How to make a conference call on an iPhone

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

A conference call joins several ordinary phone calls into one, so everyone hears everyone. It uses your normal phone line, not the internet, and works with any phone at the other end.

Step by step

1. Call the first person

   Tell them you are adding someone, because they are put on hold for a moment.

   Done

2. Tap Add Call

   If you only see the keypad, tap Hide first. The first call is placed on hold.

   Done

3. Call the second person

   Choose them from Contacts or type the number.

   Done

4. Tap Merge Calls

   When the second person answers, the two calls become one.

   Done

5. Add more people

   Repeat Add Call and Merge Calls. The iPhone allows up to five other people, and some networks allow fewer.

   Done

Good to know

If Merge Calls does not appear, your network or tariff may not support conference calls. Ask your network.

When someone calls you during a call, tap Hold & Accept, then Merge Calls to bring them in.

To drop one person or speak to one privately, tap the info button next to the names at the top, then End or Private next to that person.

For larger groups or video, a FaceTime group call or a meeting app works better.

In short: Call, Add Call, call the next person, Merge Calls.