Video calling is one of the best things a smartphone or tablet can do. Instead of just hearing a voice on the phone, you can actually see the person you're talking to — their smile, their living room, even the dog walking by in the background.

If you've never done it before, don't worry. I'll walk you through it step by step.

A quick note before you start: Apple and WhatsApp update their apps from time to time, which can move buttons around slightly. If a step below doesn't match exactly what you see on your screen, look for something similar nearby — the general idea will still be the same.

Before you start, make sure you have:

• A smartphone or tablet (iPhone, iPad, Android — any of these work)
• A Wi-Fi connection or mobile data
• The person you want to call must also have a smartphone or tablet

That's it. No special equipment needed.

If you and the person you're calling both have Apple devices (iPhone or iPad), FaceTime is the easiest option. It's already built in — no downloading required.

Finding the FaceTime app: Look for a green icon with a white video camera on your home screen. If you don't see it right away, swipe left across your home screens to look for it, or swipe down from the middle of your home screen and type "FaceTime" into the search bar that appears.

Here's how to make a FaceTime call:

1. Open the FaceTime app.
2. Tap the + button, usually in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Type in the name, phone number, or email address of the person you want to call.
4. Tap Video to start the call.

The other person's phone will ring, just like a regular phone call. When they answer, you'll be able to see each other.

WhatsApp works on iPhones and Android phones, so it's a great choice when you and your family have different types of devices.

• On an iPhone: Open the App Store (a blue icon with a white "A" shape, usually already on your home screen). Tap the search icon, type "WhatsApp," and tap Get.
• On an Android: Open the Play Store (a colourful triangle icon, usually already on your home screen). Tap the search bar, type "WhatsApp," and tap Install.

WhatsApp is free to download and free to use. Once it finishes downloading, it will appear as a green icon with a white speech bubble on your home screen — you may need to swipe left across a screen or two to find it if it doesn't land in the same place you started.

When you open WhatsApp for the first time, it will ask for your phone number. Type it in, and WhatsApp will send you a short code by text message to confirm it's really you. When that text arrives, go back to WhatsApp and type the code into the app — you don't need to reply to the text itself.

WhatsApp calls the people in your phone's address book "contacts." If the person you want to call is already saved in your phone with their name and number, WhatsApp will find them automatically.

1. Open WhatsApp and tap Calls at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap the phone icon with a + sign.
3. Find the person you want to call in your contacts list.
4. Tap the video camera icon next to their name.

They'll receive a call on their phone, and when they answer, you'll see each other.

• Good lighting makes a big difference. Sit facing a window or a lamp so your face is well lit. If the light is behind you, you'll look like a shadow.
• Hold the phone at eye level. Propping it up against a book or a mug works well. This is more comfortable than holding it up for the whole call.
• Use headphones if the sound is hard to hear. Even the basic earbuds that came with your phone can make voices much clearer.
• If the picture freezes, don't hang up right away. Sometimes the connection just needs a moment to catch up. Wait a few seconds and it usually sorts itself out.

"It says the person isn't available." They might not have the app installed, or their phone might be off. Try calling their regular phone number to let them know you're trying to reach them.

"I can hear them but they can't hear me." Check that your microphone isn't covered by your hand or a case. Also make sure you haven't accidentally muted yourself — look for a microphone icon on the screen during the call.

"The picture is blurry." This usually means your internet connection is slow. Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router, or ask someone in the house to pause any videos they're streaming.

Video calling does take a little getting used to, but once you've done it a few times it becomes second nature. The first call is always the hardest — after that, it's just like picking up the phone.