Open Messages and tap the compose button to begin a group chat
To start a group chat on iPhone, open the Messages app and tap the pencil-and-paper icon in the top-left corner (or swipe left on the conversation list and tap the plus sign). This opens a new message window. Type the names or phone numbers of the people you want to add — you can add as many as you want, and the chat becomes a group automatically once you add two or more people. Type your message and tap Send.
The group chat appears in your conversation list like any other message thread. Everyone in the group sees all messages sent to that thread, and replies go to the whole group, not just one person.
If you are adding people by name instead of phone number, make sure their contact information is saved in your Contacts app first. iPhone will search your contacts and show matching names as you type.
Key Takeaways
- Tap the compose button (pencil icon) in Messages, then type the names or numbers of two or more people to create a group chat automatically.
- Everyone in the group sees all messages and replies — there is no way to send a message to just one person in a group chat without leaving the thread.
- You can add people by their contact name if their information is saved in your Contacts app, or by typing their phone number directly.
- After you send the first message, the group chat stays in your conversation list and you can add more people to it later by tapping Details at the top.
Add more people to an existing group chat
If you want to add someone to a group chat that already exists, open the conversation and tap the group name or the row of profile pictures at the top. This opens the Details screen. Scroll down and tap "Add Contact" (or the plus icon), then search for or type the name or number of the person you want to add.
Only the person who started the group chat can add new members in some cases, depending on your iPhone settings and iOS version. If you do not see an "Add Contact" option, you may not have permission to add people to this particular group.
When you add someone new, they see the entire message history of the group chat — they can scroll back and read everything that was sent before they joined.
Name your group chat and customize it
To give your group chat a name instead of seeing a list of contact names, open the conversation and tap the group name or profile pictures at the top. Tap "Edit Group Name" and type a name for the chat. Tap Done. The name appears at the top of the conversation for everyone in the group.
From the Details screen, you can also change the group photo by tapping "Edit Group Photo." You can use an existing photo from your library, take a new one, or use an emoji. This photo appears next to the group chat in your conversation list.
If you want to mute notifications from a group chat without leaving it, tap "Hide Alerts" on the Details screen. You will still receive messages, but your phone will not buzz or chime when they arrive.
Remove people from a group chat or leave entirely
To remove someone from a group chat, open the conversation and tap the group name or profile pictures at the top. Scroll down to see the list of members. Tap "Edit" in the top-right corner, then tap the red minus sign next to the person's name and tap "Remove." That person will no longer receive messages sent to the group after they are removed.
To leave a group chat entirely, open the Details screen and scroll to the bottom. Tap "Leave This Conversation." You will no longer see messages from this group, and your name will be removed from the member list. The other people in the group can still message each other.
When you leave a group chat, you cannot rejoin it on your own — someone in the group would need to add you back manually.
Understand the difference between group SMS and iMessage groups
If everyone in your group chat has an iPhone and iMessage is turned on, your group chat uses iMessage. These chats support read receipts (you can see when people have read your message), typing indicators (you see when someone is typing), and reactions to messages. iMessage groups also work over WiFi if you do not have cell service.
If even one person in the group does not have an iPhone or does not use iMessage, the chat becomes a standard SMS group text. SMS groups do not show read receipts or typing indicators, and messages are sent over your cell network. Some older phones may not receive group texts properly, or may receive each message as a separate text instead of as part of a thread.
You can check which type of chat you are using by looking at the send button — it appears blue for iMessage and green for SMS.
Fix common group chat problems
If someone is not receiving messages in your group chat, first check whether they have iMessage turned on (Settings > Messages > iMessage). If they use an Android phone or have iMessage off, the group should be using SMS instead. Ask them to check their phone settings to make sure they are receiving text messages.
If the group chat keeps splitting into individual conversations, you may have a mix of iMessage and SMS users. This sometimes happens when someone's iMessage turns off temporarily. Try removing that person and adding them back, or ask them to restart their phone and turn iMessage back on.
If you cannot add someone to a group chat, make sure their contact information is correct and that you have their full phone number or the name they use in iMessage. Some carriers block group texts, so if the problem persists, contact your carrier to check whether group messaging is turned on for your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a message to just one person in a group chat without leaving?
No. If you want to message one person privately, you need to open a separate one-on-one conversation with them. You cannot send a private message within a group chat thread.
What happens if I delete a group chat?
Deleting a group chat removes it from your conversation list, but the other people in the group can still message each other. If someone sends a new message to the group, the conversation will reappear in your list. You can delete it again if you want.
Can I make a group chat with just one other person?
Technically yes, but iPhone treats a conversation with two people as a regular one-on-one chat, not a group. You need at least three people for it to function as a true group chat with a group name and Details screen.
Do I need WiFi to send group messages?
If you are using iMessage, you can send over WiFi. If the group is using SMS, you need cell service. Check the send button color — blue means iMessage (works on WiFi), green means SMS (needs cell service).
Can I see who read my message in a group chat?
Only in iMessage groups. Tap and hold a message you sent, then tap "Details" to see read receipts. SMS groups do not show this information.