How to Make a Conference Call on iPhone: A Complete Guide

Conference calls are a fantastic way to bring people together—whether it’s for work, family catch-ups, or planning events. If you use an iPhone, you’ll be glad to know that setting up and managing a conference call is incredibly simple with the built-in Phone app. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to make a conference call on iPhone, including requirements, benefits, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips.

Benefits of Using iPhone for Conference Calls

Using your iPhone for group calls offers several advantages:

• No third-party apps needed – Use the built-in Phone app.
• Add up to five participants (carrier-dependent).
• Full control – Use speaker, mute, or private chat options.
• No extra cost – If supported by your carrier, there are no extra charges.

In short, conference calling on an iPhone is intuitive and efficient.

Requirements Before Starting a Conference Call

Before placing a group call, ensure the following:

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1. Carrier support: Most major U.S. carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile support conference calls. However, check if your specific plan allows it.
2. Strong signal: A solid cellular connection is essential for clear audio.
3. Latest iOS version: Update your iPhone to ensure access to the latest features.
4. Participant details ready: Have phone numbers on hand to avoid delays.
5. Disable VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling (if needed): These can interfere with call merging. Go to Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling and toggle it off if you face issues.

How to Make a Conference Call on iPhone

Follow these steps to make and manage a conference call:

Step 1: Call the First Person

• Open the Phone app and dial the first number or select a contact. Wait for them to answer.

Step 2: Add Another Call

• Tap the Add Call button. This puts the first person on hold.
  
  

Step 3: Dial the Second Person

• Choose another contact or enter the second number. Tap the Call button and wait for them to answer.

Step 4: Merge the Calls

• Once the second call connects, tap Merge Calls. You’ll now have a three-way call. Repeat steps 2–4 to add more participants (up to five, based on your carrier).
  
  

Pro Tip

If someone calls you during a conference, tap Hold & Accept, then tap Merge Calls to include them.

How to Conduct a Private Conversation

Need to speak to someone privately during a conference call?

1. During the conference call, tap the (i) button at the top of the call screen.
2. Find the participant’s name or number, then tap Private below. This puts the other participants on hold.
3. When you’re done, tap Merge Calls to bring everyone back into the group conversation.
   
   

Note

Only the person who started the call can use the Private feature. It may not be supported by all carriers.

How to Remove Someone From a Conference Call

You can easily remove a participant:

1. Tap the (i) button to view the participant list.
2. Tap End next to the participant’s name to disconnect them.
3. To end the entire call, tap the red End Call button.

Only the call initiator can remove individual participants.

What’s New in iOS 26 for Conference Calls?

Apple has made some exciting improvements in iOS 26:

iOS 26 introduces several updates to iPhone call management that can improve your conference call experience:

• Live Translation: Apple Intelligence can now translate conversations in real time with on-screen captions.
• Call Screening: Your iPhone can automatically answer unknown calls and ask for the caller’s name before letting you decide whether to answer.

To enable these features, go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest version of iOS 26.

Related: How to Download iOS 26 Developer Beta on iPhone

Tips for Smooth Conference Calling on iPhone

Want a better group call experience? Try these tips:

• Plan your call and keep contact info handy.
• Use headphones with a built-in mic for clearer audio.
• Choose a quiet, strong-signal location.
• Tap Mute when you’re not speaking to reduce background noise.
• Use Speaker mode wisely to avoid echo.
• Practice using Merge and Add Call features before an important call.
• Keep groups under five people for better clarity and control.

Troubleshooting iPhone Conference Calling Issues

If you encounter problems during a conference call, try these solutions: 

Problem	Likely cause	Fix
Merge Calls button missing	Carrier blocks merging when VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling is active.	Disable Wi-Fi Calling or ask your carrier to enable conferencing.
Can’t add a sixth person	Hard five-participant limit on Phone app.	Move to FaceTime group call (up to 32 users)
Echo or background noise	Using speaker in a noisy place	Use headphones and enable Voice Isolation
No audio from your side	Mic muted or filtered	Unmute and switch mic mode to Wide Spectrum
Can’t see Private or End options	Not the call initiator or unsupported carrier	Only available for initiators
Dropped calls or poor quality	Weak signals or network glitches	Move to a better coverage area and restart your iPhone.

Make Conference Calls Like a Pro!

That’s everything you need to know about making a conference call on your iPhone. It’s fast, reliable, and packed with features—even more so with iOS 26. Whether you’re catching up with friends, hosting a remote team meeting, or managing a project, your iPhone has you covered.

Have questions or facing issues? Drop a comment—I’m here to help!

Read more:

• What is Call Waiting on iPhone and how to Activate It
• What Does Cancelled Call Mean on iPhone and How to Fix It!
• How to fix “Call Failed” error on iPhone