How to Video Call Your Family (FaceTime and WhatsApp)
What this helps with: Seeing and talking with family on a video call, and answering when they call you.
Which one should I use? FaceTime works when both people have an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac). WhatsApp works on almost any smartphone, iPhone or Android. Use whichever one your family uses.
FaceTime (iPhone or iPad)
Make sure FaceTime is on (you only do this once):
- Open Settings, scroll down, and tap Apps, then tap FaceTime.
- What you’ll tap: The gray gears icon, then the word “Apps” near the bottom of the list.
- Turn on the FaceTime switch.
- What you’ll tap: A switch that turns green when it’s on.
Make a call:
- Open the FaceTime app.
- What you’ll tap: A green icon with a white video camera.
- Tap New Call (on some older iPhones it says New FaceTime).
- Start typing the person’s name, then tap their name when it shows up.
- Tap the green FaceTime button to start a video call.
- What you’ll tap: A button with a video camera picture. (The Audio button makes a voice-only call.)
- To hang up, tap the red button with an X or a phone picture.
Answer a call: When someone FaceTimes you, tap the green Accept button. If your phone is locked, you may need to slide the button to the right.
WhatsApp (iPhone or Android)
You’ll need the WhatsApp app installed, and the person you’re calling needs it too.
Make a call:
- Open WhatsApp.
- What you’ll tap: A green icon with a white phone inside a speech bubble.
- Tap the chat with the person you want to call.
- Tap the video camera button at the top of the screen.
- What you’ll tap: A small picture of a video camera, near the person’s name.
- To hang up, tap the red phone button.
Another way: Tap the Calls tab at the bottom, tap the button to start a new call, find the person, and tap the video camera.
Answer a call: If your phone is unlocked, tap Video (or the green button). If it’s locked, swipe up to answer.
If something goes wrong
- The call won’t connect, or the picture freezes. Both of you need a good internet connection. Connecting to your home Wi-Fi usually helps. Try hanging up and calling again.
- They can’t see or hear me. Check that your camera and microphone aren’t turned off. Tap the screen once to show the buttons. A camera or microphone with a line through it means it’s off. Tap it to turn it back on.
- I don’t see FaceTime in Settings. Someone may have limited it in Screen Time settings. A family member can help check.
- I can’t find the person in WhatsApp. They need to be saved in your phone’s contacts and have WhatsApp on their phone.
- A video call can’t reach 911. WhatsApp can’t call emergency numbers. Use your phone’s regular Phone app for emergencies.
Official sources
- Apple: Use FaceTime with your iPhone or iPad
- Apple: If you can’t make or receive a FaceTime call
- WhatsApp: How to make a video call
- WhatsApp: Can’t make WhatsApp video calls
Last checked: Oct 15, 2026
This is general help, not personalized tech support. Screens can look slightly different depending on your device and app version.