Getting Started with Video Calls: See Your Family Face to Face

There's nothing quite like seeing a loved one's face — especially when family live far away or you can't get out as easily as you used to. Video calls let you do exactly that, for free, from the comfort of your armchair. And while they might seem daunting at first, they're genuinely simple once someone shows you how.

This guide will walk you through it gently.

What you need

To make a video call you only need three things:

• A device with a camera — a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer with a webcam. Almost all of them have a camera built in.
• An internet connection — your home Wi-Fi is perfect.
• An app — a free program that makes the call. We'll help you pick one below.

That's it. There's nothing to buy and nothing to plug in.

Choosing the right app

There are a few popular apps, and the best one usually depends on what the person you're calling already uses:

• WhatsApp — the most popular all-rounder in the UK. Works on iPhones, Android phones, tablets and computers. A great choice if your family already use it.
• FaceTime — built into Apple iPhones and iPads. Lovely and simple, but only works between Apple devices.
• Zoom — handy for group calls with several people at once, like a family catch-up or a club meeting.

The simplest rule: use whatever your family already use, so you can call each other easily.

Making your first call

Here's how a typical first video call works. The exact buttons vary slightly between apps, but the idea is always the same:

1. Open the app and find the person you want to call in your list of contacts.
2. Tap their name to open a conversation with them.
3. Look for the video camera symbol — usually at the top of the screen — and tap it.
4. Wait a few seconds while it rings and they answer.
5. Hold the device steady at about arm's length, so they can see your face and you can see theirs.
6. When you're finished, tap the red button to end the call.

That's all there is to it. The first call is always the most nerve-wracking — after that, it quickly becomes second nature.

A few tips for a better call

• Sit somewhere with light in front of you, not behind, so your face isn't in shadow.
• Prop your phone or tablet up against something so you don't have to hold it the whole time.
• Don't worry about getting it perfect — your family will just be delighted to see you.

Would you like a friendly lesson?

If you'd like someone to sit with you, set everything up, and practise a call together at your own pace, that's exactly what our one-to-one lessons are for. There's no rushing and no jargon — just patient, friendly help until you feel confident.

We can also get a new phone or tablet set up and ready to go so video calling works first time.

Book a friendly lesson or call us on 01205 625001 — we'd love to help you stay close to the people who matter.