Open Messages and tap the compose button to start a group text

To create a group text on iPhone, open the Messages app and tap the pencil-and-paper icon in the top-left corner (or swipe left on the home screen if you use iOS 18). This opens a new message window. Type the names or phone numbers of the people you want to include — you can add as many as you want, though group texts work best with three to eight people. Once you've added everyone, type your message and send it. That's the entire process.

The key difference between a group text and a regular text is that everyone in the conversation receives replies from everyone else. If you text three friends, all three see what each person writes back. This is different from sending the same message to three people separately, where each person only sees your message and their own reply to you.

Group texts on iPhone use SMS (standard text messaging) by default if any member doesn't have iMessage. If everyone in the group has an Apple device and iMessage turned on, the conversation automatically switches to iMessage, which offers read receipts, typing indicators, and better photo quality. You'll see "iMessage" in small text above the message box if the group is using iMessage.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the compose button in Messages, add multiple contacts, and send your first message to create a group text that works when ready.
  • Everyone in the group sees all replies from all members, so use group texts only when you want a shared conversation rather than individual exchanges.
  • If one person doesn't have iMessage or an iPhone, the group automatically uses SMS text messaging instead, which may limit features like read receipts.
  • You can add or remove people from an existing group text by opening the conversation, tapping the group name at the top, and selecting "Edit Name and Photo."

How to add people to an existing group text

If you've already started a group text and want to add someone new, open the conversation and tap the group name or the profile pictures at the top. This opens the group details screen. Tap "Edit Name and Photo" (or just the group name on older iOS versions), then tap the plus icon next to "Add Contact." Search for the person's name or number and tap to add them. They'll see the entire conversation history once they're added.

Removing someone works the same way: open the group details, tap "Edit Name and Photo," find the person's name, and tap the minus icon next to their name. They'll no longer receive new messages from the group, but they'll still see everything that was sent before they were removed.

Why group texts sometimes fail or behave unexpectedly

The most common problem is that one person's phone number or contact information is wrong. If you type a name and it doesn't show up in the suggestions, tap the phone number field and type their number directly. Make sure you include the country code if anyone is outside the United States (for example, +44 for the UK).

Another frequent issue is that the group text switches between iMessage and SMS without warning. This happens when someone turns off iMessage, loses cellular service, or their iMessage account stops working. When this happens, the group loses features like read receipts and typing indicators. You'll see a notification at the top of the conversation if this occurs. There's no way to force the group to stay on iMessage — it automatically adjusts based on who's available.

If messages aren't sending at all, check that you have cellular service or Wi-Fi turned on. iMessage can send over Wi-Fi, but SMS requires cellular service. If you're on Wi-Fi only and everyone in the group uses Android or has iMessage turned off, the message won't send until you have cellular service again.

How to name a group text and customize it

By default, group texts show the names of everyone in the conversation. To give it a custom name instead, open the group, tap the group name at the top, and tap "Edit Name and Photo." Type a new name (like "Work Friends" or "Hiking Trip") and tap "Done." This name appears only on your phone — other people in the group see their own version of the conversation, which still shows everyone's names unless they also rename it.

You can also add a group photo or emoji. Tap "Edit Name and Photo," then tap the camera icon to choose a photo from your library or take a new one. This photo appears next to the group name in your Messages list and at the top of the conversation.

Muting notifications from a group text

If a group text is sending too many notifications, you can mute it without leaving the conversation. Swipe left on the group in your Messages list (or long-press it on newer iPhones) and tap "Mute." You can choose to mute it for one hour, one day, or indefinitely. You'll still see new messages when you open Messages, but you won't get notifications on your lock screen or hear a sound.

To unmute, swipe left again and tap "Unmute." This is useful for group texts that are active during work hours or late at night but that you still want to follow along with.

When to use group texts versus other options

Group texts work well for quick back-and-forth conversations with a small group — coordinating plans, sharing updates, or making a decision. They're fast because everyone has the Messages app already and no one needs to read anything new.

However, group texts become hard to follow once you have more than eight or ten people, or if the conversation lasts more than a few days. Older messages scroll out of view, and it's difficult to find something someone said three days ago. For larger groups or longer conversations, a messaging app like WhatsApp or Telegram (which you may have arrived here from researching) keeps the entire history organized and searchable.

Group texts also don't work well if you need to share files, because iPhone limits photo quality and doesn't handle documents as cleanly as dedicated messaging apps do. If you're coordinating a project or sharing a lot of media, a messaging app is usually a better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see if everyone in the group has read my message?

Yes, but only if the group is using iMessage. Open the conversation, tap the group name at the top, and look for "Delivered" or "Read" under each person's name. If the group is using SMS (because someone doesn't have iMessage), read receipts won't show. You can turn off read receipts for yourself in Settings > Messages > Send Read Receipts if you don't want others to see when you've read their messages.

What happens if I leave a group text?

You stop receiving messages from the group, but the conversation stays in your Messages list. Other people in the group can still see your old messages and will know you left (it shows "You left this conversation" in the chat). You can rejoin by tapping "Add Me" if someone invites you back, or you can delete the conversation entirely by swiping left and tapping "Delete."

Can I send a message to just one person in a group text without leaving the group?

Yes. Open the group text, tap the person's name or profile picture, and tap "Send Message." This starts a separate one-on-one conversation with them. The group text remains unchanged.

Why does my group text sometimes show as SMS instead of iMessage?

This happens when at least one person in the group doesn't have iMessage turned on, doesn't have an Apple device, or their iMessage account isn't working. The entire group automatically switches to SMS. You can check who's on iMessage by opening the group details — iMessage users will have a small blue dot next to their name.

Can I unsend a message in a group text?

Yes, on iOS 16 and newer. Press and hold the message, tap "Undo Send," and it disappears from everyone's phone within two minutes. After two minutes, the message can't be unsent. On older iOS versions, you can only delete the message from your own phone by swiping left on it and tapping "Delete," but other people will still see it.