Creating a group chat on Messenger takes three steps: open the app, tap the compose button, and select multiple people
A group chat on Messenger is a conversation with three or more people at once. Unlike a one-on-one message, everyone in the group sees what everyone else writes. You start one by opening Messenger, tapping the pencil icon to compose a new message, then choosing the people you want to include. The group is created the moment you send your first message — there is no separate "create group" step.
Group chats work the same way on phones and computers, though the buttons are in slightly different places. Once the group exists, any member can add more people, change the group name, or leave whenever they want. Messenger does not require you to set permissions or invite people formally — you just pick names and start typing.
Key Takeaways
- Open Messenger, tap the compose button (pencil icon on phones, new message button on desktop), and select two or more people to create a group chat.
- The group is created when you send your first message — you do not need to name it or configure settings beforehand.
- Any member of the group can add new people, change the group name, or remove members at any time.
- Group chats store all messages, photos, and files in one place that all members can see and search.
- You can leave a group chat without affecting the conversation for other members, and you can rejoin later if someone adds you back.
Steps to create a group chat on your phone
Open the Messenger app and look for the pencil icon in the top right corner of the screen (on iPhone) or the bottom right corner (on Android). Tap it. A window will open with a text field that says "To:" at the top.
Type or tap the names of the people you want to add. You can add as many as you want — there is no limit. As you type each name, Messenger shows you matching contacts. Tap each person's name to add them to the list. You will see their name appear as a small tag below the "To:" field.
Once you have selected everyone, tap the text field at the bottom of the screen where it says "Aa" and type your first message. Then tap the send button (arrow icon). The group chat is now created and all members will see your message.
Steps to create a group chat on desktop
Go to Messenger.com or open Messenger from Facebook.com. In the top left, you will see a button that says "New Message" or shows a pencil icon. Click it. A window will open with a search field.
Type the name of the first person you want to add. Click their name when it appears in the dropdown. Then type the next person's name and click theirs. Repeat until you have added everyone. You will see all the names listed in the field.
Click in the message box at the bottom and type your first message. Press Enter or click the send button. The group chat is created and all members will receive a notification that they have been added.
Naming your group and changing settings
When you create a group, Messenger automatically names it after the members' names. You can change this name at any time. Open the group chat, then tap the group name at the top of the screen (on phone) or click the info icon on the right side (on desktop). Select "Edit group name" and type a new name. This name is visible to everyone in the group.
You can also change the group photo, mute notifications, or customize who can add new members. These settings are in the same menu. If you want to prevent certain people from adding others without permission, you can restrict that — but by default, any member can add anyone.
Adding and removing people from an existing group
To add someone to a group chat that already exists, open the group, tap or click the group name at the top, and look for an "Add Members" or "Add People" option. Type the person's name and tap or click to add them. They will see a notification that they have been added and can see all previous messages in the group.
To remove someone, open the group settings the same way and find their name in the member list. Tap or click the X or remove button next to their name. They will no longer see new messages, but the group will continue for everyone else.
If you want to leave the group yourself, open the group settings and select "Leave Group" or "Leave Chat". You will no longer receive messages from that group, but it will continue without you. If someone adds you back later, you can rejoin.
What happens to messages and files in a group chat
All messages, photos, videos, and files sent in a group chat are stored on Messenger's servers and visible to everyone in the group. Each member can search the chat history, read files, or save photos. If you leave the group, you keep access to all messages you received while you were a member, but you will not see new messages sent after you leave.
If you delete a message you sent, it disappears for everyone in the group — not just for you. If you delete the entire chat from your phone or computer, it only removes it from your view; the group and all its messages remain for other members. There is no way to delete a group chat for everyone at once.
Troubleshooting common group chat problems
If you try to create a group and the send button does not work, make sure you have selected at least two other people. Messenger requires a minimum of three people total (you plus two others) to create a group. If you only select one person, it creates a one-on-one chat instead.
If someone is not appearing in your contacts list when you try to add them, they may have blocked you, deactivated their account, or changed their privacy settings. Try searching for them by their full name or username. If they still do not appear, you will not be able to add them to the group.
If you are not receiving notifications from a group chat, check that you have not muted the group. Open the group settings and look for a "Mute" or "Notifications" option. You can turn notifications back on for that group without leaving it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a group chat with just one other person?
No. Messenger requires at least three people total (you plus two others) to create a group chat. If you select only one person, it creates a regular one-on-one conversation instead. You can always add a third person later to turn it into a group.
Do people get notified when I add them to a group?
Yes. When you add someone to a group chat, they receive a notification that they have been added and can see all previous messages in that group. They do not have to accept or confirm — they are automatically part of the conversation.
Can I see messages from before I was added to a group?
Yes. When you are added to a group, you can see all messages that were sent in that group before you joined. This is different from some other messaging apps that only show you messages sent after you are added.
What happens if I delete a group chat from my phone?
Deleting a group chat from your phone only removes it from your view. The group continues to exist for all other members, and they can still see all messages. If someone sends a new message to the group, it will reappear on your phone.
Can I create a group chat with someone who has blocked me?
No. If someone has blocked you, they will not appear in your contacts list when you try to create a group. You cannot add them to a group chat, and they cannot add you to one either.