How to Use Random Video Chat on an iPad

An iPad makes a surprisingly good chat screen: big enough to read your partner’s expressions, light enough to prop up anywhere. Here is how to get a random video chat running on it, and how to make it look and sound right.

Getting Started in Safari

There is nothing to download. RandomChat runs in the browser, so open Safari (or another browser you prefer), go to randomchat.io and tap the button to start a video chat. You will be asked to sign in with Google, Apple or a username and password, or to choose Chat as guest, where you enter your date of birth, your gender and who you want to meet.

Next, Safari asks for camera and microphone access. Tap Allow. If you tapped Don’t Allow by mistake, open the page settings button in the address bar, go to Website Settings, switch Camera to Allow and reload.

Before your first random video call, check a few basics:

• Remove any case flap that covers the front camera
• Charge the battery or plug in, since video uses more power than browsing
• Join Wi-Fi rather than relying on a weak mobile signal
• Turn on a Focus such as Do Not Disturb so banners do not cover your chat

Once your preview shows up, you are matched one-on-one with a random person. Press Next for a new partner at any time.

Positioning, Light and Sound

Where the front camera sits decides how you should hold the iPad. On many newer models it is on the long edge, so landscape with the camera at the top centres you nicely. On older models it sits on the short edge, which suits portrait. Check your preview and turn the tablet until your eyes are near the top third of the frame.

Do not hold it in your hands for long chats. A stand, a folding case or a stack of books keeps the picture steady, and your partner will thank you. Raise it to roughly eye level so a video chat does not become a view of your chin.

Face a window or lamp rather than sitting with light behind you. If your room echoes, earphones help a lot, and they keep your partner’s voice private from anyone nearby.

The large screen also makes typing comfortable. Text messages are translated into more than 40 languages, which turns a random chat with someone abroad into a real conversation. That makes the iPad a great fit for an international video chat on the sofa.

For more setup ideas, see our video chat tips. The how it works page explains matching, so your next video chat with strangers holds no surprises. Every live video chat starts with a single tap.