The simplest way: use the built-in Phone app

You can conference up to five people on an iPhone using only the Phone app that comes with your device — no extra software needed. When you're already on a call with one person, tap Add Call, dial or search for the second person, and when they pick up, tap Merge Calls. Repeat for each additional person. Everyone hears everyone else.

This works on any iPhone model running iOS 11 or later. The person who starts the call (you) is the one who can add people and drop them out. If you drop out, the call ends for everyone.

Key Takeaways

  • The Phone app lets you merge up to five callers at once by tapping Add Call, then Merge Calls.
  • FaceTime can handle group calls with up to 32 people and works across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Android.
  • Speakerphone mode is usually necessary so you can hear everyone clearly and use your hands for other things.
  • If your carrier charges per-minute rates, conference calls may cost more than separate calls — check your plan first.

Using FaceTime for larger groups

If you need more than five people or want video, use FaceTime instead. Open the FaceTime app, tap the plus icon to start a new call, then add each person's name or phone number. You can add up to 32 people total. Unlike the Phone app, FaceTime works across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even Android (though Android users need a link to join).

FaceTime calls use your internet connection, not your cellular minutes, so they won't increase your phone bill. Everyone needs either a FaceTime account or a link you send them. The call quality depends on your WiFi or data speed — a weak connection will drop video or make audio choppy.

Setting up speakerphone so everyone can hear

For any conference call, turn on speakerphone so you don't have to hold the phone to your ear. During a call in the Phone app, tap Speaker at the bottom of the screen. The word will turn blue when it's on. In FaceTime, the speaker is on by default unless you're holding the phone to your ear — it switches automatically.

Speakerphone makes the call louder for you and lets the other people hear background noise in your room. If you're in a quiet space and want privacy, keep the phone to your ear instead. If you're in a noisy place, move to somewhere quieter — other callers will have trouble hearing you over traffic or music.

What happens to your cellular bill

If you use the Phone app for conference calls, your carrier may charge you for each minute of the call as a single call, or they may charge per person on the line — this varies by carrier and plan. Check your plan details or call your carrier to understand how they bill conference calls. Some unlimited plans include conference calling at no extra cost; others charge a per-minute rate.

FaceTime calls use data instead of minutes, so they won't show up as voice minutes on your bill. If you're on a limited data plan, a long FaceTime call with video will use more data than audio alone. A one-hour FaceTime video call typically uses 200 to 500 MB of data depending on video quality.

Keeping the call organized

When you have more than two or three people, it helps to say who you're calling and why at the start. People often can't tell who's speaking on a conference call, especially if there's background noise. If someone needs to drop off, tell them to say goodbye so you know the line didn't just go dead.

If you're using the Phone app and need to remove someone, tap the call screen, find their name, and tap the red minus icon next to it. In FaceTime, swipe left on a person's name to remove them. The person you remove will know the call ended for them.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you can't hear someone or they can't hear you, ask them to move closer to their phone or away from background noise. If the call keeps dropping, you may have a weak cellular or WiFi signal — try moving to a different room or switching between WiFi and cellular data. In the Phone app, if Merge Calls is grayed out, your carrier may not support conference calling on your plan.

If FaceTime keeps freezing or dropping video, close other apps that use data (like streaming or downloads) and move closer to your WiFi router. If you're using cellular data, switching to WiFi usually improves the call. Restart your phone if calls keep failing — this clears temporary glitches that slow down the connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record a conference call on my iPhone?

You can record FaceTime calls using the built-in Screen Recording tool (swipe down from the top right, tap Screen Recording, then start your call). For Phone app calls, recording is more complicated and depends on your state's laws — some states require everyone on the call to consent to recording. Check your state's recording laws before recording any call.

What if someone can't use FaceTime or the Phone app?

You can send a FaceTime link to anyone with an email address or phone number, even if they don't have FaceTime installed. They'll get a link they can tap to join from a web browser. For Phone app calls, the other person just needs a regular phone number and a carrier that supports incoming calls.

Does conference calling work on WiFi only?

Phone app calls need either cellular service or WiFi calling enabled on your carrier's network. FaceTime works on any WiFi connection or cellular data. If you're in an area with no signal and no WiFi, neither will work.

Can I add someone to a call after it's already started?

Yes. In the Phone app, tap Add Call while you're already on a call, dial the new person, and when they answer, tap Merge Calls. In FaceTime, tap the plus icon and add their name or number. The new person will join the existing call.