Adding people to FaceTime is different depending on whether you're starting a new call or adding someone to one already happening

If you're starting fresh, you pick multiple people before you call. If the call is already running, you swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on iPhone or iPad) or click the person icon (on Mac) to see the add option. The steps are slightly different on each device, but the idea is the same: FaceTime shows you your contacts and you tap the ones you want to include.

FaceTime group calls work on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even Android if the other person has the FaceTime link — but only the Apple devices let you start or manage the group. This guide walks you through each method so you know exactly where to tap or click.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone or iPad, open the Contacts app, tap the person you want to call, then tap the FaceTime button to start a one-on-one call, or tap the plus icon to add more people before calling.
  • To add someone to a call already in progress, swipe up from the bottom of the screen on iPhone or iPad, then tap the plus icon and choose who to add.
  • On Mac, click the plus icon in the FaceTime window during a call, then select the contact you want to add from the list that appears.
  • FaceTime group calls can include up to 32 people at once, though the video quality may slow down with very large groups.
  • You can add people by their phone number, email address, or contact name — whoever you choose will receive a notification that they've been added to the call.

Starting a group FaceTime on iPhone or iPad

Open the Contacts app and find the first person you want to call. Tap their name to open their contact card. Look for the FaceTime button — it's a blue icon with a camera symbol. Tap it to start a one-on-one call with that person.

Once the call is connected, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. You'll see a menu with several options. Tap the plus icon (it looks like a circle with a plus sign inside). A list of your contacts will appear. Tap each person you want to add. Each person you select will get a notification that they've been added to the call, and they can accept or decline.

If you want to add multiple people before the call even starts, you can do this instead: open Contacts, tap the plus icon in the top right corner, then tap "Add to FaceTime." Select all the people you want on the call, then tap "FaceTime" at the bottom. This starts the group call with everyone at once instead of adding them one by one.

Adding people during a FaceTime call on Mac

Start or join a FaceTime call on your Mac. Look at the FaceTime window — you'll see a toolbar at the top with several icons. Click the person icon with a plus sign next to it. A list of your contacts will pop up.

Find the person you want to add and click their name. They'll receive a notification that they've been added to the call. You can add multiple people this way by clicking each contact one at a time. The call will continue while you're adding people, so everyone already on the call can keep talking.

Adding people to a FaceTime call on Mac before it starts

Open the FaceTime app and click the plus icon in the top left corner. This opens a new call window. Type or paste the name, phone number, or email address of the first person you want to call. Their contact will appear in a dropdown — click it to select them.

Once you've selected the first person, you'll see a text field that says "Add another person." Click it and add the next person the same way. Repeat until everyone you want is listed. Then click the "FaceTime" button to start the group call with all of them at once.

What happens when you add someone to a group call

When you add a person to a FaceTime call, they see a notification on their device that says they've been added to a FaceTime call with you and whoever else is already on it. They can tap to accept and join, or decline and ignore it. If they decline, they won't be added and the call continues without them.

If the person you're trying to add doesn't have FaceTime (for example, they use Android), you can still include them by sending them a FaceTime link. During the call, swipe up or click the menu icon, then look for "Copy Link" or "Share Link." Send that link to them through text, email, or any messaging app. They can click the link and join the call through their web browser, even though they're not using FaceTime itself.

Removing someone from a FaceTime group call

If you need to remove someone from an active call, swipe up from the bottom on iPhone or iPad, or click the menu icon on Mac. Find the person's name or video tile in the list. On iPhone or iPad, tap the minus icon next to their name. On Mac, right-click their video and select "Remove Participant."

That person will be disconnected from the call immediately. They'll see the call end on their device. You can remove anyone except yourself — if you want to leave the call, you end it for everyone by tapping or clicking the red hang-up button.

Troubleshooting when you can't add someone

If the plus icon is grayed out or won't respond, the most common reason is that you've already reached the 32-person limit for FaceTime group calls. Check how many people are currently on the call — if you're at or near 32, you'll need to remove someone before adding another.

If you can see the plus icon but the person's name doesn't appear when you search for them, make sure you have their contact saved in your phone or Mac. FaceTime can only add people who are in your Contacts app. If they're a new contact, add them to Contacts first, then try adding them to the call again. If they're already in your contacts but still don't show up, try restarting the FaceTime app or restarting your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to a FaceTime call if they're using Android?

You can't add an Android user directly to a FaceTime group call, but you can send them a link to join through their web browser. During the call, find the option to copy or share the FaceTime link, then send it to them via text or email. They'll be able to join and see everyone on the call, though they won't be using the FaceTime app itself.

What's the maximum number of people I can add to a FaceTime call?

FaceTime group calls support up to 32 people at once. If you try to add a 33rd person, you'll get a message saying the call is full. You'll need to remove someone before adding anyone else. With very large groups, video quality may slow down or some people's video may turn off automatically to save bandwidth.

If I add someone to a call, can they see what happened before they joined?

No. When someone joins a FaceTime call, they only see what's happening from that moment forward. They can't see video or hear audio from before they were added. If you want them to know what was discussed, you'll need to fill them in after they join.

Why does the plus icon disappear when I try to add someone?

The plus icon usually disappears because you've reached the 32-person limit on the call. It can also disappear temporarily if your internet connection is unstable — try waiting a few seconds or checking your Wi-Fi or cellular connection. If it still doesn't work, close the FaceTime app completely and open it again.

Can I add someone to a FaceTime call if they don't have me in their contacts?

Yes. You can add anyone whose phone number or email address you have, even if they don't have you saved. They'll receive a notification that they've been added to a FaceTime call from your phone number or email, and they can accept or decline. They don't need to have you in their contacts to join.