Video calling is one of the most useful pieces of technology for staying close to family who live far away — and it’s far simpler to get comfortable with than it looks. Here’s a straightforward, step-by-step way to get set up.
Step 1: Pick one app and stick with it
WhatsApp video calling, FaceTime (on Apple devices), and Zoom are the three most common options — there’s no need to learn all of them. Ask your family which one they already use, and standardise on that.
Step 2: Practice with someone patient before it matters
The best time to learn is a low-stakes trial run with a patient family member, not the first time you actually need it. A ten-minute practice call to sort out volume, camera angle, and lighting saves frustration later.
Step 3: Write down the steps, not just the app name
A short handwritten note by the computer or tablet — “open WhatsApp, tap the video icon, tap [name]” — is often more useful than remembering a general explanation, especially in the first few weeks.
Step 4: Get comfortable with the basics before adding extras
Once the core call itself feels routine, it’s worth learning one or two extra features at a time — muting yourself, turning your camera on and off, or sharing photos during a call. Trying to learn everything at once tends to be overwhelming; spacing it out makes it stick.
Step 5: Know where to get help if you get stuck
If you want structured, patient teaching rather than figuring it out alone, Hi Digital, run by Active Retirement Ireland, offers free digital skills training specifically aimed at older people, including exactly this kind of video-calling support. It’s a genuinely good option if a family member isn’t available to walk you through it.
Video calling isn’t about mastering technology — it’s about a five-step routine you only need to learn once.
