Open Messages and tap the compose button

To start a group chat on iPhone, open the Messages app and look for the pencil-and-paper icon in the top-right corner. Tap it. This opens a new message screen where you can add multiple people at once.

You'll see a field labeled "To:" at the top. This is where you type or search for the people you want to include. You can add them one at a time by typing their name, phone number, or email address — whichever one is in your contacts.

Add each person to the group

As you type the first person's name or number, your iPhone will show matching contacts below the field. Tap the person you want to add. Their name will appear as a blue bubble in the "To:" field.

Repeat this for each person you want in the group. There's no hard limit on group size, though very large groups (50+ people) can slow down message delivery. After you've added everyone, you can start typing your message in the text field below.

If you make a mistake and add the wrong person, tap the blue bubble with their name and press delete. This removes them before you send the first message.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the compose button (pencil icon) in the top-right corner of Messages to start a new conversation with multiple people.
  • Type each person's name, phone number, or email in the "To:" field and tap their contact when it appears to add them.
  • You can remove someone from the group before sending the first message by tapping their name bubble and pressing delete.
  • Once you send the first message, the group chat is created and all members can see the conversation and reply.
  • You can add or remove people from an existing group chat by tapping the group name at the top and selecting "Details."

Send the first message to create the group

After you've added all the people you want, type your message in the text field at the bottom. It can be anything — a greeting, a plan, a question. When you tap the send button (the arrow), that message goes to everyone you added, and the group chat is officially created.

All members will see the conversation thread and can reply. Their replies will appear in the same thread, so everyone can follow the same conversation. Unlike a broadcast message or individual texts, a group chat keeps all replies in one place.

Add or remove people from an existing group

Once a group chat exists, you can change who's in it. Open the group conversation and tap the group name at the very top of the screen. This opens a details panel showing all members.

To add someone new, tap "Add Contact" (or the plus icon, depending on your iOS version) and search for their name or number. To remove someone, swipe left on their name in the members list and tap "Remove." Anyone in the group can do this — you don't need to be the original creator.

Name your group chat

By default, group chats show the names of all members at the top. If you want a shorter or more descriptive name, tap the group name at the top of the conversation, then tap "Edit Name and Photo." Type whatever name you want — "Weekend Plans," "Book Club," "Family," or anything else that makes sense to you.

You can also add a group photo here. Tap "Add Photo" and choose an image from your library or take a new one. This photo appears next to the group name in your Messages list, making it easier to spot the conversation at a glance.

Understand the difference between group iMessage and group SMS

If everyone in your group has an iPhone and iMessage is turned on, your group chat uses iMessage — Apple's encrypted messaging service. These messages are blue and include features like read receipts, typing indicators, and the ability to react with emoji.

If even one person in the group has an Android phone or doesn't have iMessage enabled, the entire group chat switches to SMS (text message). These appear as green messages and don't include iMessage features. You'll see a notification at the top of the chat telling you which mode it's using.

Troubleshoot if someone isn't receiving messages

If a group member says they're not getting messages, the most common cause is that their phone number or email isn't saved correctly in your contacts. Open the group details, check their entry, and make sure it matches exactly what they use for iMessage or their phone service.

Another possibility is that they have iMessage turned off or their device is out of storage. Ask them to check Settings > Messages and confirm iMessage is on. If the group is using SMS instead of iMessage and they're on Android, they may need to use a different messaging app — SMS group chats don't work the same way on Android as they do on iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start a group chat with just two people?

Technically yes, but iPhone treats two-person conversations differently. If you add only one other person, it creates a regular one-on-one chat, not a group. To create what iPhone recognizes as a group, you need at least three people. However, you can add a second person to a one-on-one chat later by tapping the name at the top and selecting "Add Contact."

What happens if I leave a group chat?

When you leave, you stop receiving messages from that group. Other members can still see that you left (it shows in the chat history), and they can add you back if they want. You can rejoin a group chat if someone adds you again, and you'll see all messages from that point forward, but not the history from before you left.

Can I mute notifications from a group chat?

Yes. Open the group conversation, tap the group name at the top, then tap "Hide Alerts" (or "Mute" depending on your iOS version). You'll still receive messages, but your phone won't buzz or play a sound for that group. You can turn notifications back on the same way.

Why are my group messages green instead of blue?

Green messages mean the group is using SMS instead of iMessage. This happens when at least one member doesn't have iMessage turned on or is using a non-Apple device. SMS group chats have fewer features and may not deliver as reliably as iMessage groups, especially if members are on different carriers.

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

Only if the group is using iMessage (blue messages). Tap and hold a message you sent, then tap "Details" to see who has read it and when. If the group is using SMS (green messages), read receipts aren't available — you won't know if people have seen your message.