Mayfield Learning
Seeing your people

Make a video call to see your family

Seeing a loved one's face feels so good. A video call lets you talk and see them. It works even when they are far away. It is free, and you can do this. Buddy will walk with you the whole way.

~5 min Always free
Buddy, your friendly guide

A video call lets you see and hear your family. Let's start one together, nice and slow. Pick the steps for the device you have.

Find your device below, then follow those steps. The buttons may look a little different on yours, that is okay.

On an iPhone (using FaceTime)
  1. Find the app called FaceTime.
  2. Look for a green icon with a white video camera.
  3. Tap it to open FaceTime.
  4. Look for a button that says New Call.
  5. Tap it. On an older iPhone it may be a plus sign.
  6. Type the name or phone number of your person.
  7. Tap their name when it shows up in the list.
  8. Tap the green button that says FaceTime.
  9. This starts the video call.
  10. If it asks to use your camera, tap Allow.
  11. This is normal and safe.
  12. Wait a moment for them to answer.
  13. Then smile and say hello.
On an Android phone or other phone (using WhatsApp)
  1. Find the app called WhatsApp.
  2. Look for a green speech bubble with a phone inside.
  3. Tap it to open WhatsApp.
  4. Tap the name of your person to open your chat.
  5. Look at the top right for a small video camera.
  6. Tap that video camera icon.
  7. If it asks to use your camera, tap Allow.
  8. This is normal and safe.
  9. Wait a moment for them to answer.
  10. Then wave and say hello.
On a computer (using Google Meet)
  1. If this feels like a lot, a phone is easier.
  2. You can use FaceTime or WhatsApp instead. That is always fine.
  3. To use the computer, open your internet browser.
  4. This is the app you use to visit websites.
  5. Type meet.google.com in the bar at the top.
  6. Press Enter.
  7. It may ask you to sign in with a Google account.
  8. A free Google account is fine. You do not have to pay.
  9. If you do not want one, use your phone instead.
  10. Look for a button that says New meeting.
  11. Click it, then click Start an instant meeting.
  12. If it asks to use your camera, click Allow.
  13. This is normal and safe.
  14. A web link will show up on the screen.
  15. Copy that link.
  16. Send it to your family by email or text.
  17. Your family clicks the link you sent.
  18. Then click the button that says Join now.
  19. Now you will see each other.
Buddy, your friendly guide
Buddy’s tip

If the app asks to use your camera, tap Allow. That is just so your family can see and hear you. It is safe.

Tap the green FaceTime button, the video camera, or Join now. That starts the call.

You did itBack to Digital Basics

Take it at your own pace. You can re-read this any time, and nothing here can break. Want a hand from AI later? Meet it gently.