How to make a group call on your phone: 2 simple and quick tips

In the context of increasingly popular remote work, group calls have become an indispensable tool. According to many reports on flexible work trends, over 60% of office workers have participated in remote meetings at least once a week. However, not everyone knows how to create group calls quickly, without errors, and without interruption.

This article will guide you on how to create group calls on your phone, which is extremely simple and applicable for work, study, and personal conversations. With just a few basic steps, you can connect with 3 or more people in a single call without installing complex additional apps. If you are looking for a way to call multiple people at once, save time, and increase communication efficiency, this is the guide for you.

Tip 1: How to create a group call on your phone

Step 1: Call the first person in the group call

1. Call the first person in the group call

• Open the Phone app on your smartphone.

• Select a number from your contacts or dial directly using the keypad.

• Make the call and wait for the person to answer.

This is an important initial step in creating a group call. You need to ensure the first call is successfully connected before you can add others to the conference call.

2. Add new participants to the call

• Once the first call is connected, you will see an Add Call option on the screen.

• Tap this button, and the system will automatically put the first person on hold.

• Continue by selecting the second person from your contacts or entering a new number to make the next call.

This action is fundamental to calling multiple people at once on an iPhone or Android phone. When the second person answers, you can proceed to merge the calls to complete the conference call.

Step 2: Call the next person in the group call

• After adding the second person, tap Add Call on the screen again.

• Select the person you want to add from your contacts or enter their phone number directly.

• Make the call and wait for that person to answer.

This is a repetitive action in how to create a group call on your phone when you want to add more people to the conference call. Each time you add someone, the system automatically puts the previous call on hold until you merge them.

Step 3: Merge calls to create a group call

• Once the second person has answered, tap Merge Call on the screen.

• The system will connect all parties into a single conference call.

• At this point, you have completed the basic steps for creating a group call on your phone.

This is the crucial step in calling multiple people at once. If you don't tap merge, the calls remain separate and do not become a true conference call.

Number of participants in a group call

• Typically, a conference call can accommodate a maximum of about 5 people.

• The specific number depends on your service provider.

• It's advisable to check with your carrier in advance if you need to organize an important large group call.

Understanding the limits helps you be more proactive when setting up a group call on your phone, especially for business meetings or discussions with multiple partners.

Devices supporting conference calls

• This feature works stably on Apple iPhones.

• Popular Android models, including HTC Hero, also offer similar support.

• Most smartphones today come with this feature built-in, without needing to install additional apps.

With just a few simple steps, you can quickly complete how to create a group call on iPhone and Android, saving time and ensuring effective information exchange.

Tip 2: How to choose the right conference call service for your work

Step 1: Choose a suitable online meeting service

• Find a provider that supports conference calls or online meetings according to your needs.

• Popular platforms like GoToMeeting or Skype allow creating audio/video group calls at various price points.

• Service packages can be free or cost from hundreds of thousands to several million VND per year, depending on the number of participants and included features.

Choosing correctly from the start helps save costs and ensures stable group call quality for long-term work use.

Understand pricing to optimize your budget

• Pay-per-call: cost depends on the number of participants and call duration.

• Fixed monthly fee: unlimited usage via a "conference bridge."

• Typically, the host pays for the service.

If your company frequently holds online meetings, a fixed package will be more optimal than pay-per-call.

Check technical requirements before subscribing

• Some providers require additional equipment or long-distance service subscriptions.

• Some prepaid services allow direct use of landlines, mobile phones, or computers.

• You need to clearly determine whether you want to use group calls on your phone, on your computer, or a combination of both.

Checking in advance helps avoid unnecessary costs.

Consider toll-free or long-distance charges

• You can subscribe to a toll-free number so participants don't incur charges.

• Alternatively, participants can pay for long-distance calls themselves.

• For internal meetings, a cost-sharing approach might be more suitable.

This choice directly impacts participant experience and overall operating costs.

Combine group calls with online meetings for document sharing

• Many platforms allow combining conference calls with screen sharing and document presentation.

• You can use integrated packages from the provider.

• Or simply ask all participants to access the same link or open a shared file during the call.

This solution is particularly useful for presenting reports, giving presentations, or remote training, making how to create group calls more professional and efficient.

Step 2: Prepare all necessary information for the group call

• Provide the conference number to all participants.

• Include the access code / call password (PIN) if required by the system.

• Clearly state the start time and time zone (if participants are in different regions).

• Provide brief instructions on how to join to avoid confusion when entering the conference call.

Providing complete information helps participants join the meeting quickly, preventing common errors like dialing the wrong number or entering the wrong code, especially when first implementing group call setup for a business.

Test the system before the official meeting

• Test calling the "conference bridge" 1-2 days in advance.

• Check audio, microphone, speakers, or headphones.

• Ensure the access code works correctly.

