U.S. professionals' reliance on remote meetings has increased to 45-50%, but when you're out of the office, especially on a business trip, how do you set up a conference call on the go? Can your iPhone handle it? This guide walks you through how to host flawless calls from your iPhone—even in noisy places—with crystal-clear noise cancellation. Plus,we’ll also share the top 3 apps that boost productivity by 40% (Forrester), offering better controls, recordings, and collaboration.
How to Set Up Conference Calls on iPhone Using Built-in Features
If you need free conference calling on your iPhone, you're in luck - Apple's built-in tools have you covered. With FaceTime Audio, you can connect up to 32 people, and the regular Phone app makes it simple to merge calls. Both options work over Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Option 1：Group FaceTime Audio (Best for Apple-to-Apple Conference Calls)
1.Check Compatibility
- Your iPhone needs iOS 12.1 or later (pretty much any iPhone from the last 5+ years).
- Everyone in the call must have an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac) and be signed in with their Apple ID.
2.Start the Call
- Open the FaceTime app.
- Tap the + (plus) button at the top right.
- Type the name or number of the first person you want to call → Tap the Audio or Video button (pick “Audio” for a classic conference call vibe!)
3. Add People to the Call
- Once the first person answers, tap the screen → hit Add People.
- Type the next name/number → tap Add People to FaceTime.
- Repeat to add more folks (up to 32 people total!).
- Pro Tip: You can also tap the sidebar icon (☰) anytime to see who’s on the call.
4.Everyone Joins
- Added folks get an invite notification → They just tap Join (big green button!).
- If someone misses it? Swipe down on their contact bubble → tap Join.
Option 2: Merge Calls Using the Phone App (Works with Any Phone)
1.Make a Normal Call to the First Person.
2.Add another: Tap "Add Call" → Dial the next number → Wait for them to answer.
3.Merge calls: Tap "Merge Calls" to link everyone.
4.Repeat to add more (max usually 5 total).
Best Conference Apps to Use for iPhone Conference Calls (for Better Control & Features)
While iPhone's built-in FaceTime and cellular conference calling get the job done for quick chats, they come with some real drawbacks—Apple-only access, 32-person max, and no screen sharing or dial-in. For better quality, try Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet. They fix Apple's gaps with recording, controls, and wider device support.
1.Zoom: The Powerhouse for Large-Scale Events
Why it wins:
- Handles up to 1,000 attendees without breaking a sweat (great for company-wide town halls).
- Pro-grade tools like webinar hosting, breakout rooms, and studio-quality virtual backgrounds.
- Top-tier screen sharing with remote control options—perfect for demos.
Best when:
You’re running a conference, training session, or any event where scale and polish matter.
2.Microsoft Teams: Your All-in-One Work Hub
Why it wins:
- Live co-editing Office docs during calls (no more "I’ll email you the PPT later").
- Chat, meetings, and file storage baked into one app—cuts down on tab overload.
- Enterprise security that IT departments love (compliance-friendly).
Best when:
Your team lives in Excel/Word daily, or you need persistent project spaces.
3.Google Meet: The Hassle-Free Connector
Why it wins:
- Joins with one click: no downloads for guests (lifesaver for client calls).
- Auto-captions and low-bandwidth resilience (works even on airport Wi-Fi).
- Tight Calendar/Gmail integration (no hunting for meeting links).
Best when:
Speed and simplicity trump fancy features—think quick sync-ups or cross-company chats.
TL;DR: Need to impress a crowd? Zoom. Deep work? Teams. Just get it done? Meet.
How Do You Make Clear Conference Calls on An iPhone in Noisy Surroundings?
Imagine ,you're on a conference call with iphone at a busy park—birds chirping, kids screaming, traffic humming. Your Wi-Fi's spotty, and every time you talk, background noise drowns you out. The major problem? No one can hear you clearly, and your video keeps freezing from weak signals. You're stuck nodding awkwardly while your coworker says, "Uh... You cut off. Can you repeat that?"
Noise Cancelling headphones：Built for Outdoor Conference Calls on iPhone
In a noisy park—where distractions like barking dogs, shouting kids, and traffic threaten to derail your professionalism,the Nuroum Openear Pro 2 is engineered to tackle the chaos of outdoor conference calls with precision. And how it nails it to improve the quality of setting up conference calls on an iPhone?
1.Beamforming Mics + ENC
Two mics precisely target your voice while Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) drowns out park chaos. No more “Wait, was that you or a barking dog?” interruptions.
2.Open-Ear Clarity
Unlike earbuds that muffle your voice, bone conduction keeps your speech natural. You won’t sound like you’re “shouting into a wind tunnel” when background noise spikes.
3.Zero Extra Hassle
Just talk normally. No buttons or apps needed. Teammates hear you – not the ice cream truck’s jingle or Frisbee games.
FAQs About Hosting Conference Calls on iPhone and Noise Cancelling Headphones
Q1: How do I add a third person to a call on my iPhone without dropping the first one?
Start your call with the first person, tap "Add Call" (this puts the first caller on hold). Dial the new person, then hit "Merge Calls" to connect all three. Just remember—everyone needs cellular or Wi-Fi calling turned on, and check if your carrier charges extra.
Q2: What’s the easiest way to host a 5-person business call on an iPhone with screen sharing?
Use FaceTime (iOS 15+)—start a call, add up to 4 people, then tap "Screen Share". Note: Apple devices only. For mixed platforms, use Zoom or Teams instead.
Q3: Why can’t I merge calls on my iPhone?
It's usually your carrier's fault, not Apple. Many providers (especially outside the U.S.) block this feature. Quick checks:
- Enable Wi-Fi Calling (Settings > Cellular)
- Confirm your plan supports conference calls
- Use FaceTime for Apple group calls (no carrier limits)
Fix: Call your carrier and ask if they block call merging.
Q4:How can headsets affect the quality of conference calls on the iPhone?
Headsets = game-changer for iPhone calls. They ditch background noise (thanks to ANC), put the mic right where your voice is clearest, and use pro Bluetooth tech to stop dropouts.
Q5: What’s the benefit of open-ear headsets vs. over-ear headsets for making conference calls?
Open-ear headsets boost iPhone calls while keeping you aware of your surroundings. They use bone conduction or directional audio to deliver clear speech without blocking ambient noise—perfect for office walks or multitasking. Built-in mics focus on your voice, and lightweight designs prevent ear fatigue.
