Setting Up Video Calls So You Can See the Grandkids Anytime

Oct 10

Seeing your grandchildren’s faces and hearing them tell you about their day is one of the best things a phone can do, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. With a one-time setup, video calling becomes as easy as picking up the phone.

Pick One App Everyone Can Use

The easiest rule is to choose one app and stick with it, so you’re never hunting for the right one.

FaceTime is already built into iPhones and iPads, so it’s a natural choice if your family all uses Apple devices.
WhatsApp is free and works on both iPhone and Android, which makes it a good pick when your family has a mix of phones.

Ask your family which one they already use. The best app is usually the one they’re comfortable with.

Set It Up Once

Open the app on your phone. If it isn’t there yet, download it from your app store (the App Store on iPhone, the Play Store on Android).
Sign in with your phone number or email when asked.
When the app asks permission to use your camera and microphone, tap Allow. Without these, nobody can see or hear you.
Add your grandchildren, or their parents, to your contacts.
Do a short practice call with a family member first, so any surprises happen when it doesn’t matter.

Making the Call

In FaceTime, open the app, tap New FaceTime, type the person’s name, and tap Video.

In WhatsApp, open the person’s chat and tap the video camera icon at the top of the screen.

Tips for a Better Call

Use Wi-Fi when you can. Video uses a lot of data, and Wi-Fi keeps the picture steady.
Prop your phone up against something so your hands are free and the camera sits at eye level.
Face the light. Sit facing a window or lamp instead of with the light behind you, so they can see you clearly.
Pick a regular time. A standing call, like Sunday afternoons, becomes a habit everyone looks forward to.
Keep calls short with little ones. Younger children often do best with a few minutes at a time, with a parent holding the phone.

If Something Isn’t Working

If they can’t hear you, check that your volume is up and your microphone isn’t muted. If they can’t see you, make sure nothing is covering the camera lens and that camera permission is allowed in your settings. If the picture freezes, move closer to your Wi-Fi router, or hang up and call back.

Let Us Set It Up With You

If you’d rather not figure it out alone, a Kendera Global session can walk through the setup with you step by step, so you can place your first video call to the grandkids before the session ends.

Read next: How to Help a Parent or Grandparent Get Comfortable With Their Phone