How to remove someone from a group text
The method depends on which app you use and whether you created the group. On iMessage (Apple's texting app), you can remove someone only if the group has at least four people and you started the conversation. On Android with Google Messages or Samsung Messages, removal options vary by app — Google Messages does not let you remove people, but Samsung Messages does if you are the group admin. On WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger, group admins can remove anyone at any time. If you cannot remove someone through the app itself, the only option is to create a new group without that person and invite everyone else.
The person you remove will see that they have been removed — the app will notify them or show them a message saying they are no longer in the group. They cannot rejoin unless someone adds them back.
Key Takeaways
- iMessage only lets you remove people from groups you created, and only if the group has four or more members.
- Google Messages does not have a remove feature; you must create a new group to exclude someone.
- WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger let group admins remove anyone, and the removed person will be notified.
- If you are not the group creator or admin, you cannot remove anyone — you can only leave the group yourself.
- Removing someone is permanent unless another admin adds them back later.
Removing someone from an iMessage group
Open the group conversation in iMessage. Tap the group name or icon at the top of the screen to open the group details. You will see a list of all members. Find the person you want to remove and tap their name, then select "Remove from Group." The person will be removed when ready, and a message will appear in the chat saying they have been removed.
If you do not see a "Remove from Group" option, one of two things is true: either you did not create the group, or the group has fewer than four people. iMessage requires both conditions to be met. If someone else created the group, you cannot remove anyone — you can only leave yourself. If the group is too small, you can ask the creator to remove the person, or you can create a new group with the people you want to include.
Removing someone from a Google Messages or Samsung Messages group
Google Messages does not have a built-in remove feature. If you need to exclude someone, create a new group conversation with everyone except that person. Start a new message, tap the plus icon to add multiple contacts, and select everyone you want to include. You can name the group in the conversation settings if you want to keep it organized.
Samsung Messages does allow removal if you are the group admin. Open the group, tap the menu icon (three dots), and select "Group settings" or "Manage members." Find the person you want to remove and tap the minus icon or "Remove." They will be notified that they have been removed from the group.
Removing someone from WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook Messenger
On WhatsApp, open the group chat and tap the group name at the top. Scroll down to see all members. Press and hold the person's name, then tap "Remove." They will be removed and will see a message in the group saying they have been removed.
On Telegram, open the group, tap the group name at the top, and scroll to the members list. Swipe left on the person's name (on iPhone) or long-press their name (on Android), then select "Remove from group." On Facebook Messenger, open the group info by tapping the group name, find the person in the members list, and tap the minus icon next to their name.
In all three apps, you must be a group admin to remove someone. If you created the group, you are automatically an admin. If someone else created it, ask them to make you an admin first, or ask them to remove the person for you.
What happens when you remove someone
The removed person will see a notification or a message in the group saying they have been removed. They can no longer see new messages posted after their removal, but they can usually still see the conversation history from before they were removed — the exact behavior depends on the app and your privacy settings.
The removed person cannot rejoin the group on their own. If you change your mind or if they ask to come back, someone who is still an admin will need to add them again by creating a new invite or adding them directly to the group.
If you are not the group creator or admin
If you did not create the group and you are not an admin, you cannot remove anyone. Your only option is to leave the group yourself. To do this, open the group, tap the group name or settings, and select "Leave group" or "Exit group." Once you leave, you will no longer receive messages from that conversation.
If you want someone removed and you are not an admin, ask the person who created the group or another admin to do it for you. Explain why you think the person should be removed, and let them make the decision.
Creating a new group to exclude someone
If the app does not let you remove people (like Google Messages), or if you are not an admin, create a new group with everyone except the person you want to exclude. Start a new conversation, add each person individually or select multiple contacts at once, and give the group a name if the app supports it. You can copy the group description or purpose from the old group if there is one.
Send a message to the new group explaining that you have moved the conversation there. You do not need to explain why someone is not included — a straightforward "We are continuing the conversation here" is enough. You can leave the old group or mute it so you do not see new messages there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone I removed add themselves back to the group?
No. Once removed, they cannot rejoin unless an admin adds them back. They cannot see an invite link or rejoin option. If they ask to come back, an admin will need to add them manually.
Will the removed person see old messages in the group?
Usually yes. Most apps let removed people see the conversation history from before they were removed, but they cannot see messages sent after removal. Some apps have privacy settings that change this behavior.
What if I remove someone by accident?
You can add them back when ready. Open the group, find the option to add members, and select their name. Send them a message explaining it was a mistake. Most people will understand.
Can I remove someone without them knowing?
No. All major messaging apps notify the removed person that they have been removed from the group. They will see a message in the chat or a notification on their phone.
What if the group creator removes me?
You will be removed from the group and will no longer receive messages. You can ask the creator to add you back, or you can ask another member to invite you to a different group with the same people.