Video Calling for Seniors: Simple Steps to Call Family
Video calls can make it easier to see family, share a moment and feel part of everyday life. But getting started can feel fiddly, especially when an app looks different from the instructions you have been given. If you are looking for video calling for seniors, please know it is completely normal to find the buttons and settings confusing at first. There are no silly questions.
This comes up often when I visit people at home around Reading and the surrounding Berkshire area, usually alongside questions about Microsoft Teams. This guide covers choosing an app, making or joining a call, and a few simple fixes if something goes wrong.
Which app should I use for a video call?
The easiest app is usually the one your family already uses. Ask them which one they would like to use, then pick that app and stick with it for practice.
- WhatsApp is a familiar choice for calling a person or group from a phone or tablet, if you already use WhatsApp.
- FaceTime is built into Apple devices and works particularly simply when the people calling each other use Apple devices.
- Zoom is often used for organised calls, and you can usually join by opening a link from the organiser.
- Microsoft Teams is used for meetings and family calls, and you can often join from a link without creating a Teams account.
You do not need to learn all four. One familiar app is plenty.
What you need before your first video call
A video call needs three basics: an internet connection, a camera and a microphone.
Before the call, check that you have:
- An internet connection. Wi-Fi is useful for calls at home. If you are using mobile data, video calls may use some of your data allowance.
- A charged device. A phone or tablet battery can run down during a call, so charge it beforehand or keep it plugged in.
- A quiet-ish room. Turning down the television can make it easier for everyone to hear.
- Light in front of you. Sit facing a window or lamp, rather than putting a bright window behind you.
- Somewhere steady to put the device. A stand or a firm surface keeps the screen still and leaves your hands free.
How to make a video call on a phone or tablet
Here is one way to make a call using WhatsApp. The appearance of the app can vary slightly between devices, but the video camera symbol is a useful thing to look for.
- Open WhatsApp and find the chat with the person you want to call.
- Look for the video camera symbol near the top of the chat and tap it. (WhatsApp updates its app from time to time, so the symbol may sit in a slightly different place on your version.)
- If the phone asks whether WhatsApp can use your camera or microphone, choose Allow. These permissions let the app show your picture and carry your voice.
- Wait for the other person to answer. If you cannot see or hear them, check whether your camera or microphone is switched off.
- To finish, tap the red end call button.
If a permission message did not appear, or you accidentally chose “Don’t allow”, you can usually change this in your device’s Settings. Look for WhatsApp under app permissions and allow access to the camera and microphone. The names of settings can differ between phones and app versions, so look for the closest match rather than an exact wording.
You can find more guidance in Age UK’s video calling guide.
How to join a video call on a laptop
For a Teams or Zoom call, the organiser will usually send you a link in an email or message. Open the message and select the link close to the time of the call.
- Select the meeting link. If asked, choose to continue in your web browser or open the app.
- If asked, enter your name and allow the browser or app to use your camera and microphone.
- On the preview screen, check that you have chosen the right camera and sound options, then select Join or Join now.
- During the call, the camera button turns your picture on or off. The microphone button mutes or unmutes your voice.
- If you see a message saying you are waiting in a lobby, stay on the screen for a moment. The meeting host sometimes needs to let you in.
Microsoft has a step-by-step guide to joining a Teams meeting if you need a little more detail. Teams is updated regularly, so a button may move or be renamed in your version — the help page will match the current layout.
Video calling for seniors: common problems and simple fixes
A video call does not always work perfectly first time. Try one change at a time.
- Nobody can see me: Check that the camera button is on and that the app has permission to use the camera.
- Nobody can hear me: Check that the microphone is not muted. Tap the microphone button once to unmute.
- The picture keeps freezing: Check your Wi-Fi connection and, if you can, move closer to your router.
- The sound is echoing: Try using headphones, or ask the other person to turn down their speaker volume.
- I joined the wrong call: Leave using the red end-call button, then check the message again and select the correct meeting link.
If you are not sure what to try next, ask the person you are calling to pause while you check. There is no need to rush.
Make your video call easier to see and hear
A few small adjustments can make a real difference. Raise your phone, tablet or laptop screen to eye level, using a stand or stable stack of books if needed. This can make it easier to see faces and feel comfortable during the call.
You could also try:
- Increasing the text size in your device’s accessibility settings.
- Turning on captions if the video call app offers them. Captions show spoken words as text on screen, though they may not catch every word correctly.
- Checking your device’s volume and any hearing-aid settings you usually use.
- Sitting with a lamp or window in front of you so your face is not in shadow.
- Using headphones if you hear an echo or find the sound hard to follow.
If you would like a hand making your phone or tablet easier to use, I can help you explore the settings at your own pace.
A few habits that help
If you are new to video calls, arrange a short practice call with someone you trust. You can try the buttons together before a longer family gathering.
Keep the meeting link in the message from the person who arranged the call, and check with them if you are unsure whether it is the right one. Never share a code sent to your phone with someone who calls you unexpectedly. A genuine family video call should not require you to tell a stranger a security code.
If a family member or carer is helping you set things up, they can guide you while you sign in yourself. They do not need your password, PIN or any code sent to your phone, and neither do I. Anyone who asks for them is not helping.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself if a call goes wrong. Apps can change, connections can wobble, and everyone has accidentally pressed the wrong button at some point.
When to ask for help
If you would like patient, one-to-one video calling help for older people, I offer in-home support in Reading and the surrounding Berkshire area. Remote support may also be suitable, depending on what you need help with. A family member or carer can arrange support on someone’s behalf.
If you would like to talk through video calling or help with Microsoft Teams, you can book a free 15-minute chat, or find out more about Lady Techy first. There is no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an account to join a Teams call?
Not always. Depending on the organiser’s settings, you may be able to join as a guest from the meeting link without signing in.
Can I make a video call using Wi-Fi?
Yes. Video calls use the internet, and Wi-Fi is one way to connect. If you use mobile data instead, check your data allowance.
Can I turn my camera off during a call?
Yes. Select the camera button to stop sharing your picture. You can usually turn it back on by selecting the button again.
What if I cannot hear the person calling?
Check your device volume and ask whether the other person’s microphone is switched on. If you use headphones or a hearing aid, check that they are connected and set up as you expect.
