📋 Verified Walkthrough
iPhone & iPad • Video Calls

How do I make a FaceTime video call to family on iPhone or iPad?

Direct Answer

Open the green FaceTime app, tap the green "New FaceTime" button, type your family member's name, and tap the green video camera button to start the call.

Why You Might Want to Do This

  • To see your kids, grandkids, or friends face-to-face on video from anywhere in the world for free.
  • To show them something in your home, garden, or a new outfit using the camera.

Before You Start

  • Make sure your iPhone or iPad is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
  • The person you are calling must have an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac).

FaceTime calls are completely free over Wi-Fi and do not use regular phone minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Open the FaceTime app

    Find the green icon with a white movie/video camera labeled "FaceTime" and tap it.

    👀 Green icon with white video camera symbol.

  2. 2

    Tap "New FaceTime"

    Near the top of your screen, tap the green rectangular button that says "New FaceTime."

    👀 Green pill button labeled "New FaceTime."

    3. ✅ Success Checkpoint: You're Doing Great

    If your screen matches the description above, you have followed the steps correctly. Continue to the next step.

  3. 3

    Type the person's name or tap the plus (+)

    In the search line that says "To:," start typing your family member's name. Tap their name when it appears in the dropdown list.

    👀 Search line labeled "To:."

  4. 4

    Tap the green "FaceTime" camera button

    Tap the green button with the video camera icon at the bottom of the screen. Your phone will ring them, and you will see your own preview in the corner until they answer.

    👀 Green button with video camera icon.

  5. 5

    During the call: Flip camera or mute

    To show them what is in front of you (like your pet or garden), tap the screen once, then tap the icon with two curved arrows in a circle to flip to the rear camera. To end the call, tap the red round button with the telephone receiver.

    👀 Curved arrows to flip camera; Red round button to hang up.

If You Don't See It / Troubleshooting

If the person you want to video call has an Android phone (Samsung or Google)

You can send them a "FaceTime Link" by tapping "Create Link" at the top of FaceTime, or you can video call them using WhatsApp instead.

Good to Know

  • You can also start a FaceTime call directly from your Messages conversation by tapping the small video camera icon in the top-right corner of their text chat.
  • Holding the phone at eye level makes you much easier and clearer to see.