How to Make Video Calls on a Smart TV

Some smart TVs let you video chat with family right on the big screen. Here's how to set it up on Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Facebook Portal TV.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Check if your TV already supports video calls
2.Option 1 — Use Google Meet on Google TV
3.Option 2 — Use Alexa Calling on Amazon Fire TV
4.Option 3 — Facebook Portal TV
5.Option 4 — Use a laptop or tablet on the TV

Check if your TV already supports video calls

~16s

On your TV's home screen or app menu, look for: Google Meet, Google Duo, Zoom, Amazon Alexa Calling, or Facebook. Some newer smart TVs have these pre-installed. If you see one, you're already most of the way there — you just need a camera.

Option 1 — Use Google Meet on Google TV

~25s

If your TV has Google TV (many Sony, TCL, and Hisense TVs, plus Chromecast with Google TV), install a compatible webcam with a USB port or a Google Meet-compatible camera. Open Google Meet from the app list. Sign in with your Google account. You can call anyone with a Gmail address or phone number.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: The Logitech C920 or similar USB webcam works with most Google TV devices for video calling.

Option 2 — Use Alexa Calling on Amazon Fire TV

~22s

On Amazon Fire TV, open the Alexa app on your phone, go to Communicate tab, and set up Alexa Calling. Then on your Fire TV, use the Alexa voice button on your remote and say "Call [contact name]." You'll need a compatible camera (Amazon sells several for Fire TV) or you can call to an Echo Show device another family member has.

Option 3 — Facebook Portal TV

~21s

Facebook Portal TV ($99–$149 at Amazon or Meta.com) is a device that plugs into your TV's HDMI port and adds a camera and microphone. It supports Facebook Messenger video calls, WhatsApp video calls, and Zoom. Setup takes about 10 minutes and just requires a Facebook or WhatsApp account. The camera automatically tracks your face as you move around the room.

Option 4 — Use a laptop or tablet on the TV

~25s

If your TV has an HDMI port, you can connect a laptop via HDMI cable and use Zoom, FaceTime (Mac), or Google Meet on the laptop while it displays on the TV screen. This works with any TV and requires no special apps on the TV itself.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: This is the most flexible option — your laptop does the video calling and the TV just acts as a big monitor.

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Video calling on a big TV screen is a wonderful experience — seeing your grandchildren or family members on a large display feels much more like being in the same room than squinting at a small phone screen. Several modern smart TVs and streaming devices now support video calling, and with the right setup it's easier than you might think.

The options depend on what TV or streaming device you have. Google TV (built into some Sony, TCL, and Hisense TVs, plus Chromecast with Google TV) supports Google Duo/Meet calls. Amazon Fire TV supports Alexa video calls if you have an Echo Show or an external camera. Facebook Portal TV is a dedicated device that turns any TV into a video calling screen.

This guide covers the main options so you can pick the one that matches what you already have.

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