• Confirm the participant limit according to your service package.

This testing step is especially important if you are using the platform for the first time or organizing a group call on your phone and computer. Pre-testing helps avoid technical issues during important meetings and enhances professionalism when implementing calling multiple people at once.

Step 3: Schedule group calls clearly and professionally

Step 4: Choose an appropriate space for group calls

• Make group calls on the phone or computer in a quiet place, limiting ambient noise.

• Use headphones with a microphone for clearer audio.

• Turn off app notifications and secondary phone rings to avoid interruptions.

• Check internet connection if holding online meetings with video.

A good environment makes conference calls more professional, prevents distractions, and improves the quality of discussion.

Create a clear agenda before the meeting

• Define the main objectives of the meeting.

• List each topic to be discussed.

• Assign specific presenters for each section.

• Arrange content order by priority.

Preparing an agenda helps manage time effectively and avoids rambling when organizing how to set up a group call for work.

Send the agenda and meeting information to all participants

• Send an email with the time, phone number, or join link.

• Attach relevant documents for everyone to prepare in advance.

• Request confirmation of receipt of information.

Sharing content in advance helps participants be more proactive, increasing interaction in group calls.

Stick to the agenda throughout the meeting

• Adhere to each planned topic.

• Gently steer the discussion back on topic if it strays.

• Monitor time to know when to conclude.

Adhering to the agenda is a crucial factor in ensuring the conference call meets its objectives, stays on schedule, and achieves maximum effectiveness.

Step 5: Start the group call on time

• Log in or call into the system at the scheduled time.

• It's best to join about 5-10 minutes early to check audio and connection.

• Confirm that the microphone, speakers, and camera (if any) are working properly.

Being proactive helps you better control how to create a group call, avoiding awkwardness or lateness – which can easily diminish credibility in a professional setting.

Understand the meeting platform's operating mechanism

• Some systems do not allow logging in before the scheduled time.

• Some platforms require the host to log in with a private password for the meeting to start.

• Participants will have to wait if the host has not yet entered the meeting room.

Therefore, if you are organizing a conference call, make sure to log in with the correct role and have the host code available. This helps ensure your group call on phone or computer runs smoothly from the very first minute, creating a professional impression and saving time for everyone.

Step 6: Wait for enough participants before starting

• Check the list of people who have joined the meeting room or connected to the call.

• Wait an additional 1-3 minutes if some participants who previously confirmed are still missing.

• At the start, briefly introduce the objective of the group call so everyone understands the main content.

A proper start helps the conference call stay focused from the beginning and avoids repeating information for latecomers.

Summarize content before ending the call

• Summarize agreed-upon points or important decisions.

• Recap timelines, responsible persons, and next steps.

• Reconfirm if any points are unclear.

This is an important step in creating effective group calls, helping to avoid misunderstandings or missed tasks after the meeting.

End professionally and clearly

• Formally announce the end of the meeting.

• Thank everyone for their participation and contributions.

• If necessary, announce the tentative time for the next meeting.

A clear ending helps ensure the group call on phone or online doesn't extend unnecessarily, while fostering professional work habits and respecting everyone's time.

Minimize noise in group calls

• Avoid flipping papers or typing continuously when not necessary.

• Position the microphone away from noise sources like fans or air conditioners.

• Prepare documents in advance so you don't have to search for them during the meeting.

Background noise is a common cause of reduced conference call quality, especially when meeting with multiple people simultaneously.

Use the mute button correctly

• Turn on mute when not speaking.

• Mute your microphone if there's coughing, sneezing, or private sounds.

• Check your microphone before speaking to avoid interruptions.

This habit helps make group calls on the phone or online more professional and easier to hear.

Do not eat or drink during the meeting

• Avoid chewing gum, snacks, or noisy food.

• If the meeting is long, announce a break instead of eating during the call.

Small noises, when repeated, can be annoying to participants, especially in multi-person calls.

Ensure international access

• Check if participants outside the United States or your country can dial into the system.

• Confirm that the platform supports international access numbers.

• Check time zones to avoid meeting schedule confusion.

For cross-border meetings, this is a crucial factor for how to set up a group call to run smoothly.

Carefully check the costs of toll-free and toll numbers

• Compare pricing between toll-free numbers and regular toll numbers.

• Note that costs can vary significantly.

• Calculate in advance if you frequently organize large-scale conference calls.

Thoroughly research hidden fees and contract terms

• Ask clearly about setup fees, monthly maintenance fees, or overage fees.

• Check the minimum usage commitment period.

• Request a detailed written price list before signing a contract.

Cost transparency helps businesses better control their budget when implementing professional group call services, avoiding unexpected expenses and ensuring long-term effectiveness.

References

1. Rosenberg, A., PCC. Founder of Pacific Life Coach. Expert interview.
   

Translation: Rene Lee Nguyen.