Open Messages and tap the compose button to begin a group chat
A group chat on iPhone is a conversation thread that includes three or more people. You start one by opening the Messages app, tapping the pencil-and-paper icon in the top-right corner, then typing the names or phone numbers of the people you want to include. iPhone automatically recognizes when you have added more than one person and treats it as a group rather than a one-on-one conversation.
The group chat works the same way as a regular text message — everyone in the conversation sees all messages, and anyone can reply. Unlike a one-on-one chat, you can see who is typing, who has read the message, and who is in the conversation at any moment.
Key Takeaways
- Start a group chat by opening Messages, tapping the compose button, and adding three or more contacts by name or phone number.
- You can add people to an existing group chat by opening the conversation, tapping the group name at the top, and selecting "Add Contact".
- Group chats work over regular text message (SMS) or iMessage depending on whether all members use iPhones.
- You can customize the group name, mute notifications, or leave the chat entirely from the group details screen.
- If a group chat includes even one Android phone, it converts to SMS and loses features like read receipts and typing indicators.
Step-by-step: Creating your first group chat
Open the Messages app on your home screen. In the top-right corner, you will see a pencil-and-paper icon — tap it. A blank message window opens with a field that says "To:" at the top.
Type the first person's name or phone number in the "To:" field. As you type, your contacts appear below. Tap the person's name to add them. Repeat this for each person you want to include — you need at least two other people (three total including yourself) for iPhone to treat it as a group chat. After you have added everyone, tap the text field at the bottom and type your message, then tap the send arrow.
That is the entire process. iPhone automatically creates the group and sends the first message to everyone at once. The conversation now appears in your Messages list with all the names shown together.
Adding people to a group chat that already exists
Open the group conversation you want to add someone to. At the very top of the screen, you will see the names of everyone in the group — tap on that area. A details screen opens showing all members and options.
Scroll down until you see "Add Contact" and tap it. Type the name or phone number of the person you want to add, tap their name when it appears, and they are added to the group. Everyone in the chat receives a notification that a new person has joined. The new member can see all future messages but not the conversation history from before they were added.
The difference between iMessage groups and SMS groups
If everyone in your group chat uses an iPhone, the conversation runs over iMessage — Apple's messaging system. You will see blue message bubbles, read receipts (small text showing when someone read your message), and typing indicators (the three dots that show someone is typing).
If even one person in the group uses an Android phone or a non-Apple device, the entire group chat converts to regular SMS text messaging. The bubbles turn green, and you lose read receipts and typing indicators. This happens automatically — you do not have to do anything. The group still works the same way, but with fewer features.
If you want to keep iMessage features, you would need to create a separate group with only iPhone users. There is no way to force an Android user's phone to use iMessage.
Naming your group and customizing notifications
By default, iPhone labels a group chat with all the members' names. If you want a shorter or custom name, open the group, tap the names at the top, and look for "Group Name" or "Group Details." Tap "Edit" and type a new name — something like "Book Club" or "Weekend Plans" instead of "Sarah, Marcus, and Jennifer."
If a group chat is too noisy, you can mute it without leaving. Tap the group name at the top, scroll down, and toggle "Hide Alerts" on. You will still receive messages, but your phone will not buzz or make a sound. You can turn alerts back on the same way.
Removing yourself or leaving a group chat
To leave a group chat entirely, open the conversation, tap the group name at the top, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Leave This Conversation." You will no longer receive messages from that group, and your name disappears from the member list. The other people in the group are notified that you have left.
You cannot remove other people from a group chat — only the person who started it can do that in some cases, and even then the feature is limited. If you need someone out of a conversation, the simplest option is to create a new group without them.
What to do if a group chat is not working
If messages are not sending or you are not receiving group messages, first check that you have a data connection or cellular service. Group chats over iMessage need either Wi-Fi or cellular data. SMS groups work on cellular only.
If one person is not receiving messages, ask them to check that their phone number or email is correct in your contacts. Sometimes a typo in the phone number means messages route to the wrong device. If the problem persists, try removing that person from the group and adding them again.
If the entire group chat is stuck, force-close the Messages app by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and closing it, then reopen it. If that does not work, restart your iPhone by holding the power button and sliding to power off, waiting 10 seconds, and turning it back on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to a group chat without them knowing?
No. When you add someone to a group chat, everyone in the group — including the new person — receives a notification that they have been added. The new member sees the group name and all other members' names when ready.
What happens if I delete a group chat?
Deleting a group chat from your Messages list removes it from your phone, but the conversation continues without you. Other members can still message the group, and if someone sends a new message, the chat reappears on your phone. To truly stop receiving messages, you must leave the conversation using the "Leave This Conversation" option.
Can I have a group chat with just two people?
Technically yes, but iPhone treats it as a one-on-one conversation. If you add a third person later, it becomes a true group chat with group features. Two-person conversations do not show group options like "Group Name" or "Add Contact."
Why did my group chat turn green?
A green chat means at least one member is not using an iPhone — they are on Android or another device. The group automatically switched from iMessage to SMS. This is normal and does not mean anything is broken; messages still send and receive the same way.
Can I see who read my message in a group chat?
Only if the entire group uses iMessage (all iPhones). In that case, tap and hold your message and select "Details" to see who has read it. If the group includes any Android users, read receipts are not available.