How to use group facetime on the iphone and ipad
Mia Phillips
Updated on March 29, 2026
Group FaceTime, which lets you chat with up to 32 people at one time, is relatively easy to use, but it may not be immediately obvious how a call is initiated nor how all of the group chat options work, which is why we’ve taken an in-depth look at the new feature. To use Group FaceTime, all participants must have iOS 12.1.4 or later installed.
Placing a Call
There are two ways to initiate a Group FaceTime call, using the FaceTime app or the Messages app.
FaceTime App
- Open up the FaceTime app
- Tap on the “+” button in the upper right hand corner.
- In the “To” field, type a name and tap it.
- Type another name.
- Continue typing in all of the names of the participants who you want to chat with.
- When ready to place the call, tap on either the audio or the video option and participants will receive a popup letting them know that you want to FaceTime with them.
Messages App
- Open up an existing multi-person conversation or create a new iMessage chat thread.
- At the top, where the names of the chat participants are listed, tap to bring up a menu bar.
- Choose the “FaceTime” option to transition from a text-based conversation to a video or audio call.
The Messages FaceTime interface works with just one person or with a group of people, and it’s perhaps the easiest way to initiate a multi-person FaceTime call.
Receiving an Incoming Call Request
When a Group FaceTime chat is initiated either via FaceTime or through the Messages app, you will get a notification letting you know that a FaceTime call is initiating, which you can tap to join.
Joining an Existing Group FaceTime Call
When you’re in a group chat in the Messages app and someone initiates a Group FaceTime conversation, any person in the chat can join the call at anytime.
In the Messages interface, there’s a chat popup that lets you know a call is ongoing, with a “Join” button available and the number of people active in the conversation.
Joining a conversation is as simple as tapping that “Join” button, which automatically adds you to the call. There’s no approval interface, so be aware that if you’re in the middle of a conversation, anyone from a group Messages chat can interrupt and join in.
While in a Group FaceTime call, you’ll also see a chat bubble that lets you know how long the call has been going on.
Adding Another Person Through FaceTime
While in a FaceTime call, you can easily add another person to the chat.
- In an active call, tap on the icon that features three dots.
- Tap on “Add Person.”
- Choose a name from the list to send them a notification to join in.
Leaving a Group FaceTime Call
As with a standard FaceTime call, exiting a Group FaceTime chat is as simple as tapping the big red “X” button to end the chat.
Focusing on Chat Members
All Group FaceTime calls are displayed with a tiled interface that highlights the person who last spoke. If you have a call with multiple people, you’ll see tiles of various sizes focusing on main participants, with those who haven’t spoken recently minimized in small tiles.
You can double tap on any person’s tile to make it the focal point in your FaceTime view, enlarging the tile to its biggest possible size. Tap again to go back to the standard tiled view.
Applying Effects
In addition to multi-person FaceTime calls, iOS 12 adds a new FaceTime effects camera that you can use while chatting. While in a FaceTime call, tap on the star-shaped icon to the left of the end call button to access options that include Animoji and Memoji, filters, stickers, shapes, and text.
Multiple effects can be applied at once, which are displayed to all chat participants. The people you’re chatting with can also choose different effects to use, leading to chats filled with different Memoji and Animoji characters. Memoji and Animoji are limited to devices with the TrueDepth camera system.
FaceTime is one of the most popularly used apps on smartphones today, because it allows you to connect with friends, family, colleagues, and more – all over the Internet, for free! If you have an Apple device, making use of FaceTime is a must, so in this article, we’re going to explain everything you need to know about it, including how it works, how private it is, what it may cost you if you aren’t careful, and more.
So, what exactly is FaceTime?
FaceTime is a video calling app made by Apple that comes with iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. The service allows users to call and video chat with their friends and family who also have an Apple device. The service runs using your device’s Internet data or Wi-Fi connection, and is simple and easy to use.
How does FaceTime work?
FaceTime works using your Apple device’s mobile data or a Wi-Fi connection to allow you to make voice and/or video calls to your contacts who also have an Apple device. Just open the app, select the type of call you’d like to make, and type in the name or phone number of the person you’d like to call.
Check out this tutorial on how to use FaceTime to learn about how to connect with your contacts in more detail.
Is FaceTime free?
