Video calling makes it easier than ever to stay connected with family and friends—especially when distance, health, travel, or busy schedules make in-person visits difficult. Instead of simply hearing someone’s voice, a video call lets you see their face, share a smile, and feel more connected even when you’re miles apart.
If you’re new to video calls, the technology may feel intimidating at first. You might wonder which button to press, whether the other person can hear you, or what happens if something goes wrong. The good news is that most video calling apps are designed to be relatively simple once you learn the basics.
You also don’t need expensive equipment. A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and an internet connection is usually enough.
Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to help you make your first video call with confidence.
Choose the Right Video Calling App
There are several popular video calling apps, and many are free for basic personal use. You don’t need to learn all of them. Start with whichever app your family and friends already use.
Popular beginner-friendly options
- FaceTime – built into Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs
- Zoom – commonly used for family calls, meetings, classes, and community groups
- Google Meet – useful if you already have a Google account
- WhatsApp – combines regular messaging, voice calls, and video calls
- Facebook Messenger – convenient if you already communicate with friends and family through Facebook
For example, if your children and grandchildren all use FaceTime, learning FaceTime first may be much easier than installing three different video calling apps.
Start with one app. Once you’re comfortable making and answering calls, learning another app will usually be easier because many of the controls are similar.
Make Sure Your Device Is Ready
Before downloading anything, check that your device has what you need.
Most modern smartphones and tablets already contain a front-facing camera, microphone, and speaker. Most laptops also have these features built in.
You generally need:
- A smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer
- A camera
- A microphone
- Speakers or headphones
- An internet connection
- The video calling app you want to use
If you’re using a desktop computer without a built-in camera, you may need a separate webcam.
Don’t worry about understanding all of these parts. If you can already take pictures, listen to videos, and browse the internet on your phone or tablet, there’s a good chance you already have everything required for a basic video call.
Download and Install the App
If the video calling app isn’t already installed on your device, you’ll need to download it.
On an iPhone or iPad
- Open the App Store.
- Tap the search button.
- Type the name of the app.
- Make sure you’ve selected the correct official app.
- Tap Get or the download button.
- Wait for the installation to finish.
On an Android device
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for the app.
- Check that you’ve selected the official version.
- Tap Install.
- Wait for the installation to finish.
Once installed, the app’s icon should appear on your device.
Be careful about downloading apps from links in unexpected emails, text messages, or pop-up advertisements. Using your device’s official app store is generally a safer approach.
Create or Sign In to Your Account
Some video calling apps require you to create an account or sign in with an existing one.
You may be asked to:
- Enter your email address
- Enter your phone number
- Create a password
- Enter a verification code
- Sign in with an existing Apple, Google, or other account
For example, FaceTime works through your Apple account on compatible Apple devices, while Google Meet can be used with a Google account for many features.
If you’re asked to create a password, choose a strong and unique one that you don’t already use for another important account.
Write down important account information and store it somewhere secure if you have difficulty remembering passwords.
Allow Camera and Microphone Access
The first time you use a video calling app, your phone, tablet, or computer may ask permission to use your camera and microphone.
This is normal.
The camera allows the other person to see you, while the microphone allows them to hear you.
When the permission message appears
Tap Allow or OK if you trust the app and want to make video calls.
If you accidentally select “Don’t Allow,” don’t panic. You can usually change camera and microphone permissions later in your device’s privacy or app settings.
One of the most common beginner problems is joining a call and discovering that nobody can hear or see you. Checking these permissions can often solve the problem.
Add or Connect With Contacts
Before making your first call, you’ll need someone to call.
Depending on the app, you may be able to:
- Use contacts already stored on your phone
- Search for someone using their name
- Enter an email address
- Enter a phone number
- Accept an invitation
- Open a meeting link someone sends you
Some apps automatically connect with your phone’s contact list after you give permission.
For your first call, consider practicing with a family member or friend who is comfortable with technology. Ask them to expect your call so they can help if something goes wrong.
Start Your First Video Call
Once everything is set up, making your first video call is usually straightforward.
Basic steps for many apps
- Open the video calling app.
- Find the person you want to call.
- Tap their name or profile.
- Look for a video camera icon.
- Tap the icon to start the call.
The other person’s device should ring or display a notification.
When they answer, you’ll usually see them on most of the screen and a smaller picture of yourself in one corner.
That’s it—you’re video calling.
The exact buttons vary between apps, so don’t worry if your screen looks slightly different.
Learn the Most Important Buttons
Video calling apps can display several buttons during a call, but beginners only need to understand a few.
Microphone or Mute
The microphone button controls whether other people can hear you.
If you tap Mute, your microphone turns off temporarily. Tap it again when you want to speak.
Mute can be useful if there is loud background noise around you.
Camera
The camera button turns your video on or off.
If you need privacy for a moment, you can turn off your camera while remaining on the call.
Camera Flip
On smartphones and tablets, this button switches between the camera facing you and the camera facing away from you.
This is helpful if you want to show someone your garden, a pet, a repair problem, or something else in the room.
End Call
The end-call button is commonly shown as a red phone icon.
Tap it when you’re ready to hang up.
Don’t worry if you accidentally press the wrong button. In most cases, you can simply tap it again or call the person back.
Improve Your Audio and Video Quality
You don’t need professional equipment to look and sound good on a video call. A few small adjustments can make a noticeable difference.
Try these simple tips
- Sit somewhere with good lighting.
- Face a window or lamp instead of putting the light behind you.
- Keep your device around eye level.
- Speak normally and clearly.
- Avoid covering the microphone with your hand.
