How to Video Call Your Grandchildren (Complete Guide for Grandparents)

There is nothing quite like seeing your grandchildren smile. When they live far away — or even just across town on a busy week — video calling is the next best thing to being in the same room. You get to see their faces, hear their laughter, and stay part of their daily lives.

The good news is that video calling is easier than you might think. You do not need to be a tech expert. If you can make a regular phone call, you can make a video call. This guide will walk you through everything, from choosing the right app to making your calls fun and memorable for the little ones.

Choosing the Best Video Calling App

There are several free video calling apps available. The best one for you depends on what devices you and your family use. Here is a quick comparison of the four most popular options.

Quick Comparison Table

FaceTime — Best for Apple Users

If you and your grandchildren's parents all use iPhones or iPads, FaceTime is the simplest choice. It is already installed on your device, so there is nothing to download. The picture quality is excellent, and it is completely free.

FaceTime also has a fun feature where you can join the call together and watch a show or listen to music using SharePlay. Kids love this.

For a full walkthrough, see our complete guide to using FaceTime.

WhatsApp — Best for Mixed Devices

If some family members use iPhones and others use Android phones, WhatsApp is a fantastic choice. It works on every type of smartphone and is free to use. Most families around the world already have WhatsApp installed, so there is a good chance your grandchildren's parents already use it.

WhatsApp video calls are simple to start — you just open a contact and tap the video camera icon. You can read our step-by-step WhatsApp video calling guide for detailed instructions.

Zoom — Best for Longer Group Calls

If you want to have a bigger family gathering with multiple households joining at the same time, Zoom is a great option. It works on every device and can handle up to 100 people on a single call. The free version has a 40-minute time limit per call, but you can simply start a new call when time runs out.

Zoom is also excellent for activities like reading together or playing games because it has a screen-sharing feature. If you are new to Zoom, our beginner's guide to Zoom will get you started.

Google Meet — Best for Gmail Users

If you already use Gmail for your email, Google Meet is built right in. You can start a video call directly from your email or from the Google Meet app on your phone. It is free for calls up to 60 minutes, and the quality is very reliable.

Setting Up Your First Video Call

No matter which app you choose, the basic steps are similar. Here is how to get started.

Step 1: Make Sure You Have a Good Internet Connection

Video calls need a stable internet connection. WiFi is best because it provides a strong, steady signal without using your mobile data. If you are not sure how WiFi works or how to connect, our simple guide to WiFi explains everything clearly.

Quick check: If you can load a website or watch a short video on your phone or tablet without it freezing, your internet is fast enough for a video call.

Step 2: Download the App (If Needed)

• FaceTime: Already on your iPhone or iPad. No download needed.
• WhatsApp: Download from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). It is free.
• Zoom: Download "Zoom Workplace" from the App Store or Google Play Store. It is free.
• Google Meet: Download from the App Store or Google Play Store, or use it in your web browser on a computer.

Step 3: Create an Account

• FaceTime: Uses your Apple ID. If you are signed into your iPhone, you are already set up.
• WhatsApp: Uses your phone number. You will verify it with a text message code.
• Zoom: You can create a free account using your email address, or join calls without an account if someone sends you a link.
• Google Meet: Uses your Google (Gmail) account.

Step 4: Make Your First Call

Ask your grandchildren's parent to help set things up on their end first. Then try a quick test call together before planning a longer one. This takes the pressure off and lets you both figure out any hiccups without a toddler getting impatient.

For FaceTime: Open the FaceTime app, tap the "New FaceTime" button, type in the person's name or phone number, and tap the video button.

For WhatsApp: Open WhatsApp, go to your Chats, tap on the contact you want to call, then tap the video camera icon at the top of the screen.

For Zoom: Open the Zoom app, tap "New Meeting," then tap "Start a Meeting." Share the meeting link with your grandchild's parent by text message.

For Google Meet: Open the Google Meet app, tap "New meeting," choose "Send an invite," and share the link with your family.