Yes, FaceTime is free to use. It comes automatically installed on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. You can use it to call your friends and family who also have Apple devices, for free. We would recommend connecting your device to a Wi-Fi network (if possible) before making calls to avoid any data charges. If you need more information to understand how that works, and how you could possibly be charged for your calls, read our article about FaceTime data usage to learn more.
Is FaceTime private?
FaceTime is very private. When you’re calling someone using the app, the only people that can join the conversation are you and the person you’re calling. The calls are also encrypted, meaning that they are safe, private, and cannot be tapped into. You don’t have to worry about anyone listening in on your calls.
Pros and cons of FaceTime
Some awesome things about the service are that:
- It’s free and easy to use
- It comes built into Apple devices
- It allows for both voice and video calls
- It’s convenient that you don’t have to have cell phone service to use it, as long as you have Wi-Fi or an Internet connection available.
On the other hand:
- It’s only available on Apple devices
- It can’t be used to call landline phones
- It does not offer group/conference calling features
FaceTime alternatives
If you don’t enjoy FaceTime or don’t have an Apple device, there are other apps that you can use instead. One great alternative is Skype. Skype has more features, is free to download and use, and is available for iPhone, Android, PC and Mac. Another app you can use instead is ooVoo. ooVoo is a pretty popular calling app as well, and like Skype, also has more features. To learn about these apps and more, check out this article where we break down other similar apps and services.
We hoped you learned something new in this introductory article, but there’s plenty more to come. Be sure to read the rest of the articles in our FaceTime course to learn more. If you have any questions, leave us a comment below.
- 7:39 ET, Mar 20 2020
- Updated : 13:19 ET, Apr 10 2020
- Invalid Date,
WANT to stay in touch with family and friends during the coronavirus lockdown? Apple’s Group FaceTime feature is a great option.
You can use it on most modern Apple devices – including your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
What is Group FaceTime?
FaceTime is a video-calling app available exclusively on Apple devices.
It lets you make one-to-one calls to pals or family – and even massive group calls with up to 32 people (including yourself).
It’s worth noting that you’ll need to be running iOS 12.1.4 or later (or iPadOS) on your device.
And the gadget you’re using needs to be an iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro or later, iPad Air 2 or later, iPad mini 4 or later, iPad 5th get or later, or iPod touch 7th generation.
How to make a FaceTime Call
Here’s how to make a standard FaceTime call:
- 1. First, go to Settings > FaceTime and make sure that FaceTime is on.
- 2. Then open the FaceTime app and tap the plus button (+) in the top-right corner.
- 3. Enter the name of your contacts, phone numbers or email addresses.
- 4. Then to start your FaceTime call, tap Audio or Video (depending on your preference).
If you can’t add someone to a FaceTime call, it’s likely that they’re (1) not using an Apple device, (2) saved under the wrong mobile phone number or email address, or (3) have their device switched off or disconnected from the internet.
How to add a person to a Group FaceTime call
Here’s how to make a Group FaceTime call:
- 1. From the call, tap the plus icon (+).
- 2. Then tap Add Person.
- 3. Enter the contact’s name, phone number or email address.
- 4. Then tap Add Person to FaceTime.
You can also make a FaceTime call directly from a group Messages conversation.
Just open the conversation, tap the contacts at the top, and then tap FaceTime to start your call.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – BE IN THE KNOW
Get the latest coronavirus news, facts and figures from around the world – plus essential advice for you and your family.
To receive our Covid-19 newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
You can make group FaceTime calls be it a video or audio call with adding up to 31 other people at once.
We all are aware of what FaceTime is used for and since the time we know this iOS app, it is available for video calling. Years back, Apple came up with Group FaceTime calling wherein you can make both audio and video calls with a total of 32 members. However, there are many other video calling apps you can use to make group video calls but FaceTime is one of the best apps to connect iOS users altogether.
You can keep in touch with a group of people using video calls not only through FaceTime app but also from a group iMessage thread too. This article covers how to group FaceTime on iPhone, iPad and Mac too.
How To Do Group FaceTime?
- How To Make Group FaceTime Call Using FaceTime
- How To Make FaceTime Group Call Using iMessages
- How To Join A Group FaceTime Call On iPhone
How To Make A Group FaceTime Call Using FaceTime?
Using FaceTime to make calls is the most obvious way but there are a few changes you need to consider while placing c.
1. Open FaceTime on any iOS device (iPhone, iPad or Mac).
2. Tap the ‘+’ icon in the upper-right corner.
3. Enter the name or number of the person you want to call. You can add as many as 31 other people in your FaceTime call.
