Video Calls with Family in Poland: WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger, and Google Meet

Mom in Poland has an Android, you have an iPhone, and your grandchild only has a laptop? That's not a problem. Video calling over the internet works between different phones and computers; you just need to choose a common app.

WhatsApp: iPhone and Android

1. Both parties must have WhatsApp installed.
2. Open the chat with the person you are calling.
3. Tap the camera icon at the top of the chat (on Android, select Call if necessary).
4. You can also open the Calls tab, select new call, find the contact, and tap the camera icon.

WhatsApp states that video calls are free and can last indefinitely, even to another country. However, they use the internet, so outside of Wi-Fi, they consume data from your mobile plan. On a computer, WhatsApp requires a camera, microphone, and speaker, preferably headphones with a microphone.

FaceTime: iPhone, and on the other side Android or computer

Between two iPhones, just open the FaceTime app and call the contact. When a family member has an Android or a Windows computer:

1. On the iPhone, open the FaceTime app.
2. Tap New Call, then the link creation icon.
3. Send the link, for example via SMS or email.
4. The person on the other side opens the link in the latest version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, enters their name, selects Continue, allows access to the camera and microphone, and selects Join.
5. You, as the inviter, must let them into the call.

No Apple account is required. Only someone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac can create the link. Screen sharing and SharePlay do not work in the browser.

Messenger and Google Meet

• Messenger works if the family has Facebook accounts. Open the conversation with the person and select the camera icon at the top of the chat window.
• Google Meet works in the browser and in the app. Convenient for meetings with several people: one person sends the link, and the rest join it. Google Help also describes how to join a meeting without a Google account.

Mobile Data and Wi-Fi Calls

• Video consumes a lot of data. At home, turn on Wi-Fi before you call. When traveling, check how much data is left on your plan.
• The Wi-Fi Calling feature on the iPhone is different from WhatsApp. It is used for regular voice calls through the carrier's network when cellular reception is weak and only works with carriers that offer it. It is not a video call. Ask your carrier about the cost of such a call to Poland.

Security: Who is Really Calling

• Do not answer video calls from unknown numbers and accounts.
• Do not show documents, payment cards, or codes from SMS to the camera.
• More about this scam method can be found in our guide on how to recognize AI voice scams.

If This Didn't Help

• The image is freezing. Move closer to the router or switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi and vice versa.
• The other person can't see or hear you. Check if the app has permission to access the camera and microphone in the phone settings.
• The FaceTime link doesn't work on Android. Open it in Chrome, not in another browser, and update Chrome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a WhatsApp call to Poland free?

WhatsApp does not charge for video calls. You only pay for internet: usually nothing more over Wi-Fi, and through mobile data according to your carrier's plan.

Does grandma with Android need to install anything to join FaceTime?

No. All she needs is the latest version of Chrome or Edge and a link from you. No login is required.

Sources

As of October 24, 2026. Menu names may vary depending on the system version and phone manufacturer. This guide is for informational purposes. The costs of calls and data transmission are determined by your carrier.