Choose the calling service the family uses, then a device your relative can operate for a real call. A tablet is worth considering for calls mainly from home when a larger touch display would help; a smartphone makes more sense for someone already comfortable with a phone who wants to call away from home. An existing computer can also work, provided its camera, microphone and calling-service permissions are manageable.
If a relative is new to video calls, choosing the device is only part of the job. Someone may need to help with the account, saved contacts, calling app and a practice call. AbilityNet provides technology-support resources for older people and disabled people.
Text size, spoken feedback, captions and the way controls are operated matter when seeing, hearing or tapping the screen is difficult. Apple Support, Google Android Accessibility Help and Google Meet Help describe different accessibility options; try the relevant setting in the chosen calling app.
A familiar desk setup may need a camera, microphone or permissions check rather than another device. Microsoft Support explains that Windows controls which apps can access the camera and microphone.
Start with where your relative will call and how they will join. Then try the controls, connection and first-call steps on the proposed setup.
Consider it when: Most calls will happen at home and a larger touch display would make contacts and call controls easier to use.
Allow for: Charging, internet access and help with the initial account and app setup if the person needs it.
Consider it when: Your relative already manages a mobile phone and wants to take calls away from home.
Allow for: Smaller onscreen controls and the mobile-data allowance when calling without Wi-Fi.
Consider it when: Your relative is comfortable using their computer at a desk.
Allow for: Camera and microphone permissions, plus any connected accessory the setup needs.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Calling service | Confirm the app or invitation method close family uses. Try joining a call on the proposed device, including its camera and microphone. | I want my relative to reach the people they call without having to learn a different joining process each time. |
| Accessible controls | Try text and display adjustments, spoken feedback or captions where relevant. Check the exact device, language and calling app: Apple Support and Google’s accessibility guidance describe features whose availability or setup can vary. | Can they find a contact, recognise an incoming call and operate the controls comfortably? |
| Everyday setup | Set up the account and contacts with the person, practise a call and agree who can help later. Check where the device will be kept and charged. | I need a routine my relative can repeat, with a trusted person to ask if a setting changes. |
| Internet connection | Try a call on the intended home connection. If calls will use mobile data, check the allowance; Age UK cautions that video calling uses a lot of data. | Will calls usually happen on home Wi-Fi, or does the device need to work when they are out? |
| Computer equipment | Check whether an existing camera and microphone work before adding accessories. For Windows, check camera and microphone access for the chosen app or browser; Microsoft Support describes these privacy controls. | If a computer is already familiar, I would rather check its calling setup before introducing another device. |
A device can have a camera yet still leave someone struggling with the family’s app, invitations or account steps. Calls made over mobile data also use the person’s allowance, as Age UK notes.
Agree on the service first. Then make a real call on the proposed device and the connection it will normally use.
Larger text, spoken feedback, captions and simplified screens address different difficulties. The right setting depends on the person and on what works in their calling app.
Ask which step is difficult, change the relevant setting and practise that step together. Check feature availability on the exact device.
An accessory cannot resolve blocked camera or microphone access in the calling software. Microsoft Support documents Windows controls for app access to both.
Test the existing equipment first. If an accessory is needed, connect it, select it in the calling service and check both picture and sound during a call.
Someone may still need help with account access or later changes. Apple Support notes that FaceTime screen control can let another person open apps, change settings and delete items.
Agree who can help with the account and recovery details. Ask for the user’s consent before screen sharing or remote control, and end access when the task is done.
These references help identify settings and services to check; a brand’s features do not establish how a particular device will work for your relative.
For families considering an iPad or iPhone and the accessibility settings available in Apple’s device ecosystem.
For families considering a Galaxy phone or tablet and wanting to explore its accessibility settings.
Relevant for Android accessibility tools and Google Meet, rather than a promise of identical settings on every Android device.
These options include a webcam for an existing computer, tablets for a home setup and a smartphone for portable calls. Use the family’s calling service and your relative’s ability to operate it as the deciding checks.
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Consider an add-on webcam if your relative already uses a computer comfortably. This JVU250 has an auto and manual focus switch; check the computer connection, microphone setup and camera permissions in the chosen calling service.
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A tablet route to consider for calls mainly at home when touch controls appeal. This is the 5G X236 variant with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage; try the family’s calling app and the accessibility controls your relative needs on this model.
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Its stated 13.1-inch display may be worth trying if your relative wants more room for a home call. This is a Wi-Fi, 128GB variant: check the home connection and test the chosen app and controls before settling on the larger format.
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Another tablet format to try for calls at home. The name specifies an 11-inch screen, 256GB storage and a 3.5mm jack; check whether your relative can manage its controls and whether the family’s calling app works as intended.
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A portable option for someone who already feels comfortable using a smartphone. Its stated 6.56-inch display and 4G dual-SIM configuration do not establish whether the call controls will be easy for this person to use; try the chosen app and accessibility settings together.
Yes. Find out which service close family uses, then check whether your relative can receive or join a call on the proposed device. Google Meet Help lists computers, smartphones and tablets among its device types; still try the actual joining steps together.
Yes, through a FaceTime link in a compatible web browser, according to Apple Support. Ask someone to send a link and try joining from the intended device before relying on it for regular calls.
Set up the agreed calling app and contacts with your relative, connect to the intended home Wi-Fi and practise receiving and starting a call. Try only the accessibility settings they need, agree who can help later and check the mobile-data allowance if calls will happen away from Wi-Fi; Age UK notes that video calling uses a lot of data.
Apple documents FaceTime screen-control features, but treat access as a specific request for help, not a standing arrangement. Apple Support says a person controlling the screen can open apps, change settings and delete items, so agree on the task, obtain consent and stop control when it is finished.