WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020
HOW TO VIDEO CHAT ON
YOUR PHONE
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020
How to Video Chat on Your Phone - ecoATM
One of the many benefits offered by smartphones is their capability for video calls. Video comes closer than anything else to mimicking in-person interactions, allowing people to both see and hear each other. For people unable to be with one another in person, whether distant family members or remote workers, video chat can be a great asset. But what if you don't know how to use it?
This uncertainty may be why more people don't take advantage of video chat. It can be hard to figure out which app you should use, and then how to use that app. If you're looking for a way around this problem, look no further. Here's a simple, step-by-step process for how to start and join video chat on your phone with four different platforms — FaceTime, Zoom, Google Duo and Google Meet.
FaceTime
FaceTime is the video call app run by Apple. Unlike the other apps on this list, FaceTime will only work on Apple devices such as iPhones. This limitation means that if you use FaceTime, you have to use an Apple device, and anyone you're calling has to have one as well. This method also requires you to have the FaceTime app available.
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1. Starting a Call
Contrary to what many people seem to think, you can use FaceTime to call more than one person at a time. Regardless of whether you're planning a group chat or merely contacting one person, here's how to go about starting a video call.
2. Joining a Call
When it comes to joining a call that someone else has already started, FaceTime makes the process easy.
Zoom
Zoom is another commonly used video chat app. Since most people tend to use it on their computers, you might be unsure of how to use Zoom on your phone, or if you even can. Thankfully, it works for both iPhone and Android and functions the same way on each. In general, Zoom is used for group calls but can certainly work for just two people. Using it requires you to have the Zoom app installed on your device.
1. Hosting a Call
Zoom calls require someone to be the host, who is usually required to start each call before anyone else can join. If you're the host, you can either schedule a call for a specific date and time or start one immediately.
Scheduling a Call For Later
When you schedule a call for a later date, you create a block of text detailing the call's date and time, which includes the link to the meeting. You provide this text to anyone you want to join the call. Then, at the scheduled time, you start the call.
Starting a Call Now
Sometimes, you might not have a call planned in advance, but will want to contact someone through Zoom. Here's how you start a call immediately.
2. Joining a Call
For Zoom calls where you're not the host, the host will often provide you with the link to the meeting, which you can click on to go straight there. For times when you're not provided with a link, however, or where you lose track of it, you can still access the meeting through the app.
Like apps such as Gmail, it connects to your Google account, so if your account is synced to your device, using Google Duo on your phone is especially easy.
Google Duo
Google Duo is Google's video chat app made specifically for mobile. Like apps such as Gmail, it connects to your Google account, so if your account is synced to your device, using Google Duo on your phone is especially easy. Like FaceTime and Zoom, it allows you to call one person or multiple people at once. To use it, you must have the Google Duo app installed on your phone.
1. Starting a Call
For starting a call on Duo, the process differs slightly depending on whether you're calling one person or multiple people.
Calling an Individual Person
To call just one person, follow these steps.
Calling a Group
To call multiple people at once, follow these steps.
2. Joining a Call
For joining a call that someone else has already started, the process is very simple.
Google Meet
Google Meet is another video call app created by Google. At first glance, it can be hard to see why Google would have two separate video chat apps, but they work in slightly different ways. Essentially, Duo is better for personal conversations, while Meet is better suited to work meetings. Which one to get depends on what you plan to use it for. To use Google Meet on your phone, you'll need two apps — Google Meet and Google Calendar.
1. Starting a Call
To start a call on Google Meet, you'll need to start in Google Calendar, then move over to Meet.
2. Joining a Call
Three main options are available for joining a call in Google Meet. You can join through one of the two apps used to set up the call, or simply follow the link sent out to you in a text or email.
Joining Through Google Calendar
To join through Google Calendar, follow these steps.
Joining Through Google Meet
To join through Google Meet, follow these steps.
Joining Through a Meeting Link
To join through a meeting link, simply go through the two steps below.
MAINTAIN AN
UP-TO-DATE DEVICE
Maintain an Up-To-Date Device
One of the biggest obstacles you might encounter when trying to start or join a video call lies outside of the apps and in the device itself. If your phone is damaged, corrupted or old, it might not be capable of running video call software as well as a newer, more up-to-date device. And of course, even if you have a perfectly good phone, it may still be unable to host apps such as FaceTime if it's not the right make and model.
If you think this might be the case for you, no worries! ecoATM has your back. Just stop by one of our many kiosks around the country to sell your old phone. We'll provide you with instant cash for your device, and then we'll see that it gets safely and environmentally recycled. Find the kiosk nearest you, and bring over that old phone to get some money you can put toward buying a new one for all your video call needs!
ecoATM is not affiliated with nor has it been authorized or sponsored by the manufacturers or service providers in this article.