- Stay reasonably close to your Wi-Fi router.
- Use headphones if you hear an echo.
- Place a tablet or phone on a stable surface during longer calls.
For example, instead of holding your phone for a 45-minute family conversation, prop it securely on a table or inexpensive phone stand. Your arm won’t get tired, and the picture will remain much steadier.
If your video freezes occasionally but the audio continues, the internet connection may simply be having trouble keeping up. Turning your camera off temporarily can sometimes help preserve the conversation.
Joining a Video Call From a Link
Not every video call requires you to call someone directly.
Someone may send you an invitation link by email or text, particularly for a Zoom or Google Meet call.
You typically:
- Open the invitation.
- Tap the meeting link.
- Allow the app or browser to open.
- Enter your name if requested.
- Check your microphone and camera.
- Tap Join.
You may enter a waiting room until the person hosting the call lets you in.
If you’re attending an important appointment or family event, try joining 5 to 10 minutes early. This gives you time to fix microphone, camera, or connection problems before the call begins.
Use Helpful In-Call Features
After you’re comfortable with basic video calls, you can experiment with additional features.
Common features include
- Mute – temporarily turns off your microphone
- Camera on/off – controls whether others can see you
- Camera flip – switches between cameras
- Chat – lets you type messages during a call
- Participants – shows who is on a group call
- Screen sharing – allows someone to show what’s on their screen
- Background effects – changes or blurs the background behind you
- End call – leaves the conversation
You don’t need to use all these features right away. Learn the microphone, camera, and end-call buttons first.
Try Group Video Calls
Once you’re comfortable speaking with one person, you may want to try a group call.
Group video calls can be useful for:
- Family gatherings
- Birthday celebrations
- Book clubs
- Community groups
- Classes
- Religious gatherings
- Catching up with several friends at once
Group calls can feel confusing at first because several people may appear on the screen. Just speak normally and give others a moment to finish before responding.
Using headphones can also make conversations easier to hear when several people are participating.
Practice Before an Important Call
Practice is one of the best ways to become comfortable with video calling.
Before an important appointment or family event, spend a few minutes learning the controls.
You can practice by
- Calling a family member
- Testing the camera
- Adjusting your volume
- Practicing mute and unmute
- Turning the camera on and off
- Finding a comfortable camera angle
- Learning how to end the call
A 10-minute practice call with someone you trust can make the real call feel much easier.
You don’t need to memorize everything. Most people learn video calling simply by using it several times.
Stay Safe While Video Calling
Video calling is convenient, but you should use the same caution you use with email, text messages, and regular phone calls.
Follow these basic safety habits
- Accept calls and meeting invitations from people or organizations you recognize.
- Be cautious with unexpected meeting links.
- Don’t give passwords or verification codes to someone during an unsolicited call.
- Keep your video calling apps updated.
- Use strong, unique passwords for accounts.
- Be careful about what is visible behind you.
- Don’t allow strangers to remotely control your computer.
Scammers sometimes impersonate companies, government agencies, technical support representatives, or even people you know. Seeing someone on video does not automatically prove that everything they’re saying is legitimate.
The National Council on Aging provides additional cybersecurity guidance for older adults, including advice about protecting personal information and recognizing suspicious online activity.
AARP also maintains a helpful Fraud Watch Network with information about current scams and ways older adults can protect themselves.
What to Do If the Call Isn’t Working
Technical problems happen to everyone—even experienced users.
If the other person can’t hear you:
- Make sure you’re not muted.
- Increase your microphone or device volume if appropriate.
- Check whether the app has permission to use your microphone.
If they can’t see you:
- Make sure your camera is turned on.
- Check whether something is covering the camera.
- Confirm that the app has camera permission.
If the picture freezes:
- Wait a few seconds.
- Move closer to your Wi-Fi router.
- Turn your camera off and back on.
- Leave the call and reconnect if necessary.
If you can’t solve the problem, call the person by regular phone and ask for help. There’s nothing wrong with trying again later.
Make Video Calling Part of Your Routine
Once you’ve made a few calls, video calling can become just another way to communicate.
You might schedule:
- A Sunday evening family call
- A weekly conversation with grandchildren
- A monthly virtual book club
- A video chat with an old friend
- A virtual appointment when appropriate
- A family call during birthdays or holidays
Regular use is also one of the easiest ways to become more comfortable with the technology.
You may initially need to think about every button you press. After several calls, answering, muting, switching cameras, and hanging up will likely feel much more familiar.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Technology changes, and even experienced users occasionally need assistance.
If you’re having trouble, ask:
- A family member
- A trusted friend
- Your phone or internet provider
- A reputable local technology support service
- A community center or library offering technology assistance
When someone helps you, consider writing down the steps in your own words. For example:
“Open FaceTime → tap my daughter’s name → tap the camera button.”
A short note like this can be more useful than trying to remember every detail.
Final Thoughts
Video calling is a simple and powerful way to stay connected with the people who matter to you. You don’t need advanced computer skills, expensive equipment, or knowledge of every feature.
Start with one app and one person you trust. Learn how to answer a call, turn your microphone and camera on or off, and end the conversation. Once those basics feel comfortable, you can gradually explore group calls, screen sharing, chat, and other features.
Remember that mistakes are normal. You may accidentally mute yourself, point the camera at the ceiling, or press the wrong button. Nearly everyone has done something similar while learning.
With a little practice, video calling can become as familiar as making a regular phone call. Whether you’re talking to grandchildren across the country, catching up with an old friend, joining a community group, or simply saying hello to someone you miss, video calls can help make distance feel a little smaller.
