Video Calls Made Easy: WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom and Teams
A beginner's guide to making video calls on a phone, tablet or computer, with tips for better sound, picture and privacy.
Video calls are a brilliant way to keep in touch with family, attend appointments and join meetings from home. Here's how to get started with the most popular apps, and how to look and sound your best.
Which app should I use?
- WhatsApp: the easiest choice for family and friends, because most people in the UK already have it. Works on iPhone and Android.
- FaceTime: built into iPhones, iPads and Macs. You can also send a link that lets Android and Windows users join through their web browser.
- Zoom: widely used for clubs, classes and appointments. You usually join by clicking a link you've been sent.
- Microsoft Teams: common for work, school and some NHS appointments. Again, you usually join from a link.
- Google Meet: works in a web browser with a Google account.
Making a WhatsApp video call
- Open WhatsApp and tap the chat with the person you want to call.
- Tap the video camera icon at the top.
- To add more people during the call, tap the add person icon.
Joining a call from a link
For Zoom, Teams or Meet, click the link in the email or text you've been sent. On a phone or tablet you may be asked to install the app first; on a computer you can usually join in your web browser. You may see a "waiting room" until the host lets you in. That's normal.
Look and sound your best
- Light in front of you, not behind. Sit facing a window or lamp. A bright window behind you turns you into a silhouette.
- Camera at eye level. Prop your laptop or phone on some books so people aren't looking up your nose.
- Use earphones to stop echo and make your voice clearer.
- Mute when you're not talking in group calls, to cut out background noise.
- Check your background for anything you'd rather not share. Most apps can blur it.
- Use Wi-Fi rather than mobile data where possible. Video calls use a lot of data. If the picture keeps freezing, see our Wi-Fi guide.
Common problems
"They can't hear me" or "they can't see me": check the microphone and camera icons aren't crossed out (muted). The first time you use an app, it asks for permission to use your camera and microphone. If you said no, turn it back on in your phone's or computer's privacy settings.
Doctor's appointments: join a few minutes early to test your sound and camera, and have any notes or medication lists to hand.