4. Now tap Audio or Video to start the call.
How To Make A Group FaceTime Call Using iMessages
You can connect with your loved ones also using iMessages as FaceTime is in integration with Messages and can be used to place group FaceTime calls. Follow the steps below:
- On your iOS device i.e. iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open Messages.
- Tap on group conversation or start a new one.
- Now, tap the avatars of the conversation located in the top-center of the screen.
- Then, tap FaceTime.
How Can You Join Group FaceTime?
What if the call has already been started? In that case, you can freely join the conversation in between from the group iMessage thread. Wondering how to join the group FaceTime call? Here are the steps to follow:
- Open Messages on your iPhone and iPad.
- Tap on a group conversation with an open FaceTime call.
- Now, you’ll see a join button in the FaceTime message bubble.
- Tap Join, and this is how you can join the group FaceTime call.
TIP: To use group FaceTime video calls, you require an iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro or later, iPad Air 2, or iPad Mini 4 with iOS 12.1. Earlier models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch that support iOS 12.1 can join group FaceTime calls as audio participants.
Wrap Up:
Group FaceTime calling is a handy feature that lets you connect with multiple users via both video and audio chat. Remember, while using FaceTime, only the Apple device users can take the advantage and enjoy FaceTime group call functionality. Above are mentioned some of the ways to connect with your loved ones having iOS devices using group FaceTime directly through FaceTime app or FaceTime integrated in iMessages.
Have you ever tried group FaceTime calling? If not, give it a try now and share your experience with us in the comments section below.
FaceTime lets you talk in a group with up to 32 people at once. This makes it an excellent option for family, friends, and colleagues to connect. The video tile of the speaker gets large automatically, making it easy to keep track of who is talking.
With iOS 15, Apple has taken things further by letting even Android and Windows users join FaceTime calls. This ensures no one from your group is left behind. Excited? Let me show you how to Group FaceTime on iPhone and iPad.
Before you begin:
- Group FaceTime requires:
- iOS 12.1.4 or later on iPhone 6s or later, or iPod touch (7th generation);
- iPadOS 12.1.4 or later on iPad Pro or later, iPad Air 2 or later, iPad (5th generation) or later, iPad mini 4 or later.
- Earlier models of iPhone and iPad running iOS/iPadOS 12.1.4 can join Group FaceTime calls as audio participants.
- Enable FaceTime by going to Settings → FaceTime.
- How to do Group FaceTime on iPhone
- How to make a Group FaceTime call from iMessage groups
- Group FaceTime someone on Android or Windows
- How to join or leave a Group FaceTime call
- How to use Grid View in FaceTime in iOS 15
- Spice up your Group FaceTime experience
How to do Group FaceTime on iPhone
- Open the FaceTime app.
- Tap New FaceTime.
If you are using iOS 14, tap the + icon at the top right. - In the To: section, add contacts using their name, phone number, or email.
- Tap the green plus icon to add more people (max 32).
- Interesting extra info: After you add a person, it will take a second to process, and their name will turn blue (if they have an Apple device with FaceTime enabled) or green (if they do not have an Apple device or have turned off FaceTime. In this case, you will see an option to Invite with Messages.)
- Once done, tap FaceTime to start the group call.
Already on a group call but realized that you missed adding one of your buddies? No problem! Swipe up the active FaceTime call screen → tap Add People → type your friend’s name → tap Add People.
When you are on a group call, swiping or tapping the screen shows handy icons for switching between front and back cameras, mute, speaker, the red leave icon, etc.
How to make a Group FaceTime call from iMessage groups
Group chat is an exciting feature of iMessage. It brings families and groups of friends closer by letting everyone interact and share media in a single place. Plus, it is easier to call the iMessage group member. Here’s how.
- Go to Messages and open your desired group.
- In iOS 15: Tap the video call icon at the top right and choose FaceTime Video.
- In iOS 14: Tap the group photos or where it says [number] People> → tap FaceTime to initiate a group video call.
Group FaceTime someone on Android or Windows
As mentioned in the opening paragraph, you can enjoy Group FaceTime calls from Android or Windows PC via Chrome or Microsoft Edge. You cannot initiate a FaceTime call from non-Apple devices. But you can join and be a part of the FaceTime call using your Samsung Galaxy, Pixel, or HP, Dell, Surface, or any such device.
