With Group FaceTime, you can chat with multiple people at the same time. Apple provides detailed information about Group FaceTime, including supported features and calling options. It is convenient and comfortable. You can use Group FaceTime for family conversations, work discussions, or catching up with friends without needing a separate video-calling application.

You can start a Group FaceTime call directly from the FaceTime app or from a group conversation in the Messages app. Group FaceTime supports up to 32 participants, making it useful for larger group conversations.

During a Group FaceTime call, the tile of the person who is speaking can automatically become more prominent, helping you follow the conversation without missing who is talking.

This Article Belongs to Smartphones

Which Devices Support Group FaceTime?

To make Group FaceTime video calls, you need a compatible Apple device running a supported version of iOS or iPadOS. Supported devices include iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 or later, iPad mini 4 or later, and compatible iPad models with the required software version.

If you use an older iPod touch that supports iOS 12.1.4, you can join Group FaceTime calls through audio.

For users comparing Apple smartphones, the iPhone SE 2 is another compact iPhone option worth considering.

FaceTime Availability

FaceTime is not available in every country or region. Availability can depend on the location and the device being used.

Start a Group FaceTime Call from the FaceTime App

Follow these steps to start a Group FaceTime call:

  • Open the FaceTime app.
  • Make sure FaceTime is enabled by going to Settings > FaceTime.
  • Tap the New FaceTime
  • Enter the name, phone number, or email address of the people you want to contact.
  • Tap Audio or Video to start the call.
  • You can add up to 32 people to a Group FaceTime call.

Start a Group FaceTime Call from Messages

You can also start Group FaceTime directly from a group conversation in Messages.

  • Open Messages and start a group conversation or select an existing group chat.
  • Tap the contacts at the top of the conversation.
  • Tap FaceTime.
  • Choose to start the call.
  • Up to 32 people can participate in the Group FaceTime call.

This method is especially convenient when you are already discussing something with several people in Messages and want to move the conversation to video.

Why Can’t I See Faces on Group FaceTime?

If you cannot see other participants properly during a Group FaceTime call, first check that your device supports Group FaceTime and that you are using a compatible version of iOS or iPadOS.

The people you are attempting to contact also need compatible devices and software. Checking your internet connection and restarting FaceTime can also help resolve temporary connection problems.

Join a Group FaceTime Call

There are several ways to join a Group FaceTime call started by someone else.

You can tap the FaceTime notification from the Notification Centre or Lock Screen and then select the option to join the call.

If the call was started through Messages, tap the notification at the top of the screen or select Join from the group conversation.

You can also open the FaceTime app, find the active conversation and tap the option to join the call.

Add a Person to a Group FaceTime Call

You can add another participant after a Group FaceTime call has already started.

  • During the call, tap the screen to display the controls.
  • Tap the Add
  • Choose Add People.
  • Enter the person’s name, phone number, or email address.
  • Tap Add Person to FaceTime.

When you add someone, you can tap Call next to their name to notify them about the incoming call.

Once a person has joined a Group FaceTime call, they cannot simply be removed by another participant. They need to leave the call themselves.

Add Camera Effects to Group FaceTime Calls

Compatible Apple devices can provide additional camera effects during FaceTime calls. Depending on the device, these can include Memoji, Animoji, filters, text, shapes and stickers.

For example, supported iPhone and iPad Pro models with Face ID can use Memoji and Animoji during compatible FaceTime calls.

To use Memoji or Animoji:

  • Start or join a FaceTime call.
  • Tap the Effects
  • Select the available Memoji or Animoji option.
  • Choose the character you want to use.

Other supported camera effects can be accessed through the Effects menu. Availability varies according to the device and operating system.

Compare iPad Models for FaceTime

iPads can provide a larger screen than an iPhone, which can make group video calls easier to view. Different iPad models also vary in screen size, processing performance, cameras and other features.

Before choosing a model for FaceTime, it can be useful to review an iPad comparison to understand the differences between available options.

Change FaceTime Video and Audio Settings

You can adjust several audio and video controls while participating in a FaceTime call.

Tap the screen during the call to display additional options. Depending on your device, you can:

  • Turn the camera off and on.
  • Switch between the front and rear cameras.
  • Mute or unmute the microphone.
  • Change the audio output or use the speaker.
  • Access available camera effects.

If a particular camera option is unavailable, check whether your device supports that feature.

The tile of the person speaking can automatically become larger during a Group FaceTime call. On supported versions of iOS and iPadOS, this behaviour can be adjusted through FaceTime settings.

What Does SOS Mean on iPhone During a Call?

If your iPhone displays an SOS message instead of showing a normal mobile network connection, it generally indicates that the device is not connected to your regular cellular network but may still be able to make emergency calls, depending on the location and available network support.

If you notice this while trying to make a FaceTime call, check your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection because FaceTime requires an internet connection.

For more information about this iPhone status, see what SOS means on iPhone.

Conclusion

Group FaceTime makes it possible to communicate with multiple people through video or audio from compatible Apple devices. You can start calls from FaceTime or Messages, invite additional participants, use supported camera effects and adjust audio and video settings during a conversation.

With support for up to 32 participants, Group FaceTime can be useful for personal conversations, group meetings and other situations where several people need to communicate at the same time.