How to Video Call Family on FaceTime, Zoom, and WhatsApp

By Jordan · Reviewed by CaseyLast updated February 27, 2026

To video call a family member, open the video calling app you both have — FaceTime (iPhone/iPad/Mac only), Zoom, or WhatsApp — tap their name or number, then tap the video camera icon to start the call. The steps below walk through each app in detail, including what to do if you don’t already have the app installed.

Before you start, make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi or have a good cell signal — video calls use a lot of data, and a weak connection can cause freezing or dropped calls.

Which app should you use?

• FaceTime — Only works between Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac). If everyone in the call has an iPhone, this is usually the easiest option because it’s already installed.
• Zoom — Works on any phone, tablet, or computer. Good for calls with several people at once.
• WhatsApp — Works on any phone or computer. Popular with family overseas, since calls are free over Wi-Fi or data instead of using phone minutes.

If you’re not sure which one to use, ask the person you’re calling which app they already have set up.

How to video call with FaceTime (iPhone, iPad, or Mac)

1. Open the FaceTime app. It has a green icon with a white video camera.
2. Tap the + button in the top corner, or tap New FaceTime.
3. Type the phone number, email address, or name of the person you want to call. Their name should appear from your contacts — tap it.
4. Tap the blue video camera icon to start a video call, or the phone icon for an audio-only call.
5. Wait for them to answer. You’ll see your own video in a small box and their video filling the rest of the screen once they pick up.
6. To end the call, tap the red end call button.

Tip: If you see a phone number in blue underlined text instead of a contact name, tap it and choose “Create New Contact” or “Add to Existing Contact” so it’s easier to call them next time.

How to video call with Zoom

1. If you don’t have Zoom yet, download the free Zoom app from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play Store (Android), or go to zoom.us on a computer.
2. Open Zoom and tap Sign In if you have an account, or Sign Up to create a free one.
3. Ask the family member you want to call to send you a meeting link or meeting ID and password — they can create one by opening Zoom and tapping New Meeting.
4. Tap the link they sent you, or open Zoom, tap Join, and type in the meeting ID and password.
5. Tap Join with Video when asked.
6. To leave the call, tap Leave or End in the corner of the screen.

Tip: You don’t need a Zoom account just to join a call — only the person starting the meeting needs one. If someone sends you a Zoom link, you can usually just tap it and join.

How to video call with WhatsApp

1. If you don’t have WhatsApp yet, download the free WhatsApp app from the App Store or Google Play Store. You’ll set it up using your phone number.
2. Open WhatsApp and find the person’s name in your list of chats. If you don’t see them, tap the new chat icon and select them from your contacts.
3. Open the chat with that person.
4. Tap the video camera icon at the top of the screen to start a video call.
5. Wait for them to answer.
6. To end the call, tap the red end call button.

Tip: WhatsApp calls use your internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data), not your regular phone minutes, so they’re free even for long-distance family.

What to do if the call won’t connect

• Check your internet connection. Turn on Wi-Fi if you have it, or make sure you have several bars of cell signal. If Wi-Fi seems to be the problem, try restarting your router.
• Restart the app. Close it completely and reopen it.
• Restart your phone or computer. This fixes many temporary glitches.
• Make sure the app is updated. Open the App Store or Google Play Store, search for the app, and tap Update if one is available.
• Double check you’re calling the right contact. It’s easy to accidentally call an old or duplicate contact entry.

Frequently asked questions