My family wants me to video call, but everybody uses something different. Do I really need all these apps?

Question:
One person tells me to use FaceTime, somebody else sends me a Zoom link, and then someone asks if I have WhatsApp. I just want to see and talk to my family! Do I really need to learn three or four different ways to make a video call?

The short answer

No.

You do not need a degree in video-calling apps just to see your family.

There are lots of ways to make a video call, but you don't need to become an expert in all of them.

Start with the people you actually want to call

Ask:

“What do you normally use for video calls?”

If the people you talk with most often all use the same service, that may be the easiest place to start.

For example:

• Apple users may already use FaceTime

• someone may send you a Zoom link

• others may prefer Google Meet

• some families use WhatsApp

You don't have to choose the “best” video-calling app for the entire world. You just need one that works for you and the people you're trying to reach.

Let someone else start the first call

For your first few calls, it may be easier to have the other person start the call or send you a link.

Then you may only need to tap something like:

Join
Open
or
Answer

rather than setting up the whole call yourself.

Don't be alarmed by camera and microphone questions

When you join a video call for the first time, your phone, tablet, or computer may ask whether the app can use your:

• camera

• microphone

That's normal.

The app needs your camera so the other person can see you and your microphone so they can hear you.

If something isn't working

If you can see the other person but can't hear them, check your device's volume.

If they can't hear you, look for a microphone symbol and make sure you aren't muted.

If they can't see you, look for a camera symbol and make sure your camera isn't turned off.

The takeaway

You don't need to master every video-calling platform.

Find one or two methods that work with the people you care about, and use those.

Technology should help you stay connected—not turn staying connected into homework.

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