How to Make a Group FaceTime call on Your iPhone or iPad

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iOS 12 Group FaceTime

Last updated on June 23rd, 2020

Group FaceTime supports both audio and video and group FaceTime calls for up to 32 participants at once. You can do group FaceTime calls through the FaceTime app, you can begin a group call through a group conversation in Messages on your iPhone or iPad, as well as, join one already in progress. It is only available with iOS 12.1

You will have to make sure you have updated your devices to the latest version of iOS 12, otherwise, you’ll only be able to participate via FaceTime Audio. To download iOS 12.1, go to Settings > General > Software Update, and tap on the available update to download it.

How to set up a Group FaceTime call using FaceTime App on iPhone and iPad

Using the FaceTime App 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.

    1. Open FaceTime on your iPhone or iPad.
    2. Tap the + button in the upper-right corner.
    3. Enter the name or number of a person you want to call.
    4. Enter up to 30 additional contacts.
    5. Tap Video or Audio to place your FaceTime call.

How to set up a Group FaceTime call using iMessages 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.

    1. Open Messages on your iPhone or iPad.
    2. Tap on a group conversation or start a new one.
    3. Tap the avatars of the conversation participants in the top-center of the screen.
    4. Tap FaceTime.

How to join a group FaceTime call in iMessages 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.

    1. Open Messages on your iPhone or iPad.
    2. Tap on a group conversation with an open FaceTime call.
    3. Tap the green Join button in the FaceTime message bubble.

How to add Animojis, filters, and stickers in Group FaceTime calls

As with iMessage in iOS 12, you have access to some fun effects in Group FaceTime.

    1. A swipe up on the bottom of the screen will bring you to a menu of options.
    2. Tap on “effects,” and you’ll pull up a variety of different things you can add to your FaceTime window — Animojis (if you have the iPhone X or newer), filters, and any sticker packs you download.
    3. You can choose to use them throughout the entire Group FaceTime session, or remove them whenever you’d like.