How to leave a group text depends on what app you're using and who created the group
On iPhone Messages, you can leave a group text by opening the conversation, tapping "Details" in the top right, scrolling down, and selecting "Leave this Conversation." The group continues without you — everyone else stays in it. On Android, the process varies by phone and messaging app. In Google Messages, open the group, tap the three dots, and select "Leave group." In Samsung Messages, long-press the conversation and look for a leave or remove option. On WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and Signal, open the group, tap the group name at the top, scroll to the bottom, and select "Leave Group" or "Exit Group."
The key difference: leaving a group text is not the same as blocking someone or deleting the conversation. When you leave, the group still exists for everyone else, and they can still see your old messages. You straightforward stop receiving new messages and cannot send new ones. If you want to stop seeing the conversation altogether, you can delete it from your message list after leaving — but deleting it does not remove you from the group on the sender's end.
Key Takeaways
- On iPhone Messages, tap Details, then "Leave this Conversation" — the group continues for everyone else.
- On Android, the leave option is in the three-dot menu in Google Messages or in the long-press menu in Samsung Messages.
- WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Messenger all have a "Leave Group" button in the group info screen.
- Leaving a group does not delete your old messages from the group or remove you from the group on other people's phones.
- If you want to stop seeing notifications, you can mute the conversation instead of leaving it entirely.
iPhone Messages: The simplest method
Open the group text conversation. Tap "Details" in the top right corner — it appears as a small circle with an "i" inside. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. You will see a button that says "Leave this Conversation" in red text. Tap it and confirm. You are now out of the group.
After you leave, you will not receive any new messages from that group. If someone sends a message, you will not see it. The conversation will stay in your message list, but it will not update. If you want to clean up your inbox, you can swipe left on the conversation and delete it — this removes it from your phone only, not from the group itself.
Android: Google Messages and Samsung Messages
If you use Google Messages (the default on many newer Android phones), open the group conversation. Tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select "Leave group" from the menu. Confirm the action. You are out.
If you use Samsung Messages on a Samsung phone, long-press the group conversation in your message list until it highlights. A menu will appear at the bottom of the screen. Look for an option to leave, remove, or delete the group. The exact wording depends on your phone's Android version, but it will be in that menu. If you do not see a leave option, you may need to open the conversation first, tap the three dots, and look for it there.
Other Android messaging apps like Textra or Pulse may have different layouts, but they all follow the same pattern: open the group, find the menu (usually three dots), and select leave or remove.
WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Facebook Messenger
WhatsApp: Open the group chat. Tap the group name at the very top of the screen. Scroll all the way down. Tap "Leave Group" and confirm. You will no longer see messages or be able to send them.
Telegram: Open the group. Tap the group name at the top. Scroll down and select "Leave Group." Confirm. You can still see the group in your chat list, but it will show as inactive.
Signal: Open the group conversation. Tap the group name at the top. Scroll down to "Leave Group" and tap it. Confirm your choice.
Facebook Messenger: Open the group conversation. Tap the group name at the top. Scroll down and select "Leave Chat." The group continues for everyone else, and you will not receive notifications.
What happens to your old messages when you leave
Your previous messages stay in the group. Everyone else can still see what you wrote before you left. Leaving does not erase your message history from the group — it only stops you from receiving new messages and sending new ones. If you want your old messages removed, you would need to delete them individually before leaving, and even then, only on your own phone.
Some apps like WhatsApp and Signal allow you to delete a message for everyone within a short time window (usually 1 hour), but once that window closes, the message is permanent for the group. There is no bulk delete option that removes all your messages at once.
Muting a group instead of leaving it
If you want to stop seeing notifications but stay in the group, mute it instead of leaving. On iPhone, swipe left on the conversation and tap "Mute." On Android, long-press the conversation and select "Mute notifications." On WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, open the group, tap the group name, and look for a "Mute" or "Notifications" option.
Muting silences notifications but keeps you in the group. You can still read messages if you open the conversation, and you can still send messages. The group will not show a badge with an unread count. This is useful if you want to stay connected but do not want constant alerts.
If you cannot find a leave option
Some older phones or messaging apps do not have a dedicated leave button. If you cannot find one, try these steps: open the group, look for a menu icon (three dots, three lines, or a gear), and search for options like "Remove me," "Exit," "Delete group," or "Leave." If the app is very old, you may only be able to delete the conversation from your phone, which does not remove you from the group on the sender's end.
If you are using a messaging app that is no longer updated, consider switching to a newer one. Older apps sometimes have bugs or missing features, and they may not be find. Google Messages, WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram are all actively maintained and have clear leave options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will people know I left the group?
Yes. On iPhone Messages, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, the group will show a notification that you left — something like "James left the group." On Android Messages and Facebook Messenger, it depends on the app's settings, but most show a notification. There is no way to leave silently.
Can I rejoin a group after I leave?
Only if someone invites you back. You cannot rejoin on your own. The group admin or any member can send you a new invite link (on WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal) or add you back manually (on Messages or Messenger). You will not automatically rejoin.
What if I want to remove someone else from a group?
You can only remove others if you are the group admin. On iPhone Messages, tap Details, then tap the person's name and select "Remove from Group." On WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, open the group, tap the group name, find the member list, and tap the person you want to remove. The option to remove will appear. On Android Messages, you may not have this option depending on your phone.
If I delete the conversation, does that remove me from the group?
No. Deleting the conversation from your phone only removes it from your message list. You are still in the group, and new messages will create a new conversation thread. You must use the "Leave Group" option to actually exit the group.
Can I leave a group without anyone knowing?
No. All major messaging apps notify the group when someone leaves. The notification usually says your name and that you left. There is no hidden or silent leave option.