How to Use FaceTime on iPhone and iPad (Simple Guide for Seniors)

FaceTime is one of the easiest ways to see your family and friends face-to-face, even when they are far away. If you have an iPhone or iPad, FaceTime is already built into your device — there is nothing to download or install. You just open it and start calling.

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about FaceTime, one step at a time. By the end, you will feel confident making video calls to your loved ones whenever you want.

What Is FaceTime?

FaceTime is Apple's free video calling app. It lets you make video calls (where you see each other's faces) or audio-only calls over the internet. Think of it like a phone call, but you can see the other person on your screen while you talk.

FaceTime comes pre-installed on every iPhone, iPad, and Mac computer. You do not need to download it from the App Store — it is already there, ready to use.

The best part? FaceTime is completely free. It uses your WiFi or mobile data connection instead of your phone minutes. If you are not sure what WiFi is or how it works, take a look at our simple guide to WiFi for a quick explanation.

Who Can Use FaceTime?

FaceTime works on Apple devices only. This means:

iPhone (iPhone 5 and newer)
iPad (iPad 2 and newer)
Mac computers
Apple TV (newer models)

The person you are calling also needs an Apple device with FaceTime. However, there is a newer feature called FaceTime Links that lets you invite people with Android phones or Windows computers to join a FaceTime call through their web browser. We will cover that later in this guide.

If the person you want to call uses an Android phone and does not have access to a web browser for FaceTime Links, you might want to try WhatsApp video calling instead — it works on both iPhones and Android phones.

What You Need Before You Start

Before making your first FaceTime call, make sure you have:

An iPhone or iPad with FaceTime turned on
A WiFi connection (FaceTime works over mobile data too, but WiFi gives you a smoother, clearer picture and will not use up your data allowance)
The phone number or Apple ID email of the person you want to call
Your device signed in to your Apple ID (this was set up when you first got your device — if you need help with that, see our guide to setting up a new iPhone)

How to Make a FaceTime Call on iPhone

Step 1: Open the FaceTime App

Look for the green icon with a white video camera on your home screen. It says "FaceTime" underneath. Tap it to open.

If you cannot find it, swipe down from the middle of your home screen and type "FaceTime" in the search bar. Tap the app when it appears.

Step 2: Tap the "New FaceTime" Button

At the top of the screen, you will see a button that says New FaceTime. Tap it.

Step 3: Type the Person's Name or Number

A text box will appear at the top. Type in the name, phone number, or email address of the person you want to call. If they are in your contacts, their name will appear in a list below. Tap their name to select them.

Their name will now appear in the "To:" field with a blue highlight. If the name appears in grey instead of blue, it means that person may not have FaceTime available on their device.

Step 4: Tap the Green FaceTime Button

You will see two buttons at the bottom: FaceTime (with a video camera icon) and FaceTime Audio (with a phone icon).

Tap FaceTime for a video call (you will see each other)
Tap FaceTime Audio for a voice-only call (like a regular phone call, but free over WiFi)

For a video call, tap the green FaceTime button with the camera icon.

Step 5: Wait for Them to Answer

Your iPhone will now ring the other person's device. You will see yourself on the screen while you wait. When they answer, their face will appear on your screen and yours will shrink to a small box in the corner.

Step 6: End the Call

When you are finished, tap the red circle button at the bottom of the screen to hang up. That is all there is to it.

How to Answer a FaceTime Call

When someone calls you on FaceTime, you will see a notification on your screen:

If your phone is unlocked: A banner will appear at the top of your screen. Tap Accept (the green button) to answer, or Decline (the red button) if you cannot talk right now.
If your phone is locked: Slide the green button to the right to answer the call.

Do not worry if you miss a call. You will see a missed call notification, and you can call them back whenever you are ready.

How to Switch Between Front and Back Cameras

During a FaceTime call, you might want to show the other person something — perhaps your garden, a new grandchild's drawing, or your pet. You can switch from the front camera (the one that shows your face) to the back camera (the one that points away from you).

To switch cameras:

While on a FaceTime call, look at the bottom of the screen for the camera controls
Tap the camera flip button — it looks like a camera with two curved arrows around it
The view will switch to show whatever your back camera is pointing at
Tap the same button again to switch back to showing your face

How to Use FaceTime on iPad

FaceTime works almost exactly the same on iPad as it does on iPhone. The only differences are:

The screen is bigger, which makes it easier to see the other person's face — many seniors prefer using their iPad for video calls for this reason
The FaceTime app icon is in the same place — look for the green camera icon on your home screen
The steps for making and answering calls are identical to the iPhone steps above

One tip: If you use an iPad for FaceTime, prop it up against something sturdy (like a stack of books or a tablet stand) so you do not have to hold it the entire time. This way, both your hands are free and you can relax during the conversation.

How to Make a Group FaceTime Call

Want to talk to more than one person at the same time? Group FaceTime lets you call up to 32 people at once. This is wonderful for family gatherings, birthday celebrations, or catching up with a group of friends.

How to Start a Group Call

Open the FaceTime app
Tap New FaceTime
In the "To:" field, type the first person's name and tap to select them
Then type the second person's name and tap to select them too
Keep adding as many people as you like
Tap the green FaceTime button to start the call

Everyone you selected will receive a notification to join the call. They can join whenever they are ready.

