Quick Answer
The easiest way to make your first video call: if both people have iPhones, use FaceTime — it’s already installed, free, and takes 10 seconds to start. If you’re on Android or calling someone on a different device, use WhatsApp or Google Meet — both are free, work on any phone or computer, and require no technical knowledge to set up.
Video calling has become genuinely simple — simpler than most people expect before they try it. The hesitation is usually about not knowing which app to use or worrying something will go wrong. This guide removes both concerns: here’s exactly what to use, step by step, based on what devices you and the other person have.
First: Which App Should You Use?
The right app depends entirely on what devices are involved. There is no single best answer — but there is a best answer for your specific situation.
FaceTime
Already installed on every iPhone and iPad. Free. Works over Wi-Fi or mobile data. No account needed — it uses your Apple ID, which you already have. To call someone: open the FaceTime app, tap the + button, type the person’s name, phone number, or email, and tap the video camera icon. That’s it.
Free, works on iPhone and Android, and if the other person already uses WhatsApp for messages, video calling is one tap away. Open a conversation, tap the video camera icon at the top right. Done. Works internationally without any extra charges — ideal for calling family in different countries.
Google Meet
Free, works in a browser without downloading anything, and doesn’t require both people to have an account. The person starting the call creates a meeting link and sends it — the other person just clicks the link. Excellent when calling someone on a computer who isn’t comfortable installing apps.
Zoom
The most feature-rich option, but also the most setup required. Best for group calls of 3+ people, scheduled meetings, or professional conversations. For a simple one-on-one call with someone you know, WhatsApp or FaceTime is easier.
How to Make Your First Video Call — Step by Step
On iPhone (FaceTime)
- Open the FaceTime app (green icon with a white video camera)
- Tap the + button in the top right corner
- Type the person’s name, phone number, or email address
- Tap Video to start the call
- If prompted, tap Allow to give FaceTime access to your camera and microphone
- Wait for the other person to answer — their video will appear when they pick up
On Android (Google Meet)
- Download Google Meet from the Play Store (free)
- Sign in with your Google/Gmail account
- Tap New Meeting then Send a meeting link
- Share the link with the other person via text or email
- When they click the link, tap Join to connect
- Allow camera and microphone access when prompted
On WhatsApp (iPhone or Android)
- Open WhatsApp and find the person’s chat (they need to also have WhatsApp)
- Tap the video camera icon at the top right of the conversation
- The call starts immediately — no link needed
- Allow camera and microphone access if asked
Before the Call: Three Things Worth Checking
Most first-call problems come from one of three things — all easy to verify in advance.
Internet connection. Video calls use significantly more data than regular calls. If you’re on Wi-Fi, you’re fine. If you’re on mobile data, make sure you have a strong signal — one or two bars will produce choppy video and dropped audio. Move closer to your router if the connection feels slow.
Camera and microphone permissions. The first time you use any video calling app, your phone will ask permission to access your camera and microphone. Tap Allow. If you accidentally tap Deny, the app won’t be able to show your video or pick up your voice — you’ll need to go into Settings, find the app, and enable both permissions manually.
Battery level. A 20-minute video call can use 10–15% of battery on most phones. If you’re starting with a low battery, plug in before the call or keep your charger nearby.
When Something Goes Wrong
“The other person can’t hear me”
Check that the app has microphone permission: Settings → find the app → make sure Microphone is toggled on. Also check that your phone isn’t on silent mode and the volume is turned up.
“They can’t see me / my camera isn’t working”
Go to Settings → find the app → make sure Camera is toggled on. If it was already on, close the app completely and reopen it. On most calls there’s also a camera icon on screen — make sure it’s not muted (shown as a line through it).
“The video keeps freezing or cutting out”
This is almost always an internet connection issue. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router, or if you’re on mobile data, try moving to a spot with stronger signal. Closing other apps running in the background can also help on older phones.
“The call dropped and I don’t know how to call back”
On FaceTime and WhatsApp, your recent call history shows in the app — tap the person’s name to call back. On Google Meet, use the same meeting link to rejoin. The other person can also simply call you back.
Tips for a Better First Call
Face a window or a light source. Natural light from in front of you makes a big difference to how you look on camera. Avoid sitting with a window behind you — it turns you into a silhouette.
Hold the phone at eye level. Propping your phone up against something (a book, a cup) so the camera is at eye level looks significantly better than holding it low and looking down at the screen. A phone stand costs about $10 and solves this permanently.
Find a quiet space. Background noise is the most common complaint on video calls — it’s harder to filter out than on regular calls. A closed door makes more difference than any technical fix.
Do a test call first if it matters. If the call is important — a family reunion, a doctor’s appointment, a job interview — test the setup with someone you know beforehand. Five minutes of testing saves the anxiety of troubleshooting in front of the person you’re trying to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is video calling free?
Yes — FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Meet, and Zoom all offer free video calling over Wi-Fi or mobile data. The only cost is your internet connection. International video calls cost nothing extra compared to local calls, which is one of the biggest advantages over traditional phone calls.
Can I video call from a computer instead of a phone?
Yes. Google Meet works entirely in a web browser — no app required. Go to meet.google.com, click New Meeting, and share the link. Zoom also works in a browser, though with limited features compared to the app. FaceTime is now available on Windows via browser for receiving calls, though starting calls still requires an Apple device.
What if the other person doesn’t have the same app as me?
Use Google Meet — it doesn’t require the other person to have an account or even an app. You send them a link, they click it, and they join from their browser. It’s the most flexible option for calling someone who isn’t comfortable installing new apps.
How much data does a video call use?
Approximately 250–500MB per hour on standard quality — about the same as streaming a TV show. On high quality settings, it can reach 1–1.5GB per hour. For most calls under 30 minutes on Wi-Fi, data usage isn’t a concern at all.
The Short Version
iPhone to iPhone: FaceTime, already installed, tap the + and call. Any other combination: WhatsApp if they already use it, Google Meet if they don’t. The technical barrier to video calling is genuinely lower than most people expect — the hardest part is usually just deciding to try it the first time. After that first call, it feels as natural as a regular phone call.
Related: How to Talk to Your Family About Smart Home Technology · How to Set Up a Smart Home From Scratch
ClearlyBold.com may earn a commission from purchases made through our links at no extra cost to you. Prices accurate as of March 2026.