Check out our detailed and easy-to-follow guide that shows you how to FaceTime on Android and Windows.
How to join or leave a Group FaceTime call
Join a Group FaceTime video call
When someone invites you for a Group FaceTime call, it shows up as a regular incoming FaceTime call. From here, accept the call and be a part of it.
However, if you choose to decline the Group FaceTime call, you will get a notification. Tap it to join the group call, as long as it is still active.
Leave a Group FaceTime video call
No longer interested? Tap the red Leave button to leave a group FaceTime call. You will find this button at the screen’s top. The call stays active if two or more people are still part of it, even if you exit it.
How to use Grid View in FaceTime in iOS 15
When you are in a Group FaceTime call, the participant’s video feed is reduced to small floating tiles. And the one who speaks, their tile is automatically enlarged. But in iOS 15, Apple added a new option called Grid View that people seem to like.
When you enable FaceTime Grid View, the group participant tiles appear as nice square boxes. And the person who is speaking, their tile is highlighted by a white outline.
Here is how you can use Grid View in Group FaceTime calls.
- When you are on an active group call, tap the screen to see the options.
- Tap the people name + [number] People Active > at the top right.
- Tap Grid Layout. It turns white, signifying it is enabled.
- Tap Done and continue your Group FaceTime call.
Spice up your Group FaceTime experience
- SharePlay: With SharePlay, you can share your screen over FaceTime and enjoy movies, music in sync with your friends. Learn all about this exciting feature here.
- Blur the background: If you have an iPhone with an A12 Bionic chip (iPhone XS and later), you can blur the background on FaceTime video calls for a clean look. My good friend Mehak tells you more about how to blur the background here.
- Add camera effects: While in a FaceTime video call, you can add effects like a memoji instead of your face. You may also add shapes, text, stickers, etc., to liven up the conversation. Here is how to use FaceTime effects on iPhone and iPad.
- Take a Live Photo during FaceTime calls: Finally, did you know that you can capture a Live Photo during a FaceTime call? This is handy for preserving memories, and later you may even turn it into a GIF!
This is how you can start, join, leave, and enjoy Group FaceTime calls on iPhone and iPad. I hope this brief guide was helpful. If you have other related queries, share them in the comments section below.
Other helpful FaceTime posts:
Both iPad & iPhone now have the capability of making Group FaceTime calls, where 32 individuals can take part in the video-based chat. Let us take you through the steps needed to begin a FaceTime Group video chat on iPad and iPhone, as well as demonstrate how to bring new members into an existing FaceTime chat to convert that into a group chat on iOS.
Note: The FaceTime Group video feature works on iPhone 6s and above, iPad Pro or above, iPad Mini 4 and above, and iPad Air 2 or above, and every device should have iOS 12.1 or above.
However, those possessing iOS 12.1 compatible gadgets can still take advantage of the said feature, but they’ll just hear the video. In addition to these cons, you also have to ensure that FaceTime is activated on your iDevice, and those who you’re talking to also do and that their gadgets are up-to-date and supportive of FaceTime group calls.
Steps for iPad or iPhone Users to start a Group FaceTime Video Chat
You can begin a Group FaceTime video chat at any place and time with many participants on an iOS device by taking these steps:
- Launch FaceTime app.
- Tap ‘+’ in the FaceTime app’s upper right corner.
- Define the contacts you wish to do calls with – up to 32 individuals can be added.
- Tap ‘Video’ to begin the Group FaceTime chat.
These steps will notify all the participants of the chat who directly join the same FaceTime video chat. Also, everyone (including you) can hang up or disconnect the video FaceTime chat by tapping the large ‘x’ button on the screen.
How to Add More Participants To An Existing FaceTime Video Chat
There’s also an option to convert a standard FaceTime video chat into a Group FaceTime chat, or insert more participants into a current FaceTime call, by adding people. Here’s how it’s done:
- From an enabled FaceTime conversation, bring up the options by tapping the screen.
- Tap the three ‘…’ gray button
- Tap ‘+Add Person’ from existing options, then put the contacts you want to add into the current FaceTime video chat.
This tactic is especially useful if you’re on an existing FaceTime video call and make a decision to bring in a group of people, or some other individual. Up to 32 persons in a group FaceTime call can talk using this method.
