FaceTime is brilliant if everyone in the family owns an iPhone or an iPad. But plenty of people do not. Maybe your gran uses an Android tablet. Maybe your uncle has a Windows laptop and nothing else. Maybe your mum got a Samsung phone for Christmas and has no idea what apps are on it.
The good news is there are several completely free video calling apps that work across every device, and some of them are genuinely simple enough for people who struggle with technology. This guide covers the ones we actually recommend to families in Ayrshire, based on what we have seen work in real homes with real people.
WhatsApp is the one we suggest first in most cases, and for a simple reason: the person you want to call probably already has it. It is the most widely used messaging app in the UK and it works on Android phones, iPhones, iPads and laptops. Video calls are free, the quality is good, and the interface is about as simple as it gets. You tap a contact, you tap the video camera icon, and it rings.
Group calls work too, with up to 32 people on a single video call. That is more than enough for a family catch-up. The main limitation is that it needs a phone number to set up, so it is tied to a mobile rather than a desktop computer. There is a desktop app, but the phone has to stay connected for it to work properly.
Best for
Families where at least one person already uses WhatsApp. Because so many people have it installed, there is often nothing new to download. If your mum already messages you on WhatsApp, she can video call you with one tap.
Facebook Messenger
A lot of older people are on Facebook even if they do not use it much. And if they have Facebook, they already have access to Messenger. Video calls through Messenger are free and work on phones, tablets and computers. The call quality is reliable, group calls are supported, and because it is linked to Facebook, it uses names and photos people already recognise. That matters more than you might think when someone is nervous about technology.
The downside is that Messenger can feel cluttered. There are stories, games, AI features and chat bots layered into the app that have nothing to do with making a call. For a confident user that is just background noise. For someone who finds technology overwhelming, it can be distracting. If your relative already uses Facebook comfortably though, Messenger is the path of least resistance.
Best for
Older relatives who are already active on Facebook. They do not need to learn a new app or create a new account. Just show them where the video button is inside Messenger and they are set.
Google Meet
Google Meet has one huge advantage: the person joining the call does not need to install anything. You create a meeting link and send it to them. They click the link and it opens in their web browser. That is it. No app to download, no account to create, no sign-in screen to navigate. For someone who panics at the idea of installing something new, this is a genuine lifesaver.
The free version allows calls of up to 60 minutes with up to 100 people, which is far more than any family needs. The interface is clean and minimal. You see the video, a mute button, a hang-up button and not much else. If your relative has a Gmail address they are already signed in. If they do not, they can still join as a guest through the link.
Best for
People who use a laptop or computer rather than a phone. Because it works entirely in the browser, there is nothing to install. Send the link by email, they click it, and they are on the call. It is also the best option if someone flat-out refuses to install apps.
Skype
Skype has been around since 2003 and some older people already have it from years ago. If your relative used Skype at any point in the past, there is a good chance their account still works. The video quality is solid, it runs on every platform, and free calls between Skype users have no time limit.
It has lost popularity over the years but it still works perfectly well for family calls. Microsoft has kept it updated and it now supports group video calls with up to 100 people on the free tier. The interface is a little busier than Google Meet, but anyone who used it before will find it familiar. It also works in a web browser, so like Google Meet, it can be used without installing anything.
Best for
Anyone who already has a Skype account from years ago. Rather than learning something new, they can dust off what they already know. Also works well on older computers that might struggle with heavier apps.
A quick word about FaceTime
FaceTime deserves a mention because it is genuinely the easiest video calling experience available. It is built into every iPhone and iPad, the quality is excellent, and starting a call is as natural as making a phone call. If everyone in the family uses Apple devices, there is nothing better.
The catch is that it only works natively on Apple devices. Apple did add the ability to invite non-Apple users via a web link, which is a step forward, but the experience is not as smooth for the person joining from an Android phone or a Windows laptop. If your family is a mix of Apple and non-Apple, one of the options above will serve you better.
So which one should you pick?
Honestly, the best app is the one your relative will actually use. That usually means the one that requires the fewest new steps. Here is a quick way to decide.
- If they already use WhatsApp for messages, start there. They already know the app.
- If they are on Facebook but nothing else, use Messenger. No new account needed.
- If they use a laptop and hate installing things, send them a Google Meet link.
- If they used Skype years ago and still remember it, revive their old account.
- If everyone has an iPhone, just use FaceTime. It cannot be beaten for simplicity.
Tips for helping someone make their first video call
The technology is the easy part. The harder part is helping someone feel comfortable with it. A lot of older people worry about how they look on screen, whether they are doing it right, or whether they will accidentally press something and break it. Here are a few things that help.
- Do a practice call first. Let them get used to seeing themselves on screen and finding the buttons without the pressure of a real conversation.
- Set the app up for them in advance. Install it, sign them in, and make a test call before you leave.
- Stick a simple note next to the device with the steps: open the app, tap the name, tap the video icon.
- Make sure the camera and microphone are working. On laptops, permissions sometimes block the camera the first time.
- Call them at a set time each week. Routine makes it feel normal instead of like a technical challenge.
Video calls are one of the simplest ways to stay close to someone who lives alone or far away. A ten-minute call every Sunday can make a bigger difference than people realise, especially for older relatives who might not see many faces during the week.
If you are in Ayrshire and need help setting any of this up for a parent, grandparent or neighbour, that is exactly the kind of thing we do. We can walk them through the setup remotely or arrange a home visit to get it sorted in person. It is free, patient and there is no catch. Get in touch and let us know what you need.
Written by
Ayrshire Tech Help
Ayrshire Tech Help provides free, hands-on computer, Wi-Fi and device support across Ayrshire. Every article is based on real problems seen during home visits and remote support sessions with local residents. The advice comes from direct experience helping older people, low-income households and anyone struggling with everyday technology.