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FaceTime for grandparents: how to call, and fixes
FaceTime is the free video calling app on iPhone and iPad. It's the easiest way to see the grandkids if everyone has an Apple device. Here's how to call, plus fixes for the problems people hit most.
Checked against official help pages on October 22, 2026.
Quick answers
How do I show the grandkids what I'm looking at?
During the call, tap your own little picture (your tile), then tap the camera-switch button. Tap it again to switch back.
Why does my screen go dark during a call?
If the top of the phone is near your face or covered, the iPhone's sensor turns the screen off on purpose. Hold it a little away, and check a case isn't covering the top.
Can I FaceTime someone with an Android phone?
Yes, with a link. In FaceTime, tap New Call, then the link button, and send it by Messages or Mail. They open it in the latest Chrome or Microsoft Edge, type their name and tap Join. You start the call and let them in.
Make a FaceTime call
- Open the FaceTime app.
- Tap New Call.
- Start typing the person's name, then tap it when it appears.
- Tap the FaceTime button for video (or Audio for a voice call).
- To hang up, tap the red End button.
Using Assistive Access? Apple combines Phone and FaceTime into one Calls app there. A helper can add a grandchild as a favorite and choose Video so one tap starts a FaceTime call.
Switch to the back camera
- During the call, tap your tile (the small picture of you).
- Tap the camera-switch button.
- Tap it again to go back to the front camera.
Apple says that while the back camera is on, you can tap 1x to zoom, or pinch with two fingers.
Fixes
Screen keeps turning off. Hold the phone a bit further away. The sensor at the top darkens the screen when something's near it. Take off any case or sticker covering the top.
They can't see me. Tap the screen to show the controls and check the camera button isn't turned off.
I can't hear them. Turn up the volume buttons on the side of the phone during the call.
Where this comes from
We checked these official pages on October 22, 2026:
Menus can change after updates. If a step doesn't match your screen, tell us and we'll fix it.