Can You Make Conference Calls on FaceTime?

Yes, here's how to FaceTime with multiple people

By
Saikat Basu
Saikat Basu
Saikat Basu
Writer
  • University of Pune (India)
Saikat has been a technology writer for 12+ years. His writing has appeared at MakeUseOf, OnlineTechTips, GoSkills, and many others.
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Updated on January 26, 2022
Reviewed by
Michael Barton Heine Jr
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Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr
    Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries.
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    What to Know

    • FaceTime app: Select New FaceTime > select participants > tap the Audio icon or the green FaceTime button.
    • Messages: Go to an existing group chat on the Messages app or start a new one. Tap the FaceTime button on the Group Chat screen.
    • You can add up to 32 people to a FaceTime conference call using phone numbers, Apple IDs, or email addresses linked to their Apple ID.

    This article shows you how to chat with many people simultaneously on an Apple device with FaceTime. FaceTime is the default audio and video chat app preinstalled on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices. 

    Can You Do a 3 -Way Call on FaceTime?

    A Group FaceTime is a conference call where you can have a face-to-face chat with multiple people simultaneously. You can start a conference call on iOS and iPadOS and include up to 32 people per call (including you). 

    You can start FaceTime conference calls from the FaceTime app or a group conversation in the Messages app.

    Group FaceTime video calls have special requirements over regular FaceTime calls. To start a Group FaceTime call, you need iOS or iPadOS 12.1.4 or later and one of the following devices:

    • iPhone 6s or later
    • iPad Pro or later
    • iPad Air 2 or later
    • iPad mini 4 or later
    • iPad (5th generation) or later
    • iPod touch (7th generation)

    Older iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models that run at least iOS 12.1.4 can join Group FaceTime calls as audio participants only.

    Since iOS 15, you can invite Android users to a FaceTime call with a link.

    Can You Do Conferencing Using FaceTime?

    Yes, there are two ways to set up a FaceTime conference call. First, go to Settings > FaceTime and ensure FaceTime is on. Next, decide how you'd like to start the call.

    Start a Group Call From the FaceTime App

    You can set up a group call from the FaceTime app. Here's how to do that:

    1. Open the FaceTime app. 

    2. Select New FaceTime.

    3. In the New FaceTime screen, pick the persons you want to call. You can choose from a Suggested field or tap the plus icon to select names from Contacts. New members can be added to the group chat anytime during the call by anyone in the group.

    4. Select the Audio icon (for an audio-only call) or the green FaceTime button for a video call.

      Conference Call (Group FaceTime) options in the FaceTime app.

    Note:

    As a host, you can add 31 other contacts in total to hit the total of 32 people in a Group FaceTime. Hosts can also add participants with their phone numbers, Apple IDs, or other email addresses associated with Apple ID for FaceTime calls.

    Start a Group Call From the Messages App

    If you prefer, you can also start a group call on FaceTime from your messages. Use these steps:

    1. Go to an existing group chat on the Messages app or start a new group text message.

    2. Select the FaceTime button on the Group Chat screen.

    3. Select the option for a FaceTime audio call or a FaceTime video call.

      Starting a FaceTime conference call from a Group Chat.

    Note:

    You cannot remove an attendee from a Group FaceTime call in either method. When participants wish to leave the call, they need to end the Group FaceTime call on their device.

    Can You Conference Call Using FaceTime on Mac?

    You can set up a conference call on FaceTime on macOS, too. As with an iPhone or an iPad, conference calls on FaceTime can be set up from the FaceTime app or the Messages app.  

    Tip:

    Don't forget to try the Grid View on Group FaceTime calls feature. We find it much easier to communicate with many people when they aren't floating all over the place.

    FAQ
    • How do I start a FaceTime conference call on a MacBook?

      To start a group FaceTime on a Mac, open the FaceTime app on your MacBook > use the search bar to find the contacts you'd like to add to the call > and select Video or Audio to begin the group call. You can add other participants mid-call; select the sidebar button > + (Plus) > add your contact > and click Add.

    • How can I record a FaceTime call on my iPhone?

      To record FaceTime calls on iPhone, swipe to open the Control Center and tap the Screen Record icon to start recording. Next, select the FaceTime app and begin a call.

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