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    Essential Skills
    Beginner
    2 min read 4 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Make FaceTime Video Calls on an iPad

    FaceTime works on every iPad just like on iPhone — here's how to make calls and use the iPad's bigger screen for more comfortable video chats.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Essential Skills
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    2 min read
    Steps
    4
    Topics covered
    facetime
    ipad
    video call
    apple
    family
    communication

    In this guide (4 steps):

    1. 1.Find and open FaceTime on your iPad
    2. 2.Make a FaceTime call
    3. 3.Prop up your iPad for hands-free calling
    4. 4.Use FaceTime with a group
    1

    Find and open FaceTime on your iPad

    ~20s
    The FaceTime app has a green icon with a white video camera. If you don't see it on your Home Screen, swipe left to check other pages, or swipe down from the middle of the screen to search. Type "FaceTime" in the search bar. If FaceTime isn't installed, open the App Store and download it for free.
    2

    Make a FaceTime call

    ~27s
    Tap the plus (+) button in the top right of FaceTime. Type the name of someone in your contacts, or their phone number or Apple ID email address. Tap their name when it appears. Tap "Video" to start a video call. Their device will ring and when they accept, you'll see their face on the screen.

    Quick Tip

    FaceTime works best over WiFi. If you're using cellular data, FaceTime may use mobile data — check SettingsCellularFaceTime to confirm cellular is allowed.

    3

    Prop up your iPad for hands-free calling

    ~25s
    Set the iPad on a stand, or prop it against something. That way your hands stay free during the call. The smart cover or keyboard case that came with your iPad often folds into a stand. A simple iPad stand also costs about $10 to $20 at most electronics stores. Place it so the front camera sits at about eye level. That angle looks the most natural to the person on the other end.
    4

    Use FaceTime with a group

    ~23s
    To add more people to a FaceTime call on your iPad, tap the screen to see controls, then tap "Add Person" (the person icon with a plus). Type in another person's name or contact. They'll be added to the call. With a Group FaceTime on the larger iPad screen, you can see multiple people at once — great for family gatherings or when relatives are spread across different cities.

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    FaceTime on an iPad works the same way it does on an iPhone. The one advantage is the bigger screen. It makes the person you are talking to much easier to see. Many people prefer an iPad for video calls. You can prop it up on a table, so your hands stay free.

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    facetime
    ipad
    video call
    apple
    family
    communication

    Official Resources

    GCFGlobal — Free Digital SkillsAARP Technology TipsSenior Planet

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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