What a group text is and how to start one

A group text lets you send one message to multiple people at once instead of typing the same thing into separate conversations. When you create a group text, everyone in it can see all the replies — unlike a broadcast message where each person only sees your message and their own response. On most phones, you start a group text the same way you start a regular text: by opening your messaging app and choosing multiple contacts instead of one.

The exact steps depend on whether you use iPhone Messages, Android's default SMS app, or a third-party app like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Each one works slightly differently, but the core idea is the same: pick your app, tap the button to create a new message, then select all the people you want to include before typing anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Group texts on iPhone Messages and Android SMS work through your phone's standard texting, while apps like WhatsApp and Messenger require everyone to have that specific app installed.
  • You create a group text by starting a new message and selecting multiple contacts at once — the app automatically treats it as a group conversation.
  • Everyone in a group text sees all replies and knows who else is in the conversation, so group texts work best when everyone knows each other.
  • You can usually change the group name, add or remove people, and leave the conversation entirely, though the exact options vary by app and phone type.
  • Group texts sent over SMS (standard texting) may cost more if your plan charges per message, since each reply counts as a separate message to each person.

Starting a group text on iPhone

Open the Messages app and tap the pencil icon or "New Message" button in the top corner. In the "To:" field, start typing the first person's name. When their contact appears, tap it to add them. Keep typing and adding contacts until everyone you want is listed — you'll see their names stack up in the field. Once all contacts are added, tap in the message box and type your message, then hit Send.

The conversation will automatically become a group text. If you want to name the group, swipe left on the conversation in your message list, tap "Edit", then tap "Edit Name and Photo". Type a name like "Book Club" or "Weekend Plans" so everyone knows what the group is for. You can also add a photo or emoji to make it easier to spot in your list.

Starting a group text on Android

Open your default messaging app (usually called Messages, SMS, or Messaging). Tap the button to create a new message — it's usually a pencil icon or a plus sign. In the "To:" or "Recipients:" field, type the first person's name or phone number. When they appear, tap to add them. Continue adding each person you want in the group. Once everyone is added, tap the message field and type your message, then send.

Android phones treat group texts the same way as iPhones — the app automatically recognizes that you've selected multiple people and creates a group conversation. Some Android apps let you name the group right away; others require you to open the conversation first, then look for a menu option (usually three dots) to add a group name. The exact location varies by phone manufacturer and which messaging app you're using.

Using group texts in messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger

If you're using WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or another third-party app, the process is similar but everyone must have that app installed. Open the app and look for a button to start a new chat or group — it's usually a pencil icon, plus sign, or "New Message" button. Tap it, then select "New Group" or "Create Group". Choose all the people you want to add from your contacts list, then tap "Create" or "Next".

Most of these apps require you to name the group before sending the first message. Type a name that describes the group's purpose, like "Work Project Team" or "College Friends". You can usually add a group photo or icon as well. Once you've named it, you'll be taken into the conversation where you can type your first message. Everyone will receive a notification that they've been added to the group and will see all future messages.

Adding or removing people from an existing group text

On iPhone, open the group conversation and tap the group name at the top of the screen. Scroll down to see all members, then tap "Add Contact" to add someone new. To remove someone, swipe left on their name and tap "Remove". On Android, open the group conversation, tap the menu (three dots), and look for "Group Details" or "Manage Members". From there you can add new people or remove existing ones.

In WhatsApp and Messenger, open the group conversation and tap the group name at the top. You'll see a list of members with options to add or remove people. Keep in mind that when you remove someone from a group text, they can no longer see new messages, but they can still see everything that was sent before they were removed. If you add someone new, they won't see the old conversation history — only messages sent after they join.

Leaving a group text or muting notifications

If a group text becomes annoying or you no longer want to be part of it, you can leave. On iPhone, open the group conversation, tap the group name at the top, scroll down, and tap "Leave this Conversation". On Android, open the group, tap the menu, and look for "Leave Group" or "Exit Group". Once you leave, you won't receive any more messages from that group, and you won't be able to send messages to it.

If you want to stay in the group but silence the constant notifications, most phones let you mute the conversation without leaving. On iPhone, swipe left on the group in your message list and tap the speaker icon with a line through it. On Android, long-press the conversation and look for a mute or silence option. In WhatsApp and Messenger, open the group, tap the group name, and look for "Mute Notifications" or a similar option. You'll still see messages when you open the app, but you won't get alerts for every new one.

Understanding costs and data use with group texts

If you send a group text using standard SMS (the built-in texting on iPhone or Android), each message you send counts as one message to each person in the group. So if you send one message to five people, that's five messages against your plan. If your phone plan charges per message or has a limited number of texts per month, group texting over SMS can add up quickly. Check your plan to see if you have unlimited texting or if there's a cap.

Group texts sent through apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or iMessage (which uses data instead of SMS) don't count against your text message limit — they use your data connection instead. If you're on Wi-Fi or have a generous data plan, these apps are cheaper for group conversations. If you're unsure which type of group text you're sending, look at the message bubble color: on iPhone, blue means it's using data (iMessage), and green means it's using standard SMS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see who read my message in a group text?

On iPhone, if everyone in the group has read receipts turned on, you'll see "Delivered" and "Read" under your message. On Android, it depends on your messaging app — some show read receipts and some don't. WhatsApp and Messenger both show read receipts by default, with checkmarks indicating when people have seen your message. You can turn off read receipts in your app settings if you don't want others to see when you've read messages.

What happens if I add someone to a group text after messages have already been sent?

The new person will only see messages sent after they join the group. They won't be able to see the conversation history from before they were added. If you want them to know what was discussed, you'll need to fill them in separately or copy and paste relevant messages.

Can I send a message to a group without everyone seeing who else is in the group?

Not with a standard group text — everyone can see all the members. If you want to send the same message to multiple people without them knowing who else received it, you'd need to send individual messages to each person instead. Some messaging apps have a "broadcast list" or "distribution list" feature that works this way, but it's not available in all apps.

Why do some people in my group text not see my messages right away?

If you're using SMS group texting, messages depend on cell network speed, which varies by location and carrier. If you're using an app like WhatsApp or Messenger, the other person needs an active internet connection and the app open or running in the background. If someone has their phone off, no internet, or the app closed, they won't receive messages until they're back online.

Can I delete a group text conversation without leaving the group?

Yes. On both iPhone and Android, you can delete the conversation from your message list without actually leaving the group. Swipe left on the conversation (iPhone) or long-press it (Android) and select delete. You'll still be in the group and will receive new messages, but the old conversation history will be gone from your phone. If you want to actually leave the group so you stop receiving messages, you need to use the "Leave" option instead.