Creating a group chat takes three steps: open Messenger, select the new message icon, add the people you want, and name the group

A group chat on Facebook is a conversation between three or more people in Messenger. Unlike a regular one-on-one message, everyone in the group sees all replies, and you can add or remove people after the chat starts. The process is the same whether you use Facebook on a computer or the Messenger app on your phone.

To create one, open Messenger (either through Facebook.com or the standalone Messenger app), tap or click the pencil icon or "New Message" button, then type the names of the people you want to include. Facebook will show you matching contacts as you type. Once you've added everyone, give the group a name and send your first message. The group chat is now active.

Key Takeaways

  • You start a group chat by opening Messenger, clicking the new message button, and adding at least two other people by name.
  • Group chats let you add or remove members after creation, change the group name, and set a group photo or emoji.
  • Everyone in the group can see all messages and replies, and Facebook stores the conversation history unless you delete it.
  • You can mute notifications from a group chat without leaving it, or leave the group entirely if you no longer want to participate.

Steps to create a group chat on your phone

Open the Messenger app and look for the pencil icon (on iPhone) or the "+" icon (on Android) at the top of your chat list. Tap it to start a new message. A search box will appear where you can type the first person's name. As you type, Facebook shows matching contacts below the search box — tap each person you want to add. You need at least two other people to form a group.

Once you've added everyone, the app will ask you to name the group. Type a name that makes sense for the conversation — something like "Weekend Plans" or "Book Club" helps people remember what the group is for. After you name it, you can optionally add a group photo or emoji. Then send your first message, and the group chat is created.

Steps to create a group chat on a computer

Go to Messenger.com or open Messenger through Facebook.com. Click the pencil icon or "New Message" button near the top left of the screen. A window will open with a search box. Type the name of the first person you want to add, and matching contacts will appear below. Click each person's name to add them. You need at least two other people.

After adding everyone, type a group name in the field that appears. You can add a group photo or emoji if you want, though this is optional. Click "Create" or send your first message to finish. The group chat will now appear in your Messenger inbox.

Managing group members and settings

After you create a group chat, you can add new members at any time by opening the group, tapping or clicking the group name at the top, and selecting "Add Members." You can also remove people from the group using the same menu — tap or click the person's name and select "Remove from Group." The person will no longer see new messages in that chat, though they can still see the conversation history if they screenshot it.

You can change the group name, photo, or emoji by opening the group settings. On a phone, tap the group name at the top of the chat. On a computer, click the group name. From there, you can edit any of these details. If you want to leave the group entirely, select "Leave Group" from the same menu. You'll stop receiving messages from that chat, but the group will continue without you.

What happens to messages in a group chat

Every message sent in a group chat is visible to all members. Facebook stores these messages on its servers, and they remain in the chat history unless you delete them. If you delete a message you sent, it disappears for everyone in the group. If you delete the entire chat from your inbox, the group continues for other members — you just won't see it anymore.

If you want to reduce notifications without leaving the group, you can mute the chat. On a phone, swipe left on the group (iPhone) or long-press it (Android), then select "Mute." On a computer, right-click the group and select "Mute." You'll stop getting notifications, but you can still read and send messages whenever you open the chat.

Privacy and who can see your group chat

Group chats on Messenger are private conversations between the members you add. Facebook can see the content of these messages as part of its normal data collection, as explained in the section you came from. The people in the group cannot see each other's other conversations or friend lists unless they are already connected on Facebook.

If someone takes a screenshot of the group chat and shares it elsewhere, Facebook does not notify you. The only people who can see the conversation are the ones you added to the group and Facebook itself. If you remove someone from the group, they lose access to future messages but keep any screenshots or records they made while they were a member.

Troubleshooting common group chat problems

If you cannot find the new message button, make sure you are using the current version of Messenger. On a phone, check your app store for updates. On a computer, try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser. If the app keeps crashing, uninstall and reinstall it.

If someone you want to add does not appear in the search results, they may have blocked you, changed their privacy settings, or deactivated their account. You can only add people who are your Facebook friends or whose privacy settings allow you to message them. If a group chat disappears from your inbox, it may have been archived — search for the group name in the search box at the top of Messenger to find it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a group chat with people who are not my Facebook friends?

You can only add people to a group chat if they are your Facebook friends or if their privacy settings allow you to message them. If someone is not showing up in the search results, check whether you are already connected on Facebook or whether they have restricted who can message them.

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

A group chat is a private conversation in Messenger between specific people you choose. A Facebook group is a separate space where many people can join, post content, and interact. Group chats are for direct messaging; Facebook groups are for community discussions.

Can I see who has read my message in a group chat?

Yes. In a group chat, you can see small profile pictures or checkmarks next to your message showing who has read it. On a phone, look below the message. On a computer, hover over the message to see the read receipts.

What happens if I leave a group chat?

You will stop receiving messages from that group, and the chat will disappear from your inbox. The group continues for other members, and they can still see all previous messages. You can rejoin if someone adds you back.

Can I have a group chat with just one other person?

No. Facebook requires at least three people (you plus two others) to create a group chat. A conversation between two people is a regular one-on-one message, not a group chat.