Start Group FaceTime from Messages in iOS 12

Starting a Group FaceTime call directly from the Messages app in iOS 12 allows you to seamlessly transition a group text conversation into a live video or audio chat with up to 32 participants. This guide provides the exact steps required to launch a group call from an existing iMessage thread, outlines participant requirements, and explains how members can join the ongoing call.

Prerequisites

  • Ensure your device is running iOS 12.1 or later, as Group FaceTime was officially enabled in the iOS 12.1 update.
  • All group participants must be using Apple devices with iMessage enabled.
  • Group FaceTime works on iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, or iPad (5th generation) or later. Older devices running iOS 12 can only join via audio.

Steps to Start the Call

  1. Open Messages: Launch the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Select the Group Thread: Tap on an existing group iMessage conversation, or start a new thread by adding the contacts you want to include.
  3. Open the Details Menu: Tap the group profile icons or names located at the top center of the conversation screen.
  4. Initiate the Call: In the menu that expands below the contact icons, tap the FaceTime camera icon to start a video call (or the audio icon for an audio-only call).

Once initiated, a FaceTime bubble will automatically appear inside the iMessage chat thread, notifying everyone in the group. Participants can tap the Join button directly from the chat window or answer the incoming notification to enter the call at any time while it remains active.