Can You Block Group FaceTime Callers in iOS 12?

Apple introduced Group FaceTime in iOS 12.1 to allow video calls with up to 32 participants simultaneously, but managing individual participants during an ongoing call is limited. You cannot block, mute, or remove a specific participant from an active Group FaceTime call in iOS 12. This article explains the limitations of iOS 12 participant controls and the actions you can take if an unwanted person joins your call.

In iOS 12, FaceTime lacks administrative or host controls. Calls operate without a designated moderator, meaning no single user has the authority to mute, kick out, or block another person who has been added to the session. Any member currently on the call has the ability to add new participants, and those participants remain in the conversation until they choose to disconnect.

If an unwanted person enters a Group FaceTime call, you have two primary options:

1. Leave the Call: The fastest way to disconnect from someone you do not wish to speak with is to exit the conversation by tapping the red "Leave" button.
2. Start a New Call: You can initiate a separate Group FaceTime call that includes only the specific contacts you want, leaving out the individual you wish to avoid.

While you cannot block someone within the active call interface, you can block their Apple ID or phone number at the system level to prevent them from contacting you directly in the future. To do this, go to Settings > FaceTime > Blocked, and add the contact to your blocked list.

Note that blocking a contact prevents that person from calling you individually, but it does not stop a mutual contact from adding both of you to the same group call. If a third party initiates a Group FaceTime call and adds both you and the blocked individual, both parties will still be able to see and hear each other until someone leaves.