How to make group FaceTime calls on iPhone and iPad

Group FaceTime is a unique solution for enabling communication with multiple people, simultaneously. You can kickstart a Group FaceTime by either accessing the FaceTime app or picking up from a group conversation in the Messages app. Here’s how to make group FaceTime calls.

Quickly Enable Group FaceTime calls

You might be aware that Group FaceTime supports calls for up to 32 participants at once. Besides, it allows both, audio and video calls.

To enable Group FaceTime video calls, you need:

  • An iPhone 6s or later
  • An 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 only.

1] Unlock your Home Screen and go to Settings. Tap on the FaceTime icon (visible as a green camera recorder). Make sure you have the FaceTime feature enabled.

2] Now, open FaceTime and tap in the top-right corner.

3] Enter the name of your contacts, phone numbers, or emails.

4] To start your FaceTime call, tap Audio or Video.

FaceTime App

Similarly, in a group conversation in Messages, you can start Group FaceTime right from the group conversation instantly. Just follow these steps.

1] Open Messages and start a group conversation. Or go to an existing group conversation.

2] Tap the contacts at the top of the group conversation and select ‘FaceTime’ to make a call.

Messages app

3] If someone else has started a Group FaceTime call, even then you can join it. For this,

4] Tap the notification from the Notification Center or the Lock screen and then choose the FaceTime icon.

5] Alternatively, to join a Group FaceTime call from Messages, tap the notification at the top of your screen or tap Join from the group conversation in Messages. You automatically get connected as soon as you tap ‘Join’.

iPhone notification screen

Please note that you need to have iOS 12.1 installed on your Apple device to enable video Group FaceTime calls. If you haven’t already updated, go to Settings > General > Software Update and download the latest update.

About the author

Hemant Saxena

The author Hemant Saxena is a post-graduate in bio-technology and has an immense interest in following technology developments. Quite by nature, he is an avid Lacrosse player.