How to Make a Conference Call (Step‑by‑Step Guide)

Quick answer: To make a conference call, you usually call the first person, tap “Add call” for the next person, then tap “Merge” so everyone can talk together. Most apps and phone systems follow this same basic pattern across devices and services.

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Quick Scoop

Making a conference call today is much easier than it used to be. You can either use your phone’s built‑in calling feature (good for quick 3–5 person calls) or a dedicated conference/meeting service for larger or scheduled meetings.

1\. Basic Steps: Phone Conference Call

On most smartphones (3‑way or small group call)

  1. Call the first person and wait until they answer.
    2. [9][3]
  2. On the call screen, tap “Add call” or a “+” icon.
    3. [3][9]
  3. Dial the second person or pick them from your contacts.
    4. [9][3]
  4. When the second person answers, tap “Merge” or “Merge calls” to combine the calls.
    5. [3][9]
  5. Repeat “Add call → Merge” to add more participants if your carrier allows it.
    6. [9][3]
You can often:
  • Put one caller on hold, then resume the group.
  • Add an incoming call to the conference using “Hold & Accept” then “Merge”.
  • Sometimes speak privately to one caller or drop a caller from the call via the info screen.

2\. Using a Conference Call Service

For bigger or recurring meetings, it’s smoother to use a conference call/meeting service.

Typical setup flow

  1. Create an account on a conference service site or app.
    2. [2][10][5]
  2. Schedule the call: choose date, time, and time zone.
    3. [1][10][2]
  3. The service generates a dial‑in number + access code or a meeting link.
    4. [10][5]
  4. Invite participants by email or calendar invite with the number, PIN, or link.
    5. [2][10][5]
  5. At meeting time, everyone dials in or clicks the link and joins the shared conference “room.”
    6. [1][10][5]
Many services let you:
  • Record the call (sometimes paid).
  • Mute all participants, lock/unlock the room, and see participant counts.
  • Use web/audio together (screen share, slides, etc.).

3\. How to Run the Call Smoothly

Once everyone is connected, the real skill is hosting the call so it doesn’t drag or get messy.

Before the call

  • Share a short agenda (topics + rough timings) so people know the purpose.
  • Consider time zones when picking the time.
  • Prepare any slides or documents if you plan to screen share.

Starting the call

  • Greet everyone and briefly state the purpose: who you are and why you’re meeting.
  • Set simple ground rules: mute when not speaking, say your name before you talk, how to ask questions (raise hand/chat).
  • Keep introductions short: name, role, and relevant agenda item if needed.

During the call

  • Follow the agenda and move things along if discussions go off track.
  • Vary your voice and pace so people don’t “zone out,” especially on longer calls.
  • Use visual aids, screen share, or quick polls if supported to keep people engaged.
  • Periodically check if anyone has questions or needs clarification.

Ending the call

  • Summarize key decisions and next steps (who will do what, and by when).
  • Confirm any follow‑up meeting time if needed.

4\. Simple Example Scenario

Imagine you need a quick three‑person call to align on a project.
  • You call Person A from your phone and they pick up.
  • You tap “Add call,” dial Person B, and they answer.
  • You tap “Merge” so A, B, and you are now in one conversation.
  • You lead with: “We have 20 minutes; we’ll review status, decide on the deadline, then confirm owners for tasks.”

In less than a minute, you’ve created a functional conference call and framed a focused discussion.

5\. Quick HTML Table: Phone vs Service

[3][9] [9][3] [3][9] [9][3] [5][10][2] [10][5] [5][10][6][2] [5][2]
Method How it works Best for Pros Cons
Phone built‑in conference Call first person, tap “Add call”, then “Merge” to combine.Small, quick 3–5 person calls.No extra apps, fast, familiar dialer interface.Limited participants; fewer controls and features.
Conference call / meeting service Schedule online, send dial‑in or link, everyone joins shared room.Larger or recurring business meetings.Recording, mute controls, screen share, better host tools.Requires account and setup; some features may be paid.

Bottom note

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.