Video call the grandkids
Seeing the grandkids' faces on a call is one of the nicest things a phone can do. If everyone in the family has an iPhone, use FaceTime. If some have iPhones and some have Android phones, use WhatsApp. It works on both and is free over Wi-Fi.
What you need
- A phone with a front camera and Wi-Fi
- The grandkid's phone number saved in Contacts
- About 15 minutes
Step by step
FaceTime: open the app
On an iPhone, tap the green FaceTime app. If it asks you to turn FaceTime on, go to Settings, then Apps, then FaceTime, and turn it on.
FaceTime: start the call
Tap New Call (on older iPhones it may say New FaceTime). Type the person's name and tap it when it appears. Tap the FaceTime button with the camera to start a video call.
Or just ask Siri
Say "Hey Siri, FaceTime Emma" using the grandkid's name as it is saved in Contacts. For a lot of people, this is the easiest way.
WhatsApp: open the chat
If you use WhatsApp, open the app and tap the chat with the person you want to call.
WhatsApp: tap the video camera
Tap the video camera button at the top of the chat. The first time, allow the app to use the camera and microphone.
During the call
Hold the phone up at eye level, or lean it against a cup. If the buttons disappear, tap the screen to bring them back. Tap the red button to hang up.
Good to know
- A video call that suddenly asks for money, even from a familiar face, may be a scam. Hang up and call back on the number you know.
- Use Wi-Fi when you can so calls do not use up your phone plan.
- If the picture freezes, move closer to the Wi-Fi router.