Video Call Tips

Which app to use?

• Everyone has iPhones? Use FaceTime. Already installed, works perfectly.
• Mix of iPhone and Android? Use WhatsApp. Free, easy, works on every phone.
• Big group call (4+)? Use Zoom or Google Meet. Free up to 40 minutes.
• Just chatting with one grandkid who's on a school-issued device? Try Google Meet or Microsoft Teams — many schools use these.
• Want to read a story to grandkids? Use Caribu — designed for grandparent-grandchild calls with shared books.

Set up the call (any app)

Make a FaceTime call:

1. Open FaceTime.
2. Tap "New FaceTime" → type or pick a contact.
3. Tap the green camera. They get a ringtone.

Make a WhatsApp call:

1. Open WhatsApp → find the contact.
2. Tap the camera icon (top right) for video, phone icon for voice only.

Join a Zoom call:

1. Tap the link in the email/text the host sent.
2. Zoom opens automatically (install it once if asked).
3. Tap "Join with video" and "Join with audio".
4. Tap the screen — controls appear at the bottom: Mute, Stop Video, Leave.

Look and sound great

• Light from in front, not behind. A window in front of you = lit-up face. A window behind = silhouette.
• Camera at eye level. Stack a few books to prop up the phone or laptop. Looking down at the camera = double chin.
• Headphones (any kind, even cheap ones) eliminate echo and boost sound quality dramatically.
• Quiet room. Turn off the TV. Close the window if traffic is loud.
• Plug in the laptop or phone — video calls drain batteries fast.
• Wi-Fi over cellular if possible — fewer freezes.

If something goes wrong

• Can't hear them: Check the volume buttons. Tap the speaker icon — make sure it's not muted.
• They can't hear you: You're muted. Look for a microphone icon with a line through it — tap it.
• Camera shows nothing: The "Stop Video" icon is on, OR another app has the camera. Close other apps.
• Frozen video: Wi-Fi is weak. Move closer to the router. Or restart the call.
• Screen too dark: Turn on a lamp facing you.
• Echo or feedback: Use headphones. Otherwise, lower your volume.

Tips for grandkid video calls

• Keep them short — 10-15 minutes for younger kids. Their attention is short.
• Have a prop ready — a toy, a book, the family pet. Static face-to-face gets old fast.
• Read a story together (Caribu does this beautifully — picture book on shared screen).
• Show, don't just talk — go for a "tour of the house" with the camera.
• Stickers, filters, and silly hats keep little kids engaged. FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Zoom all have them in the app.