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If you are self-isolating at home, -chatting can help you stay in touch with your friends and family.
This guide will show you how to make a call using a smartphone, or receive one using your desktop computer – or help you explain how to do so to others.
How to call with an Android phone
If your phone is made by OnePlus, Google, Honor, Huawei, LG, Samsung or Sony, it is an Android phone. Several other companies make Android phones too.
There are plenty of free apps you can use to make calls including Google Duo, Facebook Messenger, Skype, WhatsApp and Zoom.
This guide will show you how to make a call using WhatsApp.
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Media captionWATCH: How to make a WhatsApp call
To call a friend using WhatsApp, they will need to have installed the app too – and you will need to add their phone number to your smartphone’s address book.
How to call with an iPhone, iPad or Mac
If you have an iPhone, iPad or Mac computer, you can call a friend using FaceTime.
The app comes pre-installed on all of these devices. However, it only works on Apple devices, so your friend or relative must be using an iPhone, iPad or Mac too.
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Media captionWATCH: How to make a FaceTime call
If your friend or relative does not use an iPhone, iPad or Mac, you can still call them using a different app. You can follow the instructions proed for WhatsApp at the top of this page.
How to receive a call without installing software
You can receive calls on a desktop computer without installing any software. Some -calling services such as Skype and Zoom will let you join a chat using your computer’s web browser.
To do this, you’ll need to be invited to a call by a friend or relative who already has the software installed.
Ask them to follow the instructions in the below, in order to send you an invite link by text message or email.
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Media captionWATCH: How to receive a call via a desktop computer’s web browser
Remember, you should only click on the link if you have spoken to your friend or relative and are expecting it.
If you are not expecting an invite, ask your friend or relative to double-check.
