How to Make a Group FaceTime Call With Family

Group FaceTime lets up to 32 people join a video call at the same time. Here's how to start one and what to do if someone can't connect.

In this guide (4 steps):

1.Start a group FaceTime call
2.Add someone mid-call
3.Invite Android or Windows users with a FaceTime link
4.Navigate the group call screen

Start a group FaceTime call

~34s

Open the FaceTime app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap "New FaceTime" at the top of the screen. In the "To:" field, type the names, phone numbers, or email addresses of the people you want to call. You can add multiple people. When everyone is added, tap the green "FaceTime" button to start the video call. Each person receives a notification and can tap "Join" to enter the call.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: You can also start a group FaceTime from a group Messages conversation: tap the name at the top of the Messages conversation → tap the FaceTime icon. Everyone in the message thread is automatically invited.

Add someone mid-call

~16s

Once a FaceTime call is in progress, you can add more people. Tap the screen to show controls → tap the person icons at the bottom → tap "Add People" → enter the new person's name or number → "Add to FaceTime." They receive a notification to join.

Invite Android or Windows users with a FaceTime link

~32s

Open the FaceTime app → tap "Create Link" at the top. This generates a web link you can share via text, email, or any messaging app. When Android or Windows users tap the link, FaceTime opens in their web browser (Google Chrome recommended) and they can join the call without an Apple account. They are shown as a participant like everyone else.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: FaceTime links can be created in advance and shared before the call — useful for scheduling a set family video call time. Share the link via email or a family group text.

Navigate the group call screen

~37s

During a group call, each person appears in a tile. The tile of whoever is currently speaking enlarges automatically. To change your camera view: tap the icon to switch between front camera (shows your face) and back camera (shows what is in front of you). To mute yourself: tap the microphone icon. To leave the call: tap the red phone icon. You can also use Portrait mode for a blurred background: tap "Effects" → "Portrait" during the call.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: If someone's tile shows a spinning wheel or frozen image, they likely have a poor internet connection. Ask them to move closer to their Wi-Fi router or try turning their video off and back on.

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FaceTime is Apple's free video calling app, and it allows group calls with up to 32 people at once. This is ideal for family gatherings where people are in different locations — everyone can see and talk to each other at the same time on a split screen.

Group FaceTime works between iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Everyone on the call must have an Apple device and an active Apple ID. If you have family members with Android phones or Windows computers, they can still join using a FaceTime link sent via text — they connect through a web browser without needing Apple devices.

This guide shows you how to start a group FaceTime and how to invite non-Apple users.

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