And to hang up the call, just press the ‘X’ in red – it’s the same for hanging up any FaceTime call: group or standard.
It’s worth mentioning that if you’re using macOS, you should be on Mojave 10.14.1 or above. And to recall that the FaceTime Group chat works on iDevices using iOS 12.1 or later. If the device is not working for group video chat, but an individual has a device boasting iOS 12.1 or above, they can join with a stream for audio.
Users should also know that when they’ll flip the camera for FaceTime in iOS 12.1 and iOS 12, they’ll have to press the three ‘…’ buttons, though the tactic is different in iOS 12.1.1. In Apple’s latest firmware, the switch camera button is present on the main screen of FaceTime, so if you’re doing a FaceTime call and want to bring the camera then additional options for FaceTime need to be accessed.
Moreover, group FaceTime calls can also be initiated from a text message to he group (or a single FaceTime video call can be launched via the single message thread) directly via the official Messages application – just know that accessing this option from Messages requires you to tap the ‘Details’ info button, which is now located behind the name of the user in the conversation thread of the message.
Conclusion
That’s it. Now you can enjoy group FaceTime calls with anyone you desire. Got any other tactics or techniques for using the Group FaceTime option on iPad or iPhone? Feel free to share them in the comments section below.
With the new iOS 12.1 update, Apple has finally enabled the group FaceTime feature for both audio and video calls. You can now place a FaceTime call will up to 32 people! That’s more than you’ll ever need, but it’s nice to know that the system is designed to work even in such an extreme case.
Apple has thoughtfully designed the interface for the group video call. The callers show up in little floating tiles. 5-6 tiles are at the top. These are the ones who are most active or who recently spoke. The rest of the callers show up in a line below. But if someone starts speaking, they automatically bubble up to the top. To make things more fun, Apple has integrated Animoji, Memoji, and filters inside the FaceTime camera view as well. Here’s how you can make a group FaceTime video call.
Will Group FaceTime Work For You?
To get access to FaceTime Group Video calling you’ll have to update to iOS 12.1. Go to Settings -> General -> Software Update and update to the latest software – iOS 12.1.
Even after updating to iOS 12.1, you still don’t have access to this feature, you might be using an older device. FaceTime Group calls is supported only on devices with an A9 processor and higher (iPhone 6s and newer). The following devices don’t support FaceTime group video calls: iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad Mini 2, iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 4 and 6th generation iPod Touch.
How to Make Group FaceTime Calls
Step 1: Open the FaceTime app.
Step 2: Tap on the + button in the top-right corner.
Step 3: From the next screen, tap on the search bar and start searching for a contact. If their number is in blue, that means they are on FaceTime. Tap on a person. Then, tap on the space next to their name and then do the process over again.
Step 4: Once you’ve added all the people you want in the call, just tap on the Video or Audio button. The call has begun!
Step 5: Tap on the Effects button in the bottom-left to get a Memoji mask, Animoji, or filters.
How to Do FaceTime Video Call from iMessage
Step 1: Open the Messages app and go to a group iMessage thread.
Step 2: Tap on the contact bubbles at the top. From the drop-down panel, tap on FaceTime to start a group video call. To make a group audio call, tap on the Audio button.
Step 3: A FaceTime group call will start instantly. You’ll see placeholders for the contacts until they join.
Step 4: If someone doesn’t join right away, they’ll see a button to Join in later. If someone drops off while the call is still going on, they’ll see a Join button as well.
What Are Your Favorite New iOS 12 Features?
Now that FaceTime Video calling is here, every major new feature in iOS 12 is now available. What are some of your favorite new features in iOS 12? Screen Time perhaps? Or the group notifications? Share with us in the comments below.
Learn how to use FaceTime to make video and audio calls from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
You can use FaceTime over Wi-Fi 1 or over cellular on supported iOS or iPadOS devices. 2 FaceTime isn’t available or might not appear on devices purchased or used in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan. However, with iOS 11.3 and later, FaceTime is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch in Saudi Arabia. And with iOS 12.4 or later, FaceTime is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch in Pakistan. Update your device to get FaceTime in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Turn on FaceTime
Make a FaceTime call
Answer a FaceTime call with call waiting
Become a Memoji in FaceTime
Take Live Photos in FaceTime
Turn on FaceTime
Open the FaceTime app and sign in with your Apple ID. You can also do this from Settings > FaceTime.
If you’re using an iPhone, FaceTime automatically registers your phone number.
