The basic way to merge calls on iPhone

To merge two calls on iPhone, answer the first call, then tap add call (the plus icon) to dial or answer a second call. Once the second call connects, tap merge calls (shown as a box with two arrows pointing inward). Both callers will then hear each other and you in a three-way conversation.

The merge calls button appears only when you have two active calls at the same time. If you're on a call and the second person hasn't answered yet, you won't see the merge option — it appears once both calls are live.

This feature works on all iPhones with iOS 13 or later. You don't need a special plan or app; it's built into the Phone app and works with any carrier, though some carriers may charge for conference calling depending on your plan.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the plus icon during a call to add a second call, then tap merge calls once both are connected.
  • The merge calls button only appears when you have two active calls — not while one is ringing.
  • You can merge up to five calls at once on most iPhones, creating a conference call.
  • If you need to speak privately to one caller, tap the person's name to put the others on hold.
  • Some carriers charge for conference calling, so check your plan if you use this feature regularly.

Adding a second call before merging

When you're already on a call and need to bring in another person, look for the plus icon in the bottom toolbar of the Phone app. Tapping it will show you your contacts, recent calls, and a keypad so you can dial a new number or answer an incoming call.

While you're dialing or waiting for the second person to answer, the first caller is automatically put on hold. You'll see their name at the top of the screen with a "hold" indicator. They won't hear anything during this time — the line is silent on their end.

Once the second call is answered and both calls are active, the merge calls button becomes available. It's located in the same toolbar where the plus icon was, and tapping it connects all parties into one conversation.

Managing who hears what during a merged call

After you merge calls, all three people (or more) can hear each other. If you need to speak privately with one caller without the others hearing, tap their name at the top of the screen. This puts everyone else on hold while you talk to just that person.

You can switch between the merged call and individual callers as many times as you need. Tapping a name puts that person back on hold and returns you to the merged conversation. This is useful if someone needs to share information privately or if you need to clarify something without the whole group hearing.

If you want to end the call with one specific person while keeping the others connected, tap the red phone icon next to their name. That person is disconnected, but your conversation with the remaining callers continues.

Merging more than two calls

iPhones allow you to merge up to five calls at once, creating a larger conference call. You follow the same process: add a call, merge it, then add another call and merge again. Each time you tap add call and connect someone new, you can merge them into the existing group.

The process works the same way regardless of how many people are on the line. The merge calls button appears each time you have a new active call waiting to be added to the group. Keep in mind that managing five simultaneous conversations can be difficult to follow, and some people may have trouble hearing clearly depending on their connection.

What to do if merge calls doesn't appear

If you don't see the merge calls button, the most common reason is that the second call hasn't fully connected yet — it's still ringing. Wait for the person to answer, and the button will appear once both calls are active.

Another reason the button might not show is if your carrier doesn't support conference calling. Most major carriers in the United States (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) include this feature, but some regional carriers or international plans may not. Contact your carrier to confirm whether conference calling is part of your plan.

If you're using an older version of iOS, update to iOS 13 or later. Merging calls requires this version or newer. Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update to check your current version.

Carrier charges and plan considerations

Most carriers include conference calling at no extra cost, but some plans charge per minute or per call when you merge. Check your carrier's website or call their customer service line to find out whether your specific plan includes this feature or if there are additional fees.

If you use merged calls frequently and your carrier charges for them, you might want to explore free alternatives like FaceTime audio (which lets multiple people join a call through the FaceTime app) or third-party apps like Google Meet or Zoom. These apps don't use your phone's calling minutes and work over Wi-Fi or data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I merge calls if one person is on Wi-Fi calling?

Yes. Wi-Fi calling works the same as regular cellular calling for merging purposes. As long as both calls are active on your iPhone, you can merge them regardless of whether either person is using Wi-Fi or cellular data.

What happens if someone hangs up during a merged call?

The other callers stay connected. If you're the one who initiated the merge, you remain on the call with whoever is still there. If the person who initiated the call hangs up, the merged call ends for everyone.

Can I record a merged call on iPhone?

Not directly through the Phone app. iPhones don't have a built-in call recording feature. Some third-party apps claim to record calls, but they often require all parties to consent and may not work reliably. Check your local laws before attempting to record any call.

Does merging calls use more data?

No. Merged calls use the same cellular connection as a regular call. They don't consume additional data beyond what a standard phone call uses. If you're using Wi-Fi calling, the data usage is minimal.

Can I merge calls on speakerphone?

Yes. You can merge calls and then tap the speakerphone icon to put everyone on speaker. You can also use speakerphone during the entire process of adding and merging calls if you prefer.