Tips for Great Video Calls with Grandchildren

Making a video call work is one thing. Making it wonderful is another. Here are some tips that grandparents find really helpful.

Get Your Lighting Right

Sit facing a window or a lamp so the light shines on your face. If the light is behind you, your grandchildren will only see a dark shadow. Natural daylight from a window in front of you is best.

Look at the Camera, Not the Screen

This is a small trick that makes a big difference. When you look at the little camera dot (usually at the top of your phone or tablet), it looks like you are making eye contact with your grandchildren. It feels much more personal and connected than looking at their picture on the screen.

You do not have to stare at the camera the whole time — just glance at it now and then, especially when you are talking.

Hold Your Device Steady

Prop your phone or tablet up against something sturdy, like a stack of books, a mug, or a tablet stand. This keeps the picture steady and frees up your hands for activities. Nobody enjoys watching a shaky, bouncing screen.

If you use a tablet, a simple tablet stand or case with a built-in stand works beautifully.

Speak Clearly and Slowly

There can be a slight delay on video calls, especially if the internet connection is not perfect. Speaking at a relaxed pace, a little louder than normal conversation, helps the audio come through clearly. Pause after asking a question to give the little ones time to respond.

Keep Calls the Right Length

Younger grandchildren (under 4 or 5) have short attention spans. A 10 to 15-minute call with an activity is often better than a 30-minute call where they wander away. Older grandchildren can handle longer calls, especially if you are doing something together.

It is perfectly fine to keep calls short. A quick five-minute "goodnight" call every few days can be more meaningful than a long weekly call.

Fun Activities to Do Together on Video Calls

This is where the magic happens. Having something to do together keeps grandchildren engaged and gives you shared experiences to talk about. Here are some favourites.

Read a Story Together

Hold up a picture book so your grandchild can see the pages. Use funny voices for different characters. You can even ask them to guess what happens next. For older grandchildren, you could each read a chapter of the same book between calls and discuss it together.

Tip: If the book is hard to see on camera, ask the parents to get the same book so you can read along together.

Show and Tell

Ask your grandchild to show you their favourite toy, a drawing they made, or something they found outside. Then you can show them something too — your garden, a family photo, a pet, or something you cooked. Children love this because it feels like a real visit.

Draw or Colour Together

Both of you get paper and crayons or pencils. Choose something to draw together — a cat, a house, a rainbow. Then hold up your pictures to compare. The laughter when grandma's cat looks like a potato is priceless.

Play Simple Games

• I Spy: Take turns saying "I spy something blue" and guessing what it is in each other's rooms.
• Simon Says: This works wonderfully on video calls and gets little ones moving.
• 20 Questions: Great for older grandchildren. Think of an animal, food, or object and let them ask yes-or-no questions.
• Would You Rather: Ask silly questions like "Would you rather have a pet dinosaur or a pet dragon?"

Cook or Bake Together

Choose a simple recipe and make it at the same time. Cookies, pancakes, or a simple salad work well. Set up your phone or tablet in the kitchen where they can see you, and follow the recipe together step by step.

Show Your Garden or Neighbourhood

Take your phone outside (make sure your WiFi reaches, or use mobile data) and give your grandchild a tour of your garden, balcony, or the view from your window. Children are fascinated by the details of your world.

Scheduling Regular Calls

Consistency is key, especially with young grandchildren. Here are some tips for making video calls a regular habit.

Pick a Regular Time

Choose a day and time that works for both households and stick to it. Something like "Sunday at 4 o'clock" or "Wednesday after dinner" gives everyone something to look forward to. For young children, routine and predictability help them know what to expect.

Use Your Phone's Calendar

Set a recurring reminder on your phone so you never forget. Ask the parents to do the same on their end. Most phones let you set a weekly reminder that repeats automatically.

Be Flexible with Little Ones

Toddlers and babies do not understand schedules. If your grandchild is having a meltdown or nap time runs late, be understanding. The parents are doing their best. A rescheduled call is better than a forced one where everyone is stressed.

