What a group chat is and how to make one

A group chat is a conversation between three or more people in a single message thread. Instead of sending the same message to each person separately, you create one chat that includes everyone at once. When someone replies, all members see that reply in the same place.

How you create one depends on what app you're using. The steps are different on iMessage (Apple), WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Slack, and Discord. The basic idea is the same across all of them: you pick the app, find the option to start a new chat, add the people you want, and give the group a name (optional on some apps).

Group chats work on phones, tablets, and computers. If you use the same app on multiple devices with the same account, the conversation syncs across all of them — you can start a chat on your phone and continue it on your laptop without losing the thread.

Key Takeaways

  • Group chats let multiple people message in one thread instead of you sending separate messages to each person.
  • The steps to create one vary by app, but all apps have a "new chat" or "new message" button that lets you add multiple people at once.
  • You can usually name the group, set a profile picture for it, and control who can add new members, depending on the app.
  • Once created, a group chat stays open and everyone can see the full conversation history unless someone leaves or you delete the chat.

Creating a group chat on iMessage (iPhone, iPad, Mac)

On an iPhone or iPad, open the Messages app and tap the pencil-and-paper icon in the top-left corner (or swipe left on the chat list). This opens a new message screen. Tap "New Message" or the plus sign, then start typing names or phone numbers in the "To:" field. Add as many people as you want — they don't all need to have iPhones, though the chat will work best if they do.

Once you've added everyone, type your message and hit send. The group chat is now created. To name the group later, open the chat, tap the group name at the top, then tap "Edit Name and Photo." You can add a custom name and a picture for the group. On Mac, the process is nearly identical: open Messages, click the compose button (pencil icon), add contacts, and send your first message.

One thing to know: if everyone in the group has an iPhone and iMessage is turned on, the chat will use iMessage (blue bubbles). If even one person has an Android phone, it switches to SMS/MMS (green bubbles), which has fewer features and may charge you for texts depending on your plan.

Creating a group chat on WhatsApp

Open WhatsApp and tap the message icon (speech bubble) at the bottom right on iPhone or the plus sign at the bottom right on Android. Select "New Group." You'll see a list of your contacts — tap each person you want to add, then tap "Create" at the top. WhatsApp requires you to name the group before it's created, so type a name and tap "Create Group."

Once the group exists, you can add a profile picture by tapping the group name at the top, then "Group Photo." You can also control settings like who can send messages, who can add new members, and who can change the group name and photo. These settings are in the same menu under "Group Settings."

WhatsApp groups work across iPhone and Android equally well. Everyone needs a WhatsApp account, but they don't need to be in your phone contacts — you can add people by their phone number if you know it.

Creating a group chat on Facebook Messenger

Open Messenger and tap the pencil icon (compose) at the top. Tap "New Group Chat." Start typing names of people you want to add — they'll appear as suggestions. Tap each person to add them. Once you've added everyone, tap "Create" or send your first message to start the group.

You can name the group by opening it, tapping the group name at the top, and selecting "Edit Group Name." You can also add a group photo, change who can add members, and control other settings from the same menu. Facebook Messenger groups work on phones and computers, and the conversation syncs across devices.

Creating a group chat on Slack

Slack is designed for work teams rather than casual texting, but it works the same way. Click the plus sign next to "Direct Messages" on the left sidebar, then select "Create a new direct message group." Type the names of people you want to add from your workspace, then click "Create." Slack automatically names the group based on the members' names, but you can rename it by clicking the group name at the top and selecting "Edit channel details."

Slack groups (called channels when they're public) let you organize conversations by topic, project, or team. You can pin important messages, set reminders, and search the entire conversation history. Unlike text messaging apps, Slack is built to keep records of everything discussed.

Creating a group chat on Discord

Discord is primarily for gaming and community groups, but it also works for casual group chats. Click the plus sign next to your server list on the left, or click "Create a Server" to start a new space. If you're adding people to an existing server, right-click the server name and select "Create Channel." Name the channel and choose whether it's a text or voice channel.

To start a direct group message instead, click the plus sign next to "Direct Messages," then select the people you want to add. Discord will create a group DM with those people. Unlike servers, group DMs are simpler and don't require anyone to join anything — they just appear in everyone's message list.

What you can do once the group chat exists

Most group chat apps let you add or remove people after the group is created. You can usually do this by opening the group, tapping the group name or settings icon, and selecting "Add Members" or "Remove Members." Some apps let you mute notifications for a group so you don't get pinged for every message, and most let you leave a group entirely if you no longer want to be part of it.

You can also search the conversation history in most apps — useful if someone mentioned something weeks ago and you need to find it. Some apps let you pin important messages to the top of the chat, set reminders, or export the conversation as a file. The exact features depend on which app you're using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to a group chat after it's already started?

Yes. Open the group, tap the group name or settings, and look for "Add Members" or a similar option. The new person will see the full conversation history in most apps, though some apps only show messages sent after they joined.

What happens if someone leaves a group chat?

They stop receiving messages and can no longer see new messages in that group. Depending on the app, they may still see the conversation history, or it may disappear from their chat list entirely. Other members can usually add them back if needed.

Can I delete a group chat?

Yes. Open the group, tap and hold it (or right-click on a computer), and select "Delete Chat" or "Leave Group." This removes it from your chat list, though the conversation may still exist for other members. Deleting a group chat doesn't remove it for anyone else.

Do all members need to have the same phone type to use a group chat?

No, but it depends on the app. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Slack, and Discord work across iPhone and Android equally. iMessage only works fully if everyone has an Apple device — if one person has Android, the group switches to regular text messages.

Can I have a group chat with just two people?

Technically yes, but most apps call that a "direct message" instead. Group chats are designed for three or more people. Starting a two-person chat usually puts it in a different section of the app, though the features are the same.