If you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you can register your email address:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap FaceTime, then tap Use your Apple ID for FaceTime.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
Make a FaceTime call
To make a FaceTime call, you need the person’s phone number or registered email address. There are a few ways to make a FaceTime call:
- In the FaceTime app, tap the plus button and type the person’s phone number or email address. Tap the number or address, then tap Audio or Video .
- If you have the person’s phone number or email address saved in your Contacts, 3 you can start typing their name and tap the name when it appears. Then tap Audio or Video .
- You can also start a FaceTime video call from your iPhone during a phone call. Tap the FaceTime icon in the Phone app to switch to FaceTime.
Answer a FaceTime audio call with call waiting
When another call comes in—either a phone call or another FaceTime audio call—you can choose one of these options:
- End & Accept: End the current call and accept the incoming call.
- Hold & Accept: Accept the incoming call and put the current call on hold.
- Decline: Decline the incoming call.
Become a Memoji in FaceTime
On an iPhone X or later, or an iPad with Face ID, you can create a Memoji to match your personality and mood, then use the Memoji during a FaceTime video call:
- Open the FaceTime app and make a call.
- When the call starts, tap the effects button .
- Tap the Memoji that you want to use.
- Continue your FaceTime call with your customized Memoji, or tap the X button to continue without a Memoji or go back to the FaceTime menu.
To change your Animoji or Memoji, or to remove it during a FaceTime call, repeat steps 2–4.
Take Live Photos in FaceTime
With iOS 12.1.4 and later, and iPadOS, you can capture moments with your friends and family using Live Photos during a FaceTime video call. Here’s how:
- Start a FaceTime video call.
- Tap the shutter button to take a photo.
- Go to your Photos app to find the photos you saved.
To save FaceTime Live Photos, all participants need iOS 12.1.4 or later, or iPadOS. Not all features of FaceTime Live Photos are available with earlier versions of iOS. FaceTime Live Photos doesn’t work with iOS 11.
Get help with FaceTime
- Learn more about FaceTime activation alerts.
- Learn what to do if you can’t make or receive a FaceTime call.
- Find a missing FaceTime app.
- Find out how to block FaceTime calls.
1. You can use FaceTime on any of these devices on Wi-Fi: iPhone 4 or later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad 2 or later, iPad mini (all models), and iPod touch 4th generation or later (only iPod touch 5th generation or later support FaceTime audio calling).
2. With a cellular data plan, you can also use FaceTime without Wi-Fi on any of these devices: iPhone 4s or later, iPad Pro (all models), and iPad (3rd generation or later).
3. When you tap a person’s contact information, FaceTime tries to connect using any FaceTime-enabled numbers or addresses that you have stored for that person. To avoid placing calls to unintended recipients, make sure that your contacts are accurate and don’t contain old or unused information.
Source: iMore
For years, FaceTime was limited to just one-on-one conversations. That all changed a couple of years ago when Apple released Group FaceTime calling. With this, you can participate in Group FaceTime and FaceTime Audio calls with up to 31 other people (for a total of 32). It’s great for keeping in touch with a group of people, and you can launch them not only from the FaceTime app, but from a group iMessage thread, too.
Here’s how to make group FaceTime calls on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
How to place a group FaceTime call using FaceTime on iPhone and iPad
Using the FaceTime way is the most obvious way to place a FaceTime group call, and there are some changes to the way you place calls in iOS 12.1.
- Open FaceTime on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the + button in the upper-right corner.
Enter the name or number of a person you want to call.
Source: iMore
Tap Video or Audio to place your FaceTime call.
Source: iMore
How to place a group FaceTime call using Messages on iPhone and iPad
FaceTime is also better integrated into the Messages app. You can use that integration to place a group FaceTime call to members of a group iMessage thread.
- Open Messages on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap on a group conversation or start a new one.
Source: iMore
Tap FaceTime.
Source: iMore
How to join a group FaceTime call in Messages on iPhone and iPad
You can also join an in-progress group FaceTime call from a group iMessage thread if it’s between people in that thread. Here’s how.
- Open Messages on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on a group conversation with an open FaceTime call.
Tap the green Join button in the FaceTime message bubble.
Source: iMore
Questions?
If you have any questions about using FaceTime group calls on iPhone or iPad let us know in the comments.
Updated March 2020: Up to date for iOS 13.