Setting up video calls for grandparents: a simple guide

By the Nesttr team · 20 September 2026 · 3 min read

Few things brighten a grandparent's day like seeing their grandchildren's faces. Yet many older people miss out because the technology feels fiddly: buttons disappear, the camera points at the ceiling, or the call drops and they cannot get back in. With the right setup and a little practice, almost anyone can manage video calls confidently.

Pick the right device

A smartphone works, but for many older people a tablet is easier: a bigger screen, bigger buttons and less squinting. If your parent already has a phone they like, use that rather than introducing a new device. Whatever you choose, it helps to have:

• a stable stand or holder, so the device does not need to be held for a long call;
• a charger kept in a fixed spot near their favourite chair;
• a reliable Wi-Fi connection, or enough mobile data.

Simplify the screen

Before teaching anything, tidy the device:

• Increase font size and display size in the accessibility settings.
• Turn the volume up and set a loud, distinctive ringtone.
• Remove apps they will never use from the home screen.
• Put the one calling app they will use in the bottom row, where it is easy to find.
• Add favourite contacts with clear names and photos ("Ravi beta", "Ananya") as home-screen shortcuts where the phone allows.

Choose one app

Most families already use one messaging app with video calling. Stick to it. Using two different apps for different relatives confuses most new users. Make sure every family member knows which app grandparents use, so calls always arrive in the same place.

Teach in three short sessions

Don't try to teach everything at once. Spread it out:

Session 1 — answering. Call them repeatedly and let them practise answering. Show the green button and how to switch between front and back camera. Make sure they know how to end the call.

Session 2 — calling out. Show them how to tap a favourite contact and start a video call. Let them call three different family members.

Session 3 — fixing problems. Show what to do if the screen freezes (end and call again), if they cannot hear (volume buttons on the side), or if the camera is upside down (hold the phone the other way up).

Write the steps down on a simple card in their language, with big text and arrows. Many older people prefer a printed note to an on-screen tutorial.

Make calls a routine

A regular slot — Sunday morning with the grandchildren, or a quick call after dinner — gives grandparents something to look forward to and builds confidence through repetition. Keep early calls short and cheerful, and don't comment on mistakes; just help them fix it.

Common problems and quick fixes

• "I can't hear anything." Check the volume, and check that the phone is not connected to an old Bluetooth speaker.
• "They can't see me." The camera may be covered by a thumb or phone case, or camera permission may have been turned off in settings.
• "The video keeps freezing." Move closer to the Wi-Fi router or switch to mobile data.
• "The app has changed!" App updates can move buttons around. A quick visit or video walkthrough after a major update avoids frustration.

Remember accessibility

If your parent has hearing loss, turn on live captions where available, and encourage callers to face the camera and speak clearly rather than loudly. For poor eyesight, a larger tablet and higher brightness help. For shaky hands, a stand is essential.

When you can't teach in person

Teaching technology over the phone is hard for both sides. If you live far away, a patient helper can sit with your parents and go through setup and practice calls at their pace. Nesttr's Tech Help for Seniors service is designed for exactly this — booked by the hour, with verified helpers. Our guide to helping parents use UPI safely covers the next step many families take.

Video calls will never replace being there, but they make distance feel smaller. A few hours of setup can mean years of Sunday-morning smiles.

Common questions

Is a tablet better than a phone for grandparents?

Often, yes. A tablet's larger screen and buttons are easier for many older users, especially with poor eyesight or shaky hands. If they already like their phone, keep it and simplify it instead.

Which video calling app is best?

The best app is the one the whole family already uses. Using a single app means grandparents always know where calls will arrive.

What if they keep forgetting the steps?

Write the steps on a printed card in large text, practise little and often, and keep calls at a regular time so the routine reinforces the steps.

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