How to Add Someone to an Ongoing Call

If you are already on a FaceTime call and want to add another person:

Tap the screen to show the controls
Tap the plus (+) button at the top
Type the name of the person you want to add
Tap Add Person to FaceTime

FaceTime Links: Calling Android and Windows Users

Here is some great news. Even though FaceTime is an Apple app, you can now invite people who use Android phones or Windows computers to join your FaceTime call. They do not need an Apple device — they just need a web browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

How to Create a FaceTime Link

Open the FaceTime app
Tap Create Link at the top of the screen
A sharing menu will appear — you can send the link by text message, email, WhatsApp, or any other way you normally share things
The other person taps the link on their device, and it opens FaceTime in their web browser
You will get a notification when they are waiting to join — tap Accept to let them in

This is a wonderful feature if some of your family members use Android phones and others use iPhones. Everyone can join the same call.

Troubleshooting Common FaceTime Problems

"FaceTime is not working"

Make sure you are connected to WiFi or mobile data. FaceTime needs an internet connection to work.
Check that FaceTime is turned on: Go to Settings, scroll down and tap FaceTime, and make sure the switch at the top is green (turned on).
Restart your device by turning it off and on again. This fixes many small problems.

"The other person cannot hear me"

Make sure you have not accidentally tapped the mute button during the call. Look for a microphone icon with a line through it at the bottom of the screen. If it is highlighted, tap it to unmute.
Check that nothing is covering your iPhone's microphone (it is at the bottom of the phone).

"The video is blurry or keeps freezing"

This is usually a WiFi problem. Try moving closer to your WiFi router (the box that gives you internet).
Ask the other person to check their connection too — the problem might be on their end.
Close other apps that might be using your internet. Double-tap the home button (or swipe up from the bottom on newer iPhones) and swipe away any apps you are not using.

"I cannot find the FaceTime app"

FaceTime is not available in every country. In most places, it should be on your device already.
If it was accidentally deleted, you can re-download it for free from the App Store. Search for "FaceTime" and tap the cloud download icon.

"It says the person is not available for FaceTime"

The person you are calling might not have an Apple device, or FaceTime might be turned off on their device.
Ask them to check their FaceTime settings, or try sending them a FaceTime Link instead.

Tips for the Best Video Calls

A few simple adjustments can make a big difference in how you look and sound on FaceTime:

Get Good Lighting

Sit facing a window or a lamp so the light shines on your face, not behind you. If the light is behind you, the other person will only see a dark shadow instead of your face.

Position Your Camera at Eye Level

Hold your phone or iPad at eye level rather than looking down at it in your lap. This gives a much more natural, flattering angle. If you are using an iPad, prop it up on a table so the camera is roughly at the same height as your eyes.

Use WiFi Whenever Possible

FaceTime works over mobile data, but a WiFi connection gives you much better video quality and will not use up your phone's data allowance. If you are at home, always use WiFi for video calls.

Find a Quiet Spot

Background noise can make it hard for the other person to hear you. Try to make your call from a quiet room with the television turned off. If you have hearing difficulties, consider using earphones or headphones — they can make the other person's voice much clearer.

Prop Up Your Device

Holding your phone or iPad for a long call can tire your hand and make the picture shake. Use a phone stand, a tablet case with a built-in stand, or simply lean your device against a stack of books at a comfortable angle.

Speak Naturally

You do not need to shout during a FaceTime call. The microphone is quite sensitive and will pick up your normal speaking voice perfectly well. Just talk as if the person were sitting across from you.

FaceTime vs Other Video Calling Apps

You might be wondering how FaceTime compares to other video calling options. Here is a quick comparison:

FaceTime — Best for Apple users. Simple, high quality, built into your device. No account setup needed.
WhatsApp — Works on both iPhone and Android. Great if your family uses a mix of devices. See our WhatsApp video calling guide for details.
Zoom — Best for larger group calls or meetings. Works on all devices but requires downloading an app and sometimes joining with a meeting code.

If most of your family and friends use iPhones or iPads, FaceTime is the simplest and most reliable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FaceTime free to use?

Yes, FaceTime is completely free. It uses your internet connection (WiFi or mobile data) instead of phone minutes. There is no subscription or hidden cost. The only thing to be aware of is that if you are not connected to WiFi, the call will use your mobile data allowance — so it is best to use WiFi whenever you can.

Can I use FaceTime to call someone with an Android phone?

Not directly in the traditional way, but you can create a FaceTime Link and send it to them by text message or email. When they tap the link, it opens FaceTime in their web browser. They do not need to download anything. This works for Android phones and Windows computers.

Do I need an internet connection for FaceTime?

Yes, FaceTime requires an internet connection. It works over WiFi or mobile data. For the best video quality and to avoid using your data plan, we recommend using WiFi. If you are not sure whether you are connected to WiFi, check for the WiFi symbol (a small fan shape) in the top corner of your screen. Our guide to WiFi explains everything in simple terms.

You are now ready to start making FaceTime calls. Do not worry if it feels unfamiliar at first — it only takes one or two calls to get comfortable with it. Before you know it, you will be chatting face-to-face with your grandchildren, catching up with old friends, and joining family group calls like a pro.

If you found this guide helpful, you might also enjoy our guide on how to set up a new iPhone or how to video call on WhatsApp.