How to FaceTime Multiple People from a Group Text on iPhone

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

Need to do a group FaceTime call instead of a group text? Texting is great, but sometimes, you need to have a conversation face-to-face. Starting a group FaceTime from a group text message is the easiest way to start a group call. The contacts involved will be notified and can join the ongoing FaceTime chat whenever they're ready.

How to Start a Group FaceTime from a Group Text

It's quick and easy to do a group FaceTime call from a group text, so let's dive in. For more easy-to-follow guides like this, sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

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  1. Open Messages to begin making a group FaceTime call.

    Home screen with Messages app icon marked.
  2. Select the group that you want to FaceTime.

    Messages app screen with a group text marked.
  3. At the top right of your screen, tap the camera icon.

    Messages app in a group text with the FaceTime camera icon marked.
  4. This will open a small menu. Tap the option you'd prefer, either FaceTime Audio or FaceTime Video.

    Messages app in a group text with the FaceTime menu opened and the options marked.
  5. The contacts you're calling will receive a notification they can use to join the call.

    Lock Screen with a notification for a FaceTime call marked.
  6. They can also join the call from the group text. This is why you may see a green Join button in an iMessage group chat.

    Messages app in a group text with a marked in-chat notification for a FaceTime call showing a join button.
  7. While you're waiting for your friends to connect, your screen will look like this.

    FaceTime screen waiting for others to join.
  8. When you're finished with the conversation, tap the top of the screen to bring up the menu, then tap Leave.

    FaceTime call with the menu open at the top of the screen and the Leave button marked.

The best part is that FaceTime isn't just for local calls; international FaceTime calls are also free! You just need a Wi-Fi or cellular connection to make it work. It's so nice to be able to talk face-to-face, no matter where you are. You may also want to learn how to set up FaceTime caller ID

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Author Details

Tamlin Day's picture

Author Details

Tamlin Day

Tamlin Day is a feature web writer for iPhone Life and a regular contributor to iPhone Life magazine. A prolific writer of tips, reviews, and in-depth guides, Tamlin has written hundreds of articles for iPhone Life. From iPhone settings to recommendations for the best iPhone-compatible gear to the latest Apple news, Tamlin's expertise covers a broad spectrum. 

Before joining iPhone Life, Tamlin received his BFA in Media & Communications as well as a BA in Graphic Design from Maharishi International University (MIU), where he edited MIU's literary journal, Meta-fore. With a passion for teaching, Tamlin has instructed young adults, college students, and adult learners on topics ranging from spoken word poetry to taking the perfect group selfie. Tamlin's first computer, a Radioshack Color Computer III, was given to him by his father. At 13, Tamlin built his first PC from spare parts. He is proud to put his passion for teaching and tech into practice as a writer and educator at iPhone Life.