Facetime Group Call is a feature from Apple that lets you connect with multiple people simultaneously. With the ability to include up to 32 participants, it’s a powerful tool for both personal and professional video calls. It’s integrated into Apple devices, making it easy for users to start or join calls directly from the Messages app or the Facetime app itself.
Setting up a Group Facetime call is straightforward. You can start a call with just a few taps, and managing participants is simple. People can join using a phone number or an email address associated with their Apple ID. Even those who don’t own Apple devices can participate through a shared link using a web browser.
Guide: FaceTime Group Call Feature
Apple’s FaceTime Group Call lets you video or audio chat with multiple people at once—perfect for family catch-ups, team meetings, or study groups. You can connect with up to 32 participants on iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
🔧 1. Requirements
Before starting a group call, make sure:
- Device Compatibility: iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro or later, iPad (5th gen or newer), or Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14.3 or later.
- Software: iOS 12.1.4 or later, iPadOS, or macOS Mojave+.
- Apple ID signed in to FaceTime.
- Internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular).
📱 2. How to Start a Group FaceTime Call
On iPhone or iPad
- Open the FaceTime app.
- Tap New FaceTime.
- Enter the names, numbers, or emails of the people you want to call.
- Tap FaceTime Video (for video) or FaceTime Audio (for voice only).
👉 You can also start a group call directly from a Messages group chat by tapping the FaceTime button at the top of the conversation (source: Apple Support).
On Mac
- Open the FaceTime app.
- Enter multiple contacts in the search bar.
- Click Video or Audio to start the group call.
👥 3. Adding People During a Call
- While on a FaceTime call, tap the Participants button.
- Select Add Person.
- Enter their contact info and tap Add to FaceTime.
This makes it easy to bring more people into an ongoing conversation.
🎛️ 4. Features During a Group Call
- Grid View: See everyone in equal-sized tiles. Active speakers are highlighted.
- Portrait Mode (on newer iPhones/iPads): Blurs the background for a professional look.
- Reactions: Use hand gestures (like a thumbs-up or heart) to trigger on-screen effects.
- Screen Sharing: Share your screen to show documents, apps, or presentations.
- Handoff: Seamlessly switch between iPhone, iPad, and Mac during a call.
🔒 5. Privacy & Security
- All FaceTime calls (1-on-1 or group) are end-to-end encrypted.
- Only invited participants can join.
- You can mute yourself, turn off video, or leave anytime.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Up to 32 people can join a FaceTime group call.
- Works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- You can start from the FaceTime app or a Messages group chat.
- Includes modern features like screen sharing, reactions, and grid view.
- Calls are secure and private.
✨ Bottom Line:
FaceTime Group Calls are a free, secure, and easy way to connect with multiple people at once—whether for personal chats or professional meetings.
Key Takeaways
- Facetime Group Call supports up to 32 participants on Apple devices.
- Starting or joining a call can be done through the Messages or Facetime app.
- Non-Apple users can join Facetime calls with a shared link via a web browser.
Setting Up and Managing Facetime Group Calls
Facetime Group Calls offer a convenient way to connect with multiple people. Whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, setting up and managing these group calls is simple and allows for up to 32 participants.
Initiating a Group Facetime Call
To start a Group Facetime Video or Audio call on an iOS device, launch the Facetime app. Tap the ‘New Facetime’ button and enter the names, phone numbers, or email addresses in the ‘To’ field. On a Mac, go to the Messages app, select a conversation, and click the ‘Details’ button to start the call.
Adding Participants to an Existing Call
Even with a call already active, you can add people. On the call screen, swipe up from the bottom edge and tap ‘Add People’. Type the contact information or select from the Contacts list. An added participant will receive a notification to join the ongoing call.
Managing Participants During a Call
Once the call is underway, the screen displays all participants. On an iPhone or iPad, tap on a person’s tile and use the ‘Ring’ button to get their attention. If you need to remove someone, tap their name and select ‘Remove’ from the options.
Handling Call Notifications and Ringtones
When invited to a Facetime Group Call, iOS and macOS users receive a notification. You can join by tapping the ‘Join’ button from the notification. Android and Windows users can join via a compatible browser if they’ve received a link. Go to Settings to customize ringtones and other call alerts.






