The simplest way to add people to a call on iPhone

To add someone to an active call on iPhone, tap the add call button (the plus sign with a circle around it) during your current call, dial or search for the second person's number or contact, then tap the call button. Once they answer, tap merge calls to put both people on the same line. You now have a three-way call.

The process works the same whether you're using the Phone app or FaceTime. The buttons are in the same place and work the same way. If you want to add more than one person, you repeat the process — add a call, dial the next person, merge when they answer.

This feature works on all iPhone models running iOS 13 or later. If you have an older iPhone or older iOS version, the buttons may be in slightly different places, but the steps are the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the plus-sign button during an active call to add another person without hanging up on the first caller.
  • The merge calls button appears only after the second person answers — you cannot merge before they pick up.
  • You can add up to five people total on most carriers, though some carriers limit conference calls to three people.
  • If you accidentally tap the wrong button, you can tap the X next to a caller's name to remove them from the conference without disconnecting everyone.

Step-by-step: adding a second person to a call

Start with an active call already in progress. Look at the bottom of your screen — you'll see several buttons arranged in a row. The second button from the left is a plus sign inside a circle. Tap it.

Your first caller will be put on hold (they'll hear silence or hold music, depending on your carrier). The Phone app will open to the keypad, and you'll see your first caller's name at the top of the screen with a gray background, showing they're on hold.

Now dial the second person's number, or tap the Contacts button to search for them by name. Once you've found them, tap the green call button. Wait for them to answer.

After they answer, look at the bottom of the screen again. You'll now see a button that says merge calls. Tap it. Both callers will now be on the same line and can hear each other.

How to add more than two people

To add a third person, repeat the process while the first two are already merged. Tap the plus button again. Your conference call will be put on hold, and you'll see the keypad. Dial the third person's number or search for them in Contacts.

When they answer, tap merge calls again. The three of you are now connected. You can continue this process to add a fourth and fifth person, depending on your carrier's limits.

Your carrier determines the maximum number of people you can have on a conference call. Most major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) allow up to five people. Some smaller carriers or older plans may limit you to three. If you try to add a sixth person and the merge button doesn't appear, you've hit your carrier's limit.

What to do if the merge calls button doesn't appear

If you've dialed a second person and they've answered, but you don't see a merge calls button, the most common reason is that your carrier doesn't support conference calling on your plan. This is rare on modern plans but can happen on very old or limited plans.

Another possibility is that the second person's phone is on a network that doesn't support merging with your network. This occasionally happens when calling internationally or to certain business phone systems. In this case, you'll need to use a video call app like FaceTime, Google Meet, or Zoom instead.

If you're on WiFi calling and the merge button still doesn't appear, try switching to cellular data. Some carriers have limits on conference calling over WiFi.

Using FaceTime for group calls instead

If you want to add more than five people, or if the merge calls button isn't working, FaceTime is a better option. Open FaceTime, start a call with one person, then tap the plus button to add more people. FaceTime allows up to 32 people on one call.

FaceTime works over WiFi or cellular data, and everyone needs an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) or a link to join from Android. Unlike a phone conference call, FaceTime shows video of everyone (unless you turn video off), and it's free as long as everyone has WiFi or data.

The trade-off is that FaceTime requires everyone to have an Apple ID or be willing to join through a link. A regular phone conference call works with any phone number, so it's simpler if you're calling people on older phones or Android devices.

How to remove someone from a conference call

If you've added someone by mistake or need to drop a caller, look at the screen during the conference call. You'll see each person's name with a small X button next to it. Tap the X next to the person you want to remove.

That person will be disconnected from the call, but the other callers will stay connected. You can remove anyone except yourself — to end the call for everyone, tap the red hang-up button.

If you need to speak to one person privately while keeping the others on hold, tap their name to switch to a one-on-one call with them. The others will be put on hold. Tap merge calls again to bring everyone back together.

Troubleshooting common problems

If people can't hear each other after you tap merge calls, ask everyone to hang up and try again. Sometimes the connection takes a moment to establish, and it helps to start fresh.

If one person keeps getting dropped when you try to add them, they may be on a network with poor signal, or their carrier may have a technical issue. Ask them to move to a better signal area or try calling them back in a few minutes.

If the plus button is grayed out and you can't tap it, you may be on a call that doesn't support adding people — for example, some business phone systems or international calls. In this case, FaceTime or a third-party app like Zoom is your only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I conference call on iPhone without paying extra?

Yes. Conference calling is included in all standard phone plans at no extra cost. You're only charged for the minutes used, the same as a regular call. Some carriers may charge differently for international conference calls, so check your plan if you're calling across borders.

What happens if someone hangs up during a conference call?

The other people stay connected. If person A hangs up, you and person B can keep talking. The call doesn't end for everyone unless the person who started the call (you) hangs up.

Can I record a conference call on iPhone?

You can use the built-in Voice Memos app to record audio from your speaker during a call, but you must tell everyone they're being recorded — it's required by law in most places. Some states require everyone on the call to consent before you record. Check your local laws first.

Does conference calling work on WiFi calling?

Yes, conference calling works over WiFi calling on most carriers. If the merge button doesn't appear, try switching to cellular data. Some carriers have technical limits on WiFi conference calls.

What's the difference between a conference call and a group FaceTime?

A conference call uses phone numbers and works on any phone. Group FaceTime requires Apple devices or a link to join, shows video, and allows up to 32 people instead of five. Use conference calls for quick multi-person calls with mixed devices; use FaceTime when everyone has Apple devices and you want video.