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

To create a group text on iPhone, open the Messages app and tap the pencil-and-paper icon in the upper left corner. This opens a new message window. Type the names or phone numbers of the people you want to add — you can add as many as you want, and you do not need to add them one at a time. Type the first person's name or number, tap the plus sign that appears, then type the next person. Keep going until everyone is added.

Once all recipients are in the field at the top, tap in the message box at the bottom and type your message. When you send it, the conversation automatically becomes a group text. Everyone in the thread will see all replies, and the thread will show all participants at the top of the screen.

If you start typing a name and the iPhone suggests a contact, tap the suggestion to add them quickly. This is faster than typing a full phone number and reduces the chance of a typo.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the compose button (pencil icon) in Messages, then type each person's name or number separated by the plus sign to add multiple recipients.
  • Group texts show all replies to everyone in the conversation, unlike one-on-one messages where only two people see the exchange.
  • You can add people to an existing group text by opening the conversation, tapping "Details" at the top right, and selecting "Add Contact."
  • Group texts work over standard SMS and MMS, so they function on any phone type — iPhone, Android, or older devices.
  • If you want to remove yourself from a group text, open the conversation, tap "Details," scroll down, and tap "Leave this Conversation."

Add people to a group text that already exists

If you have an ongoing group text and want to add someone new, open the conversation and tap "Details" in the upper right corner. The screen will show all current members. Scroll down and tap "Add Contact," then search for or type the name or number of the person you want to add. Tap their name when it appears, and they will be added to the thread.

The new person will see the entire conversation history once they are added — they will not start from the point you added them. This means they can read back through earlier messages to understand the context.

Name your group text so everyone knows what it is about

Group texts do not have names by default — they just show the names of all participants at the top. If you want to give the group a specific name, open the conversation and tap "Details" at the top right. Tap the group name field (which usually shows all the participant names) and type a new name. This name appears at the top of the conversation for everyone in the group.

Naming a group is useful when you have multiple group texts with overlapping people. For example, you might have one group called "Work Team" and another called "Book Club" even though some people are in both. The name makes it clear which conversation is which when you are scrolling through your message list.

Turn off notifications for a group text if it gets too busy

Group texts can generate a lot of messages quickly, especially if many people are replying. If a group text is sending you constant notifications and you want to stay in the conversation but mute the alerts, open the conversation and tap "Details." Scroll down to find "Hide Alerts" and toggle it on. You will still receive messages, but your phone will not notify you each time someone replies.

If you want to turn notifications back on later, go to "Details" again and toggle "Hide Alerts" off. This is different from leaving the conversation entirely — you remain a member and can read and send messages whenever you check the thread.

Use iMessage for group texts with other iPhone users

If everyone in your group text has an iPhone, the conversation will automatically use iMessage instead of standard text messaging. iMessage messages appear in blue bubbles instead of green, and they include features like read receipts (you can see when people have read your message) and typing indicators (you see the three dots when someone is typing).

iMessage also works over WiFi, so group texts will send even if you do not have cellular service. Standard text messages (green bubbles) require a cellular connection or WiFi calling. If your group includes even one Android phone or older device, the entire conversation will use standard text messaging and lose the iMessage features.

Remove yourself from a group text without deleting the whole conversation

If you want to stop receiving messages from a group text but do not want to delete the conversation history, open the group text and tap "Details" at the top right. Scroll down and tap "Leave this Conversation." You will be removed from the group, and no new messages will reach you. The conversation will remain in your message list so you can still read the old messages if you need to.

The other people in the group will see a notification that you have left. If you change your mind later, you cannot rejoin — someone else in the group would need to add you back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to a group text after I have already sent messages?

Yes. Open the conversation, tap "Details," and tap "Add Contact." The new person will see all previous messages in the thread, not just the ones sent after they were added. This is useful if you realize mid-conversation that someone should be included.

What is the difference between a group text and a group chat?

A group text uses standard SMS or iMessage and works on any phone. A group chat usually refers to apps like WhatsApp or Telegram that require the app to be installed. Messages app group texts work without any special app — just the built-in iPhone messaging.

Why do some group texts show green bubbles and others show blue?

Blue bubbles mean the group is using iMessage, which requires all members to have Apple devices. Green bubbles mean at least one member has an Android phone or non-Apple device, so the group is using standard text messaging instead.

Can I change the group text name after I create it?

Yes. Open the conversation, tap "Details," tap the group name at the top, and type a new name. Everyone in the group will see the new name. If you do not set a custom name, the group shows all participant names by default.

What happens if I mute a group text — do people know I muted it?

No. When you toggle "Hide Alerts" on, other people in the group cannot see that you muted notifications. You will still receive messages and can send replies — you just will not get alerts on your phone when new messages arrive.