What’s the easiest way to make a video call with family or friends?

There are several ways to make video calls, and you don’t need to learn all of them. The easiest choice is usually the one the people you want to talk with already use.

If you and the other person both use Apple devices, you may already have FaceTime.

Other common choices include Google Meet, Zoom, and WhatsApp.

Before choosing an app, ask the person you want to call:

“What do you normally use for video calls?”

That may save you from downloading or setting up something you don’t need.

For your first call, it can help to have the other person start it. They may be able to send you a link that you simply tap to join.

When you join a video call, your device may ask for permission to use your camera and microphone. The app needs those permissions so the other person can see and hear you.

If you can see the person but can’t hear them, check that your volume is turned up. If they can’t hear you, look for a microphone button and make sure you aren’t muted.

You don’t need to become a video-calling expert. Once you find one method that works well for the people you talk with, it’s perfectly fine to keep using that one.

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