# Video calls with the grandkids, made easy > 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. - URL: https://explained.page/video-calls-with-family - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=video-calls-with-family ## Step by step 1. **Want to see the grandkids, not just hear them?** Video calls are free over Wi-Fi and easier than they look. Here’s how to get started. 2. **Use the app your family already uses.** Ask a family member to set it up on your phone or tablet, add their contacts, and show you once. 3. **Connect to Wi-Fi first.** Video uses a lot of data. On Wi-Fi, calls are smoother and don’t use up your phone plan. 4. **To answer, tap the green button.** To hang up, tap the red one. If they can’t hear you, check that the microphone icon isn’t crossed out. 5. **A few tips for a good call.** Hold the screen at eye level, sit with light in front of you, turn the volume up, and use a stand so your arms don’t get tired. 6. **Make it a habit.** A regular time, like Sunday at 5, makes it easy for everyone. Kids love showing drawings, pets and new toys. 7. **Only video chat with people you know.** Ignore video calls from strangers, and never let someone you don’t know “share your screen” or take control of your device. ## 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 ## 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. ## Common questions ### Do video calls cost money? Most video apps are free. On Wi-Fi they don’t use your phone’s data plan. Source page: https://explained.page/video-calls-with-family/questions/do-video-calls-cost-money ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/video-calls-with-family/questions/whats-the-easiest-device-for-video-calls ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/video-calls-with-family/questions/what-is-the-easiest-video-call-app-for-seniors ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/video-calls-with-family/questions/why-cant-they-hear-me-on-a-video-call ### Do video calls use a lot of data? Yes. Use Wi-Fi when you can to avoid using up your phone plan. Source page: https://explained.page/video-calls-with-family/questions/do-video-calls-use-a-lot-of-data ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/video-calls-with-family/questions/how-do-i-look-better-on-video-calls ### Is it safe to answer a video call from someone I don’t know? No. Ignore it. Scammers sometimes use video calls to pressure people or ask to control their screen. Source page: https://explained.page/video-calls-with-family/questions/is-it-safe-to-answer-a-video-call-from-someone-i-dont-know ### Where can I get help learning video calls? Family members, local libraries and senior centers often offer free, patient help. Source page: https://explained.page/video-calls-with-family/questions/where-can-i-get-help-learning-video-calls ## Official sources - [Eldercare Locator: find local senior services](https://eldercare.acl.gov/) - [FTC consumer advice: tech support scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "free tech classes for seniors [your city]" - "[your city] library digital help" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.