There’s nothing like talking in person, but when you can’t, FaceTime is a great way to make you feel like you are. And when you want to talk to more than one person using FaceTime, you can do a group call. You can start it from the app or even from Messages and it’s really simple.
Here’s how to use group FaceTime on iPhone and the options you have during the call.
Start a group FaceTime call from the app
To start a call with a few of your contacts, open the FaceTime app and then do the following.
1) Tap the plus sign on the top right.
2) Start typing the name of your first contact or tap the plus sign at the right of the To field to open your contact list.
3) Continue that process until all contacts you want on the call have been added.
4) Tap either Audio or Video for the type of FaceTime call you want.
Your call will then begin!
Start a group FaceTime call from Messages
If you already have a group chat going in the Messages app, you can also start a FaceTime call with your pals right from there.
1) At the top of the conversation window, tap the participants.
2) In the drop-down box that appears, tap Facetime.
Done! Everyone in the chat should be hearing their phone ring to join your group FaceTime call.
Options during your group FaceTime call
While you’re on a group FaceTime call, you can add another participant. While on the call, tap the plus sign and then add your contact with the steps above for starting a group FaceTime call.
You also have four buttons at the bottom you can use during your call. Add effects, mute yourself, flip the camera, and end the call.
What you need for a group FaceTime call
You and your participants need to make sure you have a supported device and iOS version. Per Apple:
To use Group FaceTime video calls, you need iOS 12.1.4 on one of these devices: iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro or later, iPad Air 2 or later, iPad Mini 4 or later, or iPod touch (7th generation). Earlier models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch that support iOS 12.1.4 can join Group FaceTime calls as audio participants.
Wrapping it up
Are you going to start a group FaceTime call the next time you want to talk with more than one friend or family member? Let us know if you like the group FaceTime feature!