Video Calls for Seniors: WhatsApp, FaceTime and Zoom
A video call lets you see your grandchildren's faces, not just hear their voices, and every app to do it is free. These guides set up WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom and Google Meet step by step, and fix the two problems that come up most: no sound and a frozen picture.
Key things to know
- Every video call app is free. The call uses internet data, which is unlimited on home Wi-Fi.
- Both people need the same app. WhatsApp is the safest first choice because most families already use it.
- FaceTime is Apple only. To call an Android phone, use WhatsApp, Zoom or Google Meet instead.
- No sound usually means you are muted. Look for a microphone icon with a line through it.
- A frozen picture almost always means a weak connection. Move closer to the Wi-Fi router.
A video call turns a phone or tablet into a window: instead of just hearing a voice, you see the room, the new haircut, the grandchild's first steps. The apps that do this are all free, and the guides here set up WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom and Google Meet with the buttons written out so the first call goes smoothly.
Two small problems account for nearly every frustrating call, and both have simple fixes. If the other person cannot hear you, you are almost certainly muted, shown by a crossed-out microphone you can tap to switch back on. If the picture stutters or freezes, the internet connection is weak, and moving nearer the router solves it. Knowing those two things removes most of the worry.
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Frequently asked questions
Which video call app should I use?
WhatsApp is the most popular because almost everyone already has it and it works on any phone. Use FaceTime if your family all have iPhones. Use Zoom for group calls with several people.
Does the other person need the same app?
Yes. Both people need the same app to call each other, WhatsApp to WhatsApp, FaceTime to FaceTime. WhatsApp is the safest choice because most families already use it.
How much does a video call cost?
The call itself is free. It uses internet data, around 250 to 400 megabytes per hour, which is unlimited on home Wi-Fi. On a limited mobile data plan, make video calls on Wi-Fi where you can.
The other person cannot hear me. What do I do?
Check you have not muted yourself, shown by a microphone icon with a line through it. Then check the app has permission to use your microphone in your phone's Settings under the app's name.
Why does the picture keep freezing?
A frozen picture almost always means a weak internet connection. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router, or ask the other person to do the same. Closing other apps can also help.
Can an iPhone user video call an Android user?
Not with FaceTime, which is Apple only. Use WhatsApp, Zoom or Google Meet instead, as all three work across iPhone and Android.