Creating a group chat on Messages takes three steps: open a new message, add multiple recipients, and send your first message
The process differs slightly depending on whether you use Apple Messages, Google Messages, or another app, but the core idea is the same — you pick multiple people instead of one, then type and send. On most phones, you can add people before you type anything, or add them as you go. Once the group exists, anyone in it can see all the messages and reply to the whole group at once.
The steps below cover the two most common setups: iPhone Messages and Android Google Messages. If you use a different app — WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, or another — the buttons are in slightly different places, but you will find a "new group" or "new chat" option in the same menu where you start regular messages.
Key Takeaways
- On iPhone, tap the compose button (pencil icon) in Messages, then tap the plus sign next to "To:" to add multiple people before typing anything.
- On Android with Google Messages, tap the compose button, then tap the plus icon to add people one at a time until your group is complete.
- Once you send the first message to a group, all members can see it and reply to everyone at once — there is no separate "create group" step.
- You can add or remove people from an existing group chat later, though some apps require the original creator to do this.
- Group chats on Messages work over cellular and Wi-Fi just like regular texts, so they count toward your message plan if you have one.
How to start a group chat on iPhone Messages
Open the Messages app and tap the compose button — it looks like a pencil in a square, usually in the top right corner. A new message window opens with a blank "To:" field at the top.
Tap the plus sign to the left of the "To:" field. A list of your contacts appears. Tap each person you want to add — their name will appear as a small tag in the "To:" field. You can add as many people as you want. Once you have added everyone, tap "Done" or just start typing your message.
Type your message in the text box at the bottom and tap the send button (arrow icon). The message goes to everyone in the group at once. From that moment on, all replies from any member appear in the same thread, and everyone can see them.
How to start a group chat on Android with Google Messages
Open Google Messages and tap the compose button — usually a pencil or plus icon in the bottom right corner. A new message screen opens.
Tap the plus icon next to the "To:" field (or tap directly in the "To:" field, depending on your version). Your contacts list appears. Tap each person you want to add. Unlike iPhone, you may need to tap a separate button or icon to confirm each addition, but the process is the same — select one person, then select the next. Once everyone is added, tap outside the contact list or press back to close it.
Type your message and tap send. The group chat is now created, and all members will receive the message and see the group conversation.
Adding or removing people from an existing group chat
On iPhone, open the group chat, tap "Details" in the top right, then tap "Add Contact" to add someone new. To remove a person, swipe left on their name and tap "Remove."
On Android with Google Messages, open the group chat, tap the three dots in the top right, select "Group details" or "Members," and look for an add or remove option. The exact wording varies by version, but the menu is always in that top-right area.
Some older phones or third-party apps may not allow you to add or remove people after the group is created — in those cases, you would need to start a new group chat instead. If you are unsure whether your app supports it, try opening the group details and looking for an edit option.
Why your group chat might not work the way you expect
If you add more than a certain number of people — usually around 20 to 30, depending on your phone and carrier — the chat may switch from regular text messages to MMS (multimedia messages). MMS uses more data and may cost money if you do not have unlimited texting. You will usually see a notification that this has happened.
If someone in the group uses an older phone or a different messaging service, they might not receive group messages at all, or the conversation might split into separate threads. This is most common when mixing iPhone and Android users, though modern versions of both apps handle this better than older ones did.
If a group chat suddenly stops working, check that everyone's phone number or contact information is correct. Ask one person to send a test message to confirm the group is still active. If it is not, you may need to create a new group and re-add everyone.
Using group chats for different purposes
Group chats work well for coordinating with a small team, planning an event with friends, or keeping a family updated. For larger groups — more than 10 or 15 people — a dedicated app like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Slack often works better because those apps are built to handle many members and do not have the same carrier or device limitations.
If your group chat is for work, check whether your employer has a preferred app. Many workplaces use Slack, Microsoft Teams, or a similar platform instead of regular text messages, partly for security and partly to keep work conversations separate from personal ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I name a group chat on Messages?
On iPhone, yes — open the group chat, tap "Details," then tap the group name at the top and type a new one. On Android with Google Messages, the option to name a group varies by version and carrier. Check the group details menu to see if a name field appears. Some carriers do not support group names in regular text messages.
What happens if someone leaves the group chat?
On iPhone, the person who leaves will no longer receive messages, but the group continues for everyone else. On Android, it depends on the app and carrier. In most cases, the group stays active for the remaining members. The person who left can rejoin if you add them again.
Can I send a group message without creating a group chat?
Yes. On both iPhone and Android, you can address a single message to multiple people without creating an ongoing group. The difference is that replies come back to you individually rather than appearing in one shared thread. This is useful for one-time announcements but awkward for back-and-forth conversation.
Do group chats work over Wi-Fi only, or do I need cell service?
Regular text message group chats require cell service or a carrier connection. If you want to use Wi-Fi only, switch to an app like WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram, which all work over Wi-Fi without a cellular plan.
Why can't I add someone to a group chat?
The most common reason is that their phone number or contact information is not saved correctly in your phone. Check that you have their full number with the correct area code. If they recently switched carriers or got a new number, update their contact. Some carriers also block group messages in rare cases — if the problem persists, contact your carrier's support line.