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Video calls with the grandkids, made easy

Choosing an app, getting set up, Wi-Fi, answering and muting, tips to look and sound good, making it a habit, and staying safe.

Quick answer

Use the video app your family already uses, and ask a family member to set it up, add contacts and show you once. Connect to Wi-Fi so calls are smoother and free. Tap the green button to answer and red to hang up, and check the microphone isn’t muted. Hold the screen at eye level with light in front of you. A regular weekly time helps. Only video chat with people you know, and never let a stranger share or control your screen.

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Your checklist

  • Use the app your family uses
  • Ask family to set it up
  • Connect to Wi-Fi
  • Green to answer, red to hang up
  • Screen at eye level, light in front
  • Only call people you know

Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.

Pick the right app

Use the video app your family already uses, so everyone can connect easily. Most are free.

Get set up

Ask a family member to install the app on your phone, tablet or computer, add family contacts, and walk you through one practice call. Write simple steps on a card.

Use Wi-Fi

Video uses a lot of data. On Wi-Fi, calls are smoother and don’t use your phone plan.

During a call

  • Tap the green button to answer and the red button to hang up.
  • If they can’t hear you, check that the microphone isn’t muted (crossed out).
  • If they can’t see you, check the camera button.

Look and sound good

Hold the screen at eye level, sit with light in front of you, turn the volume up, and use a stand.

Make it a habit

A regular time, like Sunday afternoons, makes it easy. Ask kids to show drawings, pets or schoolwork.

Stay safe

Only video chat with people you know. Ignore calls from strangers, and never let someone you don’t know share your screen or control your device.

Free help

Many libraries and senior centers offer free tech classes.

Official sources, and where to look

To find your local office, search for:

  • free tech classes for seniors [your city]
  • [your city] library digital help

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

Do video calls cost money?

Most video apps are free. On Wi-Fi they don’t use your phone’s data plan. More ›

What’s the easiest device for video calls?

Many people find a tablet easiest: a bigger screen and simple buttons. A smartphone works well too. More ›

What is the easiest video call app for seniors?

The one your family already uses, so everyone can connect easily. Ask a family member to set it up. More ›

Why can’t they hear me on a video call?

Your microphone may be muted (the mic icon crossed out), the volume may be low, or the app may need permission to use the microphone. More ›

Do video calls use a lot of data?

Yes. Use Wi-Fi when you can to avoid using up your phone plan. More ›

How do I look better on video calls?

Hold the screen at eye level, sit with light in front of you, and use a stand. More ›

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Part of:I’m getting older and tech is changing fast

Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.