How to make group calls via FaceTime on iPhone and iPad

At group calls via FaceTime are a feature long awaited by users. The function allows more than two people to be able to communicate simultaneously, by video or by audio only, using an iPhone, an iPad or a Mac. It was the arrival of iOS 12.1 that finally made this feature available to everyone.


It is possible to make calls with up to 32 users, free of charge (excluding connection costs if you are not on Wi-Fi). But not all devices support the novelty: group video calls can be made only from iPhones 6s, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 or iPad Mini 4 with iOS 12.1. Older models of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that support iOS 12.1 may be part of the groups only in the audio function.

How to create a group call using the FaceTime application

  1. Open the FaceTime app
  2. Touch the icon + the upper right corner.
  3. Add participants
  4. Touch the Audio or Video button to start the call


How to create a group call using the shortcut in the Messaging app

You can initiate a FaceTime call directly to a group already formed in iMessage. To do this, just follow the steps:

  1. Open the Messaging app
  2. Touch a group conversation, or create a new one
  3. Touch the top of the screen, where the photos of the participants are
  4. Touch FaceTime


With the call started, you can add effects on the camera by touching the star icon (Animojis and Memojis available on Face ID compatible devices), or expand all FaceTime options by touching the three-dot icon, which will allow you to add more people, switch camera, mute the microphone, among others.

But can a real call with 32 people (!!!) really be productive? A group of youtubers decided to test and shows us what a connection looks like with so many people at the same time wanting to talk. Check out:

And this week, Apple launched a new commercial highlighting precisely this function, showing how it is possible to connect several Elvis Presleys around the world.