Starting a group text is different on iPhone and Android, but both let you add multiple people to one conversation

On an iPhone, open Messages and tap the pencil icon in the top left to start a new message. Type the names or phone numbers of the people you want to include, separated by commas. You can add as many people as you want. Once you've entered all the names, type your message and send it — everyone receives it as a group conversation, not individual texts.

On Android, the process depends on which messaging app you use. In Google Messages (the default on most Android phones), tap the plus sign or "Start chat" button, then select "New group." Add contacts by tapping their names, then tap "Create" to set up the group. In Samsung Messages, tap the compose button and select multiple contacts before typing your message.

The key difference is that iMessage groups (on iPhone) work through Apple's servers, while SMS group texts (on Android or iPhone using regular text) go through your carrier. This matters because iMessage groups have more features, but they only work between iPhones. If you add an Android phone to an iMessage group, it automatically converts to SMS, and some features stop working.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone: tap the pencil icon, add multiple contacts separated by commas, and send your message to create a group text.
  • Android: use Google Messages or Samsung Messages, tap the compose or plus button, select "New group," add contacts, and create the group.
  • iMessage groups (iPhone to iPhone) support read receipts, typing indicators, and reactions, but convert to basic SMS if you add an Android phone.
  • You can name a group text on iPhone by opening it, tapping "Details," and entering a name; Android groups can be named during creation or edited later.
  • Removing someone from a group text works on iPhone but not on basic SMS groups — Android users may need to use a messaging app like WhatsApp or Telegram for full group control.

How to name a group text and why it matters

Naming a group text makes it easier to find conversations later, especially if you're in multiple groups. On iPhone, open the group conversation, tap "Details" in the top right, then tap the group name at the top and type a new name. The name appears at the top of the conversation for everyone in the group.

On Android, naming depends on your app. In Google Messages, open the group, tap the three dots at the top, select "Group details," and tap the group name to edit it. In Samsung Messages, open the group, tap "More options," and select "Edit group name." Unlike iPhone, some Android groups may not show the name to all members if they're using older phones or different messaging apps.

A group name is useful when you have multiple conversations going — "Book Club Thursday" is easier to spot than "Sarah, Mike, and 4 others." It also helps people remember what the group is for if they haven't checked it in a while.

Adding and removing people from an existing group

On iPhone, open the group conversation, tap "Details," then tap the group photo or the plus sign to add new people. Type their name or phone number and tap "Add." To remove someone, swipe left on their name in the Details screen and tap "Remove."

On Android with Google Messages, open the group, tap the three dots, select "Group details," and tap "Add members" to add people. Removing members is less straightforward — you may need to create a new group without that person, since basic SMS groups don't always support removal. If you're using WhatsApp or Telegram instead, both apps let you add and remove people easily through the group settings.

One important limit: on iPhone, you can remove people from an iMessage group, but if the group is using SMS (because an Android phone is in it), you cannot remove anyone — you'd have to create a new group without them. This is a carrier limitation, not an Apple choice.

Understanding read receipts and typing indicators in groups

Read receipts show you when someone has read your message. On iPhone iMessage groups, read receipts appear as small text under each message — "Delivered" means it reached their phone, "Read" means they opened the conversation. You can turn this on or off for the whole group by opening Details and toggling "Send Read Receipts."

Typing indicators let you see when someone is typing a reply. In an iMessage group, you'll see "Sarah is typing..." at the bottom of the screen. This feature works automatically in iMessage groups but is not available in SMS groups, even on iPhone.

If your group includes an Android phone, both read receipts and typing indicators stop working because the conversation converts to SMS. This is one reason many people switch to WhatsApp or Telegram for mixed groups — those apps show read receipts and typing status regardless of what phone someone is using.

Why some group texts don't work the way you expect

The most common problem is mixing iPhone and Android in one group. When you add an Android phone to an iMessage group, Apple automatically converts the entire conversation to SMS. This means you lose read receipts, typing indicators, and reactions. Everyone in the group sees it happen — the conversation changes from blue (iMessage) to green (SMS).

Another issue is carrier limits on SMS groups. Some carriers cap group texts at 10 or 20 people, or they may split large groups into separate conversations. If you're trying to text 50 people, SMS won't work — you'd need an app like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook Messenger instead.

Older Android phones sometimes don't receive group texts at all, or they receive each message as an individual text instead of a grouped conversation. This is usually a phone or carrier issue, not a problem with the messaging app. If someone says they're not getting your group texts, ask them to check their carrier's settings or try a different messaging app.

Using messaging apps for group texts when SMS isn't enough

If you need more control, better features, or a mix of iPhones and Android phones, messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger are more reliable than SMS or iMessage. All three let you create named groups, add and remove people, set group photos, and control who can send messages.

WhatsApp is the most popular globally and works on both iPhone and Android. It uses your phone number or contact list to find people, and messages are encrypted end-to-end by default. Telegram is similar but emphasizes privacy and speed — it also works on desktop and web. Facebook Messenger is built into Facebook and Instagram, so if your group already uses those apps, it's convenient.

The trade-off is that everyone in the group needs to have the same app installed. You can't mix WhatsApp and Telegram in one conversation. But if you're coordinating a project, planning an event, or just want a group that works smoothly across all phone types, these apps are worth the small effort of getting everyone to read them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send a group text to people who don't have smartphones?

Yes, if they have a phone number that accepts text messages. SMS group texts work on any phone that can receive regular texts, including old flip phones. However, they may not see the messages grouped together the way you do — they might receive each message as a separate text. Some carriers also limit how many people can be in an SMS group.

What happens if someone leaves a group text?

On iPhone iMessage groups, the person can tap "Leave this Conversation" and they'll be removed from the group. Everyone else will see a notification that they left. On SMS groups or Android, there's usually no "leave" option — the person just stops responding. If you want them out, you'd need to create a new group without them.

Why do my group texts sometimes arrive out of order?

SMS messages don't always arrive in the order they were sent, especially in large groups or when the network is busy. iMessage groups are more reliable about order because they go through Apple's servers. If order matters for your conversation, a messaging app like WhatsApp or Telegram is more consistent.

Can I mute notifications from a group text?

Yes. On iPhone, swipe left on the group conversation and tap the bell icon to mute it. On Android, long-press the group conversation and select "Mute notifications." You'll still see messages when you open the app, but you won't get alerts on your lock screen or hear notification sounds.

Do group texts cost extra on my phone plan?

No. Group texts sent as SMS count as regular text messages toward your plan's text limit, just like individual texts. iMessage groups don't count toward your text limit because they use data instead. If you're on an unlimited texting plan, group texts cost nothing extra either way.