To merge calls on iPhone, start a normal call, then tap Add People or Add Call to place a second call, and tap Merge Calls to bring everyone into one conversation. You can repeat this process to add more participants, up to five people total depending on your carrier, making it easy to turn separate calls into a single group call on iPhone.
How to merge calls on iPhone
Merging calls on iPhone is a built-in feature of the Phone app, so you don’t need any extra software. The process works the same whether you’re calling from your contacts list, your recent calls, or a keypad number.
- Open the Phone app and make your first call as you normally would.
- Once that person answers, tap Add People or Add Call on the call screen. This puts your first call on hold.
- Dial the second person’s number or select a contact, then tap the call button.
- When the second person answers, tap Merge Calls. Your two calls are now a single group call.
- To add a third, fourth, or fifth person, repeat the same steps: tap Add People or Add Call, make the next call, then tap Merge Calls again.
You can keep adding people this way until you reach your carrier’s limit. Apple documents conference calling on iPhone with up to five people, but the exact number depends on your carrier’s support.
How to add an incoming caller to your group call
If you’re already on a group call and someone calls you, you don’t have to end the conference to talk to them. You can bring them into the existing group conversation instead.
- When the incoming call appears, tap Hold Call & Answer or Hold & Accept. This puts your current group call on hold and connects you to the new caller.
- Once the new caller is on the line, tap Merge Calls.
The incoming caller is now part of the same group conversation, and everyone can hear each other. This works the same way as adding a call manually, so you can use it to grow your conference without dropping anyone.
How to manage a group call on iPhone
Once your group call is active, the iPhone’s in-call controls let you handle participants individually without ending the whole conversation.
To talk privately with one person, tap the Info button on the call screen. Next to that person’s name, tap Private. This temporarily puts everyone else on hold so you can speak one-on-one. When you’re done, tap Merge Calls to bring the whole group back together.
You can also mute individual participants from the same Info screen. Tap the mute icon next to a person’s name to silence their audio for everyone, which is useful if there’s background noise on their end. The group call itself continues normally while you make these changes.
To mute or unmute a participant, tap on their name or number in the call interface and tap the 'Mute' or 'Unmute' button.
To put participants on hold, tap on a participant's name or number in the call interface and access the 'Hold' option.
How to remove one person or end a group call
If someone needs to leave the conference but the rest of the group should stay connected, you can drop just that one participant.
- Tap the Info button during the group call.
- Find the person you want to remove and tap End next to their name.
That person is disconnected, and the remaining participants stay in the call. To end the entire conference call for everyone, tap the red End button on your screen. This disconnects all participants at once, so it’s the quickest way to close out the whole group conversation.
You can end the call with each participant individually by tapping the 'More' button (three dots), selecting 'End Call' for that participant, and repeating for others.
Important notes for iPhone conference calls
Before you rely on merging calls on iPhone for an important conversation, keep a few limitations in mind. Apple states that GSM conference calls can have up to five people, but the exact limit is set by your carrier, so your actual maximum might be lower. Additionally, some conference-calling features may not work when the call uses VoLTE or Wi‑Fi Calling. If you notice that merge options are missing or behave differently, try switching to a standard cellular connection. These steps are documented for the iPhone’s Phone app, and Apple does not list a specific iPhone model or iOS version requirement for the core merge function, so the feature should be available on any iPhone that can make standard calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I merge calls on iPhone with more than five people?
No. Apple documents a maximum of five people on a conference call, including yourself. Your carrier may set a lower limit, so check with them if you need more participants.
Why is the merge calls button not showing on my iPhone?
The merge option may be hidden if your carrier doesn’t support conference calling, or if the call is using VoLTE or Wi‑Fi Calling, where some features are unavailable. Try turning off Wi‑Fi Calling or switching to a standard cellular call.
Can I merge calls on iPhone if I’m using a Bluetooth headset?
Yes, the merge controls appear on your iPhone’s screen even when you’re using a Bluetooth device. You’ll still tap the same on-screen buttons to add calls and merge them.
Does merging calls on iPhone work with international numbers?
It can, but it depends on your carrier’s support for conference calling with international lines. The same five-person limit applies, and some carriers restrict merging international calls.
Can I remove a specific person from a group call on iPhone?
The ability to remove a specific person from a group call on iPhone is not available. However, if you hang up, the remaining participants can continue the call without you.
For the wider topic, see forward a cell phone.
Related reading: How To Cancel Voicemail On IPhone and Where Are Favorites On IPhone 13.
