How to Do a Group FaceTime

This wikiHow teaches you how to do a group video chat on your iPhone or iPad. Though group video chats are not supported by FaceTime, you can get the same effect with a free iMessage app called Fam.

EditSteps

EditInstalling Fam for iMessage

Open the App Store . It’s typically on the home screen.
Tap . It’s under the magnifying glass at the bottom of the screen.
Type into the search box. A list of results will appear.
Tap next to “Fam – Group video calling for iMessage.”
Tap .
Enter your PIN or use Touch ID. Once you verify your identity, the app will install on your phone or tablet.
Open Messages . It’s typically at the bottom of the home screen.
Tap the group with whom you want to video chat. This opens a conversation with that group. You can select a group with as many members as you wish, though Fam recommends less than 16. Once you hit 16 users, each user’s video will be too small to see.^[1]
- If you don’t already have a group conversation, create one now.
- You’ll only be able to use Fam with other iMessage users. Once you start a group video chat, your contacts will be prompted to install Fam on their iPhones or iPads.
Tap . It’s at the bottom of the conversation.
Tap the square made of 4 circles. It’s at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Tap the plus (+) icon. It’s at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Tap . It’s at the top of the screen. This opens a list of apps waiting to be added to iMessage, including Fam.
Slide the “Fam” switch to .
Tap . It’s at the top-right corner of the screen. Fam is now installed and ready to use. You’ll be returned to the group text conversation.

EditMaking a Group Video Call

Select your group conversation in the Messages app. If you’re already there, you can skip this step. Otherwise, open Messages, then tap the group with whom you want to video chat.
- You’ll only be able to use Fam with other iMessage users. Once you start a group video chat, your contacts will be prompted to install Fam on their iPhones or iPads.
Tap the square made of 4 circles. It’s at the bottom-left corner of the screen. A list of apps will appear, including Fam.
Tap . It’s the pink icon with a black and white eyeball inside. The keyboard area will change into a cam, and you’ll see a “Start Group Video” button.
Tap . It’s the pink rectangle at the bottom of the screen. A link will now appear in the typing area at the top of the screen. You’ll need to send this to the group to get started.
Tap the Send button. It’s the arrow icon at the bottom-right corner of the message. The other group members will now see the link in the group chat.
Tap . Now you’ll be connected to the video call. All you’ll need to do is wait for the others to tap the button and get Fam.
- To pause the call to use another app, tap the pink Fam icon at the top of the screen, then press your iPhone or iPad’s Home button. Tap the red bar at the top of the home screen when you want to resume the call.
- To leave the call, just close the group chat conversation in iMessage.