How to Make Video Calls with Zoom and FaceTime: A Senior’s Guide

Video calling has transformed how families stay connected across distances. Whether your grandchildren live in another state or your siblings are in another country, video calls make you feel like you are in the same room. Two of the most popular video calling platforms are Zoom and FaceTime.

This guide will help you understand both options and teach you how to make video calls with confidence. You will learn the differences between the platforms, how to set up each one, and how to troubleshoot common issues that may arise.

Understanding the Difference Between Zoom and FaceTime

FaceTime is built into every iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It works automatically without any setup and is the simplest option if you and your family all use Apple devices. FaceTime calls are end-to-end encrypted, meaning your conversations are completely private.

Zoom works on any device including iPhone, Android, Windows computers, and even landline phones for audio-only participation. This makes it better for large family gatherings where some members use different devices. Zoom also allows more participants up to 100 on the free plan.

Making a FaceTime Call

Open the FaceTime app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus icon in the top right corner. Type the name or phone number of the person you want to call. If they are in your contacts, their name will appear automatically. Tap the audio or video button to start the call.

When the other person answers, you will see them on your screen and they will see you. Make sure you are in a well-lit room with your face visible. The camera is usually at the top of your phone or tablet screen, so look at the camera, not the screen, to give the impression of eye contact.

Joining a Zoom Meeting

When a family member invites you to a Zoom meeting, they will send you a link usually by email or text message. Tap the link and Zoom will open automatically. If you have not installed Zoom yet, it will guide you through downloading and installing the app first.

Once Zoom opens, you may see a preview of your camera. Tap Join Meeting. You can choose to connect audio by tapping Call Using Internet Audio and connect video by tapping the camera icon at the bottom of the screen. Your family will see and hear you once you join.

Using Video Call Features

During a video call, you can mute your microphone by tapping the microphone icon. This is useful when there is background noise at your location like a television or kitchen sounds. Tap it again to unmute when you want to speak. Do not forget to unmute your family cannot hear you when you are muted.

The speaker view shows the person currently speaking in full screen. The gallery view shows all participants in a grid pattern. You can switch between these views by tapping the appropriate icon in the top right corner. Gallery view is nice for seeing everyone at once during family gatherings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you cannot hear the other person, check that your volume is turned up and you are not on mute. If they cannot hear you, check that your microphone is not muted and that Zoom or FaceTime has permission to access your microphone in your device’s settings.

A poor internet connection can cause video to freeze or audio to cut out. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router if possible. Close other apps and programs that may be using the internet. If the problem persists, try turning off your video temporarily to improve audio quality.

Tips for a Better Video Call Experience

Position your phone or tablet on a stable surface rather than holding it. A stack of books, a phone stand, or a tablet case with a kickstand works well. This keeps the image steady and leaves your hands free to gesture while talking.

Look directly at the camera when speaking rather than at yourself on the screen. This creates a more natural connection with the person you are talking to. Do not worry too much about being perfect, though. Family members are happy just to see you and hear your voice regardless of the video quality.

Video calling is a skill that improves with practice. Start with one-on-one calls to a patient family member, then gradually try group calls. Before long, video calls will feel as natural as phone calls, and you will wonder how you managed without them.