Send a Quick Text Before Calling

A simple message like "Ready for our video call whenever you are!" gives the parents a moment to get the children settled and in front of the screen. Surprise calls can catch families at awkward moments.

Involving Very Young Children (Babies and Toddlers)

Video calling with babies and toddlers is different from calling with older children, and that is perfectly fine.

For Babies (Under 1 Year)

Babies may not understand who you are on the screen, but they respond to your voice and smile. Sing familiar songs, make funny faces, and talk in a warm, animated voice. Keep it short — two to five minutes is plenty. The parents might hold the baby up to the screen so you can see each other.

For Toddlers (1 to 3 Years)

Toddlers are curious but easily distracted. Use props — hold up a stuffed animal, wear a silly hat, or show them something colourful. Ask simple questions like "Can you show me your teddy?" or "Where is your nose?" They love pointing at things.

Do not be discouraged if a toddler wanders off after three minutes. That is completely normal. The important thing is that they are hearing your voice regularly and starting to recognise you on the screen.

For Preschoolers (3 to 5 Years)

This is the age where video calls start to get really fun. They can hold simple conversations, show you things, and participate in activities. Start each call with something exciting: "I have something to show you!" or "Can you guess what I made today?"

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with the best setup, you might run into a few hiccups. Here are solutions to the most common issues.

"They Cannot See Me" or "The Screen Is Black"

Your camera might be turned off. During a call, look for a camera icon on the screen and make sure it is not crossed out. Tap it to turn the camera on. Also check that nothing is covering the camera lens on your device.

"They Cannot Hear Me"

Check that your microphone is not muted. Look for a microphone icon on the call screen — if it has a line through it, tap it to unmute. Also make sure your phone or tablet volume is turned up.

"The Picture Is Freezing or Blurry"

This usually means your internet connection is weak. Try moving closer to your WiFi router, or close other apps that might be using the internet (like a show streaming on your TV). If the problem continues, try turning your WiFi off and back on.

"The Call Dropped"

Calls sometimes disconnect, especially if the internet signal dips. Simply call back. It happens to everyone and is nothing to worry about. If calls drop frequently, your internet speed may be too slow for video — try sitting closer to your WiFi router.

"There Is an Echo"

If you hear your own voice repeating back, it usually means the volume is too loud on one end. Turn your volume down slightly, or use earphones or headphones. This almost always fixes the echo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for video calling apps?

No. FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Meet, and Zoom all offer free video calling. The only cost is your internet connection, which you likely already have at home. Video calls use your WiFi, not your phone minutes, so there are no extra charges on your phone bill. Zoom and Google Meet have time limits on free calls (40 minutes and 60 minutes respectively), but you can simply start a new call when time runs out.

What if my grandchildren have Android phones and I have an iPhone?

WhatsApp is the best choice for families with a mix of iPhones and Android phones. It works perfectly on both and is completely free. Zoom and Google Meet also work across all devices. FaceTime is mainly for Apple devices, though Android users can join a FaceTime call if you send them a special link. For most families with mixed devices, WhatsApp is the simplest and most reliable option.

Can I video call on a tablet instead of a phone?

Absolutely, and many grandparents prefer it. Tablets have bigger screens, which makes it much easier to see your grandchildren's faces. iPads work with FaceTime and all other video calling apps. Android tablets work with WhatsApp, Zoom, and Google Meet. If you are thinking about getting a tablet, the larger screen really does make video calls more enjoyable.

You Are Ready to Start Calling

Video calling your grandchildren is one of the most rewarding things technology can do for your family. It does not matter if you are five miles apart or five thousand — a video call brings you together in a way that a regular phone call simply cannot.

Start with one app, make one test call with the parents, and go from there. Do not worry about getting everything perfect. Your grandchildren do not care about your lighting or your camera angle. They just want to see your face and hear your voice.

Pick up your phone or tablet today and schedule that first call. Your grandchildren are waiting to see you smile.