- You want to see family on a video call
- Someone sent you a Zoom link
- People can't see or hear you on calls
- Ask the person you're calling which app they use.
- For your first go, arrange a test call with someone patient.
WhatsApp (phone)
-
Open their chat
Open WhatsApp and tap the person's name in your chats. (Their number needs to be saved in your contacts.)
-
Tap the video camera
Tap the video camera icon at the top right. Their phone rings.
Yourself in a small box and, once they answer, them on the big screen. -
During the call
Tap the screen to show the buttons: microphone (mute), camera (on/off), the flip icon (switch between front and back camera) and the red button to hang up.
Zoom (link sent to you)
-
Click the link
Click or tap the Zoom link you were sent (it looks like zoom.us/j/ followed by numbers).
-
Open or install Zoom
The first time, it asks you to install Zoom (on a computer it may be called Zoom Workplace). Follow the steps. On a computer you can also choose Join from your browser if you'd rather not install anything.
-
Join audio and video
Choose Join with Computer Audio (or Wi-Fi/Call using Internet Audio on a phone). If you can't see yourself, click Start Video at the bottom left.
-
Leave when you're done
Click the red Leave button.
FaceTime (iPhone and iPad)
-
Start a call
Open the FaceTime app → New FaceTime → type the person's name → tap the green FaceTime button.
Family with Android phones or Windows computers can still join if you send them a FaceTime link: in FaceTime tap Create Link.
Fix common problems
| Problem | Try this |
|---|---|
| They can't hear me | Look for a crossed-out microphone icon and tap it to unmute |
| They can't see me | Tap the camera icon to turn video on. On a laptop, check for a small sliding cover over the camera |
| I can't hear them | Turn the volume up. Check the phone isn't on silent. On a computer, check the right speakers are chosen (no sound guide) |
| Echo or whistling | One of you should use headphones, or turn the volume down |
| Picture freezing | Move closer to the WiFi router, or close other apps |
| Camera or microphone blocked on a computer | Settings → Privacy & security → Camera (and Microphone) → turn on access for apps |
- Someone you don't know asks you to join a video call or share your screen
- A call asks you to install software you weren't expecting
Still stuck? I'm happy to help.
If this didn't sort it, or you'd rather not do it yourself, get in touch. I cover Sheffield S20 and the surrounding areas.
Did this guide help? These guides are free for everyone. If it saved you a call-out, you can say thanks with a coffee.
Buy me a coffeeThese guides are general advice for home users, checked in September 2026. Menus can differ slightly between versions of Windows and between phone makers. If something looks different or you're unsure, stop and ask rather than guessing. Parmar Tech Solutions can't accept responsibility for problems caused by following these steps, so please back up anything important first.