How to Use FaceTime to Call the Grandchildren: Step-by-Step Guide

Seeing a grandchild’s face while you talk is one of the loveliest things a phone can do. FaceTime makes it easy, and it’s free over Wi-Fi. If you have an iPhone or iPad, it’s already on your device. There’s nothing to buy and nothing to download. For choosing the phone itself, see our guide to the best smartphone for seniors in Australia, and for another easy way to video call, how to set up WhatsApp on iPhone.

FaceTime is Apple’s video calling. It works between iPhones, iPads and Mac computers. If your grandchildren have Android phones, don’t worry, there’s a simple way to include them too, and we’ll cover that at the end.

Before your first call

Two quick things. Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi, so the call doesn’t use your mobile data. And make sure you’re signed in with your Apple Account, which is the login your iPhone uses for everything. If you’ve never set one up, our guide to setting up an Apple Account explains how. It usually only needs doing once.

Making a FaceTime call, step by step

1. Open the FaceTime app

Look for the green icon with a white video camera in it. Tap it once to open FaceTime.

2. Tap New FaceTime

Tap the New FaceTime button near the top of the screen. A box appears where you can choose who to call.

3. Type the name of the person

Start typing your grandchild’s name. If they’re saved in your contacts, their name pops up, and you tap it. If not, you can type their phone number or the email address linked to their Apple device.

4. Tap the green FaceTime button

Tap the green FaceTime button to start the call. You’ll hear it ringing. When they answer, their face appears on your screen, and yours shows in a small window. Hold the phone a comfortable distance away, around arm’s length, so they can see you clearly.

5. End the call when you’re done

Tap the screen once if the buttons have faded away, then tap the red button to hang up. That’s all there is to it.

If the grandchildren are on Android

FaceTime can include people who don’t have Apple devices, using a link. In the FaceTime app, tap Create Link. You can then send that link to your grandchild in a text or email. They tap it, and they join your FaceTime call from their Android phone or computer through their web browser. No app needed at their end.

If most of your family is on Android, a free app like WhatsApp can be simpler for everyday video calls, since everyone uses the same thing. Our guide on setting up a family group chat covers that side of things.

A small thing that makes a big difference with little ones: an iPad propped on the table works better than a phone, because the bigger screen keeps a wriggly toddler in view. Many grandparents end up using the iPad just for this.