The basic method depends on which app you're using
Adding someone to a group chat works differently on each messaging app, but the general idea is the same: you open the group, find a menu or button to add members, and select the person you want to invite. On most apps, only the group creator or an admin can add new people, though some apps let any member do it. The exact steps and what happens next vary enough that it's worth knowing your specific app before you try.
The person you're adding will usually see the group appear in their chat list right away, and they'll be able to read the entire conversation history — or only messages sent after they joined, depending on the app's settings. Some apps notify the group that someone new has been added; others don't.
Key Takeaways
- On iPhone Messages, Android Messages, WhatsApp, and Telegram, you tap the group name at the top, then look for an "Add Member" or similar button in the group info screen.
- Facebook Messenger and Discord have the add button in slightly different places — Messenger uses a plus icon in the group header, and Discord uses a settings icon next to the channel name.
- Most apps let the group creator or admins add people, but some apps like Signal require all members to consent or let anyone add others depending on group settings.
- The new member can usually see the full chat history once they're added, though some apps let you hide older messages from new joiners.
- If you can't find an add button, you may not have permission to add people, or the group may have reached its member limit.
iPhone Messages and iMessage groups
Open the group chat and tap the group name or icon at the very top of the screen. This opens the group details page. Scroll down until you see "Add Contact" or a plus icon next to the member list. Tap it, then select the person from your contacts. They'll appear in the group immediately, and everyone in the chat will see a notification that they've been added.
If you don't see an "Add Contact" button, you may not be the group creator or an admin. On iMessage, only the person who started the group can add or remove members. If the group was created by someone else, ask them to add the person instead.
Android Messages and Google Messages
Open the group chat and tap the group name at the top. This brings up the group info screen. Look for "Add members," "Add people," or a plus icon. Tap it and select the contact you want to add. The new member will see the group appear in their chat list, and the group will be notified of the addition.
On some Android phones, the button location varies slightly depending on your phone's manufacturer or which messaging app you're using. If you're using Google Messages (the default on newer Android phones), the process is the same. If you're using a different app like Samsung Messages, look for a similar menu in the group details screen.
Open the group chat and tap the group name at the top. Scroll down to see the member list. Below the members, you'll see "Add Participant" or a plus icon. Tap it, then select the person from your contacts. They'll be added to the group, and everyone will see a message saying they've joined.
On WhatsApp, only group admins can add members by default. If you created the group, you're automatically an admin. If someone else created it, ask them to make you an admin first, or ask them to add the person for you. You can also change these settings in the group info — tap the group name, then look for "Group Settings" to control who can add members.
Telegram
Open the group chat and tap the group name at the top to open group details. Tap "Members" or the member count. You'll see a list of current members with a plus icon or "Add Member" button. Tap it and search for or select the person you want to add. They'll join the group immediately.
In Telegram, the group creator and admins can add members. If you're not an admin, you won't see the add button. Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram groups can be set to allow any member to add others — if the group is set that way, you'll see the add option even if you're not an admin. Check the group settings to see who has permission to add people.
Facebook Messenger
Open the group chat. At the top of the screen, you'll see the group name and a row of icons. Look for a plus sign or circle with a plus in it — this is usually on the right side of the header. Tap it and select "Add People." Choose the person from your contacts or search for them by name. They'll be added to the group and will see it in their chat list.
On Facebook Messenger, any member of the group can add new people by default. If you don't see the plus icon, the group may have reached its member limit, or the group settings may have been changed to restrict who can add members. Ask another group member or the person who created the group to check the settings.
Discord
Open the server and find the text channel where you want to add someone. Tap or click the channel name at the top. Look for a settings icon (usually a gear or three dots) next to the channel name. Tap it and select "Edit Channel" or "Manage Channel." Scroll to the "Permissions" or "Members" section and look for an option to add members or invite people. Select the person you want to add.
Discord works differently from other messaging apps because it uses servers and channels rather than simple group chats. Adding someone to a channel is really about giving them permission to see and post in that channel. If they're already in the server, you just need to adjust their permissions. If they're not in the server yet, you'll need to send them a server invite link first, then add them to the specific channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to the chat history when I add someone?
On most apps, the new member can see all previous messages in the group. Some apps like Telegram and Discord let you hide older messages from new members if you change the group settings. Check your app's group settings if you want to control what new members can see.
Can I add someone if I'm not the group creator?
It depends on the app and the group settings. On iPhone Messages, only the creator can add people. On WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger, admins can add members. Some apps let you change these settings so any member can add others. Check the group info or settings to see who has permission.
What if the person I want to add isn't in my contacts?
Most apps let you search for people by name or phone number when you're adding them, even if they're not saved in your contacts. Type their name or number into the search box that appears when you tap the add button. If they don't appear, they may not be on that app, or their privacy settings may hide them from search.
Will the new member get notified that they've been added?
Yes, on most apps. The group will appear in their chat list, and they'll usually see a notification. Some apps send a message in the group saying someone new has joined. A few apps like Signal may ask the new member to confirm they want to join before adding them.
Can I remove someone from a group chat?
Yes, and the process is similar to adding someone. Open the group info, find the member list, tap or long-press the person's name, and select "Remove" or "Delete." Only admins or the group creator can usually do this, depending on the app.