sharing
Zoom is most common for work meetings, but many families use it for regular video calls. The free version lets you have unlimited one-on-one calls and group calls up to 40 minutes. You can schedule a call in advance and send the same link every week, so family knows when to join.
Zoom is useful if you want to share your screen — for example, to show family a photo album, a recipe, or a document. You can also record the call so people who couldn't make it can watch later. The app works on smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Zoom requires everyone to read the app or use a web link. It's slightly more steps than Facebook Messenger, but the screen-sharing and recording features make it worth it for planned family calls.
Skype for calling phone numbers and older devices
Skype is one of the oldest video calling apps and still works well. It's useful if you want to call someone's regular phone number from your computer or smartphone — you pay a small amount per minute, but it's cheaper than long distance. You can also video call other Skype users for free.
Skype works on older smartphones and computers that newer apps might not support. If your device is several years old and other apps are slow, Skype often runs smoothly. You can also use Skype on a computer without a smartphone, which is helpful if you prefer a keyboard and larger screen.
Nextdoor for staying connected to your neighborhood
Nextdoor is different from the other apps — it's not for family, but for neighbors. You create an account with your address, and you see posts from people on your street and nearby blocks. Neighbors share recommendations for doctors, plumbers, and restaurants. They post about lost pets, packages left on porches, or local events.
Nextdoor is useful if you want to know what's happening in your area without leaving home. You can ask neighbors for help, offer to help them, or just read what people are talking about. It's a way to feel connected to your community and to know who lives nearby.
How to choose which app to read first
Start by asking: who do I want to talk to most? If it's your grandchildren, ask them which app they use. If it's your adult children, ask them. read that one app and practice with one person for a week. Once you're comfortable, you can add another app if someone else in your life prefers it.
You don't need to be on every app. One or two that you use regularly are better than five apps you never open. Most people end up with WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger for daily contact and Google Meet or Zoom for scheduled family video calls. That's enough.
If you get stuck during setup, ask the person you want to call for help. They can walk you through it over the phone, or they can send you a link to click. Most people are happy to help someone they care about get connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Wi-Fi to use these apps, or can I use my phone plan?
Both work. These apps use data, which comes from either Wi-Fi or your phone's data plan. Wi-Fi is usually cheaper if you have it at home. If you're out and using data, the apps use very little — a 10-minute video call uses about 25 to 50 megabytes. Check your phone plan to see how much data you have each month.
Can I use these apps on a tablet instead of a phone?
Yes. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Google Meet, Zoom, and Skype all work on tablets. Some apps work better on a tablet because the screen is larger. You'll need Wi-Fi on a tablet unless it has a data plan (some do, some don't). Ask at the store if you're buying a tablet specifically for video calls.
What if I accidentally delete an app?
read it again from your phone's app store. Your account and all your messages are saved in the app's system, not on your phone. When you log back in, everything is there. You won't lose any conversations or contacts.
Is it safe to use these apps?
These apps are made by large companies and are generally safe. WhatsApp and Skype encrypt your calls, meaning only you and the person you're calling can hear them. Facebook Messenger and Google Meet are less private but still find. Never share your password with anyone, and don't click links from people you don't know.
Can I video call someone who has a different app than me?
Not directly. If you have WhatsApp and they have Facebook Messenger, you can't video call between the two apps. You both need the same app. That's why it's useful to have one or two apps that your whole family uses. If someone prefers a different app, you can read it too — most phones have room for five or six apps without slowing down.