How to Video Call Your Grandkids — the Simple, Stress-Free Way

By FixMyTech · June 2026 · About a 4-minute read

Few things feel better than seeing a grandchild's face light up on the screen. And here's the good news: video calling is far easier than it looks. You don't need to understand how any of it works — you just need to know which buttons to press. Let's make it simple.

What you'll need

• A smartphone or tablet with a camera (almost all of them have one built in).
• An internet connection — your home Wi-Fi is perfect.
• One app that both you and your family use. That last part is the real secret.

Step 1: Pick one app — and only one

The most common mistake is having three different calling apps and never being sure which one to open. Pick a single one with your family and stick to it:

• Have an iPhone or iPad? FaceTime is already built in and works beautifully — as long as your family also uses Apple devices.
• Family has a mix of phones (Apple and Android)? Use WhatsApp or Google Meet. Both work on everything and are free.

Ask your family which one they'd like to use, then use that one every time. Consistency is what makes it feel easy.

Step 2: Start the call

Every app works the same basic way:

1. Open the app by tapping its icon.
2. Find the person's name in your contacts or the app's list.
3. Tap the little camera icon (not the phone icon — the camera means video).
4. Wait a few seconds for them to answer, and there they are!

Step 3: A few tips that make a big difference

• Prop the device up against a few books or a stand, so you don't have to hold it the whole time.
• Face a window or lamp so your face is nicely lit — not a bright light behind you.
• Save your favorite people as "favorites" so they're one tap away.
• Practice with one person first. Ask a patient family member to do a test call so the first real one feels familiar.

Once it's set up the way you like, video calling becomes second nature — a warm, everyday part of staying close to the people you love.