Free Ways to Make Video Calls — All Your Options

Compare every major free video calling option — FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp, and more — and find the right one for your situation.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Choose the right app for your situation
2.Download or find your chosen app
3.Set up the app if needed
4.Make your first video call
5.Troubleshoot common issues

Choose the right app for your situation

~16s

If calling family members with iPhones: FaceTime. If setting up a group call with people on different devices: Zoom. If calling someone who uses Gmail: Google Meet. If calling someone internationally or who uses Android: WhatsApp. If the person is already on Facebook: Facebook Messenger.

Download or find your chosen app

~15s

FaceTime is already on every iPhone. For Zoom, go to zoom.us or search "Zoom" in your app store. Google Meet is at meet.google.com or in the Play Store/App Store. WhatsApp is at whatsapp.com or your app store.

Set up the app if needed

~15s

Zoom requires a free account — go to zoom.us and click "Sign Up, It's Free." Google Meet works with your existing Google account. WhatsApp requires a phone number to register.

Make your first video call

~15s

In Zoom, click "New Meeting" to start a call and share your meeting link. In Google Meet, click "New meeting" and share the link. In WhatsApp, open a chat with a contact and tap the video camera icon.

Troubleshoot common issues

~17s

If the other person cannot hear or see you, check that the app has permission to use your microphone and camera. On iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone (or Camera) and make sure the app is turned on. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > [app name] > Permissions.

You Did It!

You've completed: Free Ways to Make Video Calls — All Your Options

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Video calling is one of the best ways to stay connected with family and friends who live far away. The good news is that several high-quality video calling options are completely free. Each one works a little differently and is best suited to different situations, so knowing the differences helps you pick the right tool.

FaceTime (Apple only) is the easiest option if everyone in the call uses an iPhone or iPad. Zoom is popular for larger group calls and works on any device. Google Meet is great if both people have Gmail. WhatsApp works worldwide and is widely used outside the United States. Facebook Messenger also has video calling built in and is familiar to many people already on Facebook.

All of these services are free for personal use and work over Wi-Fi, which means you can video chat without using your phone plan's minutes or data when you are at home.

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