FaceTime Made Simple: How to Make a Video Call on Your iPhone
There’s nothing quite like seeing a grandchild’s grin or a friend’s face, even from far away. FaceTime, the video calling app built into every iPhone, makes that easy, and calls over Wi-Fi don’t cost anything extra.
The steps below follow Apple’s current iPhone User Guide for iOS 27. If your iPhone runs an older version, the steps are very similar, though a few labels may differ.
Before You Start
- You need an internet connection. Wi-Fi is best. FaceTime can also use cellular data, but Apple notes that data charges may apply.
- If you’d rather FaceTime never use cellular data, go to Settings, tap Cellular and turn off FaceTime under Cellular Data.
Step 1: Turn On FaceTime
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Apps, then tap FaceTime.
- Make sure FaceTime is turned on.
- If asked, sign in with your Apple Account.
Under “You can be reached by FaceTime at,” you’ll see your phone number and email. Leave checked the ones you want people to use to call you.
Step 2: Make a FaceTime Call
- Open the FaceTime app.
- Tap New Call.
- Type the person’s name, phone number or email. If they’re in your contacts, tap their name when it appears.
- Tap FaceTime for a video call, or tap the phone icon for an audio-only call.
A quicker way: if you use Siri, you can ask it to call someone by name.
You can also start a FaceTime call from a text conversation in Messages. Tap the FaceTime button at the top right of the conversation, then choose FaceTime Video or FaceTime Audio.
Step 3: Answer a Call
When a FaceTime call comes in, tap Accept. If you’re already on another FaceTime call, you’ll be offered choices such as End & Accept, Hold & Accept or Decline.
During the Call
- See more: Turn your iPhone sideways to get a wider picture.
- Switch cameras: Tap your own small picture (your “tile”) to switch between the front and back cameras, handy for showing off the garden or a new puppy.
- Can’t see the buttons? Tap the screen and they’ll appear.
- Add more people: Tap the More button, then Add People.
- End the call: Tap the red button to hang up.
If No One Answers
If someone doesn’t pick up your video call, you can leave a video message:
- Tap Record Video.
- Wait for the 5-second countdown, then speak.
- Tap the stop button when you’re done.
- Tap the send button, or tap Retake to try again.
If you’re making an audio FaceTime call and the other person has Live Voicemail turned on, you’ll be prompted to leave a voicemail instead.
Calling Someone Without an iPhone
Family members with Android phones or Windows computers can still join. You send them a link, and they open it in their web browser. Apple says no sign-in is needed, as long as they use an up-to-date browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
- Open the FaceTime app.
- Tap New Call, then tap the link button.
- Choose how to send the link, such as Messages or Mail.
- When they open the link, they’ll join from their browser.
You can even put a FaceTime link in a Calendar event, which is a nice way to set up a regular family call.
Tips for a Better Call
- Sit facing a window or lamp so the light is on your face, not behind you.
- Prop your phone up at eye level so you don’t have to hold it the whole time.
- For easier listening, use headphones or turn the volume up with the buttons on the side of your iPhone.
- Apple also offers Live Captions in FaceTime on supported iPhones, which show spoken words as text on screen. It can help in a noisy room or if hearing is a challenge.
A Quick Safety Note
Only accept FaceTime calls from people you know. If a stranger video calls you, or someone on a call claims to be from your bank, Apple or a government agency and asks for money, codes or personal information, hang up. And if a call or message says a family member is in trouble and needs money right away, hang up and check with that person or another relative using a number you already have.
More on Seniors Tips
- The Family Emergency Scam: How to Spot It and What to Do
- How to Set Up Medical ID and Emergency SOS on Your iPhone
