What to Know
- To create a group call, start a call with one person. Once they answer, tap Add Call, tap the next person's name, then tap Merge Calls.
- If you're already on a call and someone calls you, tap Hold & Accept. Then tap Merge Calls to add the new caller.
You don't have to use Zoom or Skype for group calls! You can also make three-way (or more) calls with your iPhone's FaceTime and Phone apps. Below, we'll show you how to make a conference call on your iPhone.
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How to Make a Group Call Using the Phone App
I often use the Phone app for small group calls, which is much more convenient than setting up a Zoom meeting and sending a link to each participant. However, the slight downside is that you can only add one caller to your group call at a time using the Phone app. So while the Phone app is great for small group calls, I recommend you still use Zoom or Skype for large conference calls. Here's how to set up a group call on your iPhone:
- Start a call with the first person, then tap Add Call.
![Add call on call screen]()
- From your contacts list, tap the name of the individual you want to add to the call.
![Select the person you want to add to the call from your contacts list]()
- Tap the phone number you want to call (your contact might have multiple numbers listed, such as a work and home number).
![Select mobile for audio call]()
- Once the second person answers, tap Merge Calls.
![Tap Merge Calls to create a three-way call on your iPhone.]()
- Your three-way call will start and you'll see the name of both callers displayed at the top of your screen.
![Names of the callers listed on the call once merged on iPhone]()
- If another person calls you and needs to be added to your group call, tap Hold & Accept.
![Tap Hold & Accept to start the second call without ending your first call.]()
- Wait for the incoming caller to connect, then tap Merge Calls. The new caller will be added to your group call.
![Tap Merge Calls to create a three-way call on your iPhone.]()
You can only add one person at a time to a group call, so you will need to repeat these steps for each person you call. That's all there is to it! Once participants are added, they can disconnect and leave the call at anytime (this won't end the group call).
Pro Tip: In a group call, you can easily remove participants at any time by tapping the info icon next to the names at the top of the call screen and tapping the red Remove button.
How to Make a Conference Call on FaceTime
To learn more about the hidden features on your iPhone, sign up for our free Tip of the Day Newsletter. If you want to make a group video call, you'll also need to know how to merge FaceTime calls. The good news is that the process is similar to starting a group call on your Phone app. Here's how to start a three-way call on your iPhone FaceTime app:
- To create a group call, start a FaceTime call with the first person. Tap the person's name at the top to return to your call screen.
![Tap the name of the person at the top to return to your call screen.]()
- Tap Add People.
![How to add people to FaceTime call on iPhone]()
- Search for the name of the contact you want to add, then tap to select them from the list of options.
![Select the contact you want to add to your group call.]()
- Tap Add People and your three-way call will begin.
![Select Add People to FaceTime call]()
If another person calls you and needs to be added to your FaceTime group call, tap Hold & Accept. Wait for the incoming caller to connect, then tap Merge Calls. The new caller will be added to your group call.
Pro Tip: Unlike a Zoom call (where the host ends the meeting when they leave), you can start a group call and leave at any time. The FaceTime group call will continue until all participants disconnect.
There you have it! Now you know how to easily create group calls on your iPhone, even without the use of third-party apps. Also, if you enjoyed learning how to merge calls on your iPhone, you might also be interested in this nifty shortcut to schedule text messages on your iPhone.
