The fastest way depends on which app you use
Most phones let you send one message to multiple people at once, but the steps change depending on whether you use your phone's built-in texting app, iMessage, WhatsApp, or another messaging service. The easiest route on most Android phones is to open your default texting app, tap the compose button, and select multiple contacts before typing your message. On iPhone, iMessage works the same way — tap the compose icon, add names or numbers to the "To" field, and send. If you want a true group chat where everyone sees replies from everyone else, you'll need to use an app designed for that, like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram, rather than your phone's standard text messaging.
The difference matters: a group text sent through your phone's built-in app may deliver as individual messages to each person, so they won't see other people's replies unless they're using the same group messaging feature. A group chat in WhatsApp or Messenger creates a single conversation thread that everyone in the group can see and reply to together.
Key Takeaways
- Your phone's built-in texting app (Messages on iPhone, Google Messages or Samsung Messages on Android) can send one message to multiple people, but replies may not show as a group conversation.
- iMessage on iPhone and RCS (Rich Communication Services) on newer Android phones support true group messaging where everyone sees all replies in one thread.
- Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram create dedicated group chats that work the same way across all phones and let you add or remove people from the group later.
- Group texts sent through your phone's standard app may count as multiple messages toward your plan, while group chats in dedicated apps use only data or Wi-Fi.
Sending a group text through your phone's built-in app
Open your texting app — on iPhone this is Messages, on Android it's usually Google Messages, Samsung Messages, or whatever came with your phone. Tap the compose or new message button (usually a pencil icon or a plus sign). In the "To" field, type or search for the first contact's name, then tap to select them. Keep typing or searching to add more people — most phones let you add as many as you want, though some carriers limit group texts to around 20 people.
Once you've added everyone, type your message and hit send. Everyone will receive it, but here's the catch: if you're using standard SMS (regular text messaging), each person gets an individual message, not a group conversation. If someone replies, you'll see their reply as a separate message thread, not as part of a group chat. On iPhone with iMessage enabled, or on Android with RCS turned on, replies will appear in a group thread that everyone can see.
How iMessage and RCS create true group conversations
iMessage is Apple's messaging system that works between iPhones, iPads, and Macs. When you send a message to multiple people through iMessage, it creates a group conversation where everyone's replies show up in one thread. You can see who's typing, who's read the message, and follow the whole conversation in order. To use iMessage for group messaging, all recipients must have iMessage turned on (which is the default on iPhones), and you need to be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is Android's version of the same thing. If your Android phone supports RCS and the people you're texting also have RCS-capable phones, group messages work like iMessage — everyone sees replies in one thread. Not all Android phones or carriers support RCS yet, so check your phone's settings under Messages or Messaging to see if it's available. If it's not turned on, turn it on. If it's not listed, your phone or carrier doesn't support it yet.
The advantage of both iMessage and RCS is that they work over data or Wi-Fi, so they don't count against text message limits on your phone plan. They also let you see when people are typing and when they've read your message.
Using WhatsApp, Messenger, or Telegram for group chats
If you want a group chat that works the same way on every phone — iPhone, Android, or anything else — use an app like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram. These apps create a dedicated group conversation that everyone can see and reply to together, and they work over Wi-Fi or data instead of using text messages.
To start a group in WhatsApp: open the app, tap the compose icon (pencil or plus sign), select "New Group", then search for and add each person you want. Give the group a name, then tap create. Everyone will be notified that they've been added to the group. In Facebook Messenger, open the app, tap the compose icon, search for each person's name, and once you've selected multiple people, start typing your message. Telegram works similarly — tap the compose icon, select "New Group", add people, name the group, and create it.
The main difference between these apps and your phone's built-in texting is that everyone has to have the same app installed. If you're texting someone who doesn't use WhatsApp, you'll need to use your phone's standard texting app or iMessage instead.
When group texts don't work the way you expect
If you send a group text and someone replies but you don't see their message in the group thread, it usually means one of two things: either you're using standard SMS and the recipient's phone doesn't support group messaging, or RCS isn't turned on for both of you. Try turning on RCS in your Messages app settings if it's available.
If some people in the group are getting your message but others aren't, check that you've typed their numbers or names correctly. Some older phones or carriers may not support group texting at all — if that's the case, you'll need to send individual messages or switch to an app like WhatsApp that doesn't rely on your carrier's texting system.
Group texts can also be slow to deliver if you're on a weak data connection or if the recipient's phone is offline. Messages usually arrive within a few seconds, but if someone's phone is turned off or in airplane mode, the message may not go through until they reconnect.
Costs and data use for group messaging
If you send a group text through your phone's standard texting app using SMS, it may count as multiple messages toward your plan — some carriers count one group text as one message, others count it as one message per recipient. Check your carrier's policy by looking at your plan details or calling customer service.
iMessage, RCS, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram all use data or Wi-Fi instead of text messages, so they don't count toward text limits. They do use a small amount of data — a typical text message uses less than 1 kilobyte, so even a long group conversation uses very little. If you have unlimited data or a Wi-Fi connection, these apps are free to use.
Adding or removing people from an ongoing group chat
In your phone's built-in texting app, you usually can't add or remove people from a group text after you've sent the first message — you'd have to start a new group. In iMessage, you can add people to an existing group by opening the conversation, tapping the group name at the top, and selecting "Add Contact".
In WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram, you can add or remove people from a group at any time. Open the group, tap the group name or settings icon, and look for an option to add or remove members. The group admin (usually the person who created it) can also change the group name, description, or photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a group text to people with different phone types?
Yes. Your phone's built-in texting app works with any phone that can receive text messages. iMessage only works between Apple devices, and RCS only works between Android phones that support it. If you're mixing iPhones and Android phones, use WhatsApp, Messenger, or Telegram instead — they work on all phones as long as everyone has the app installed.
What's the difference between a group text and a group chat?
A group text sent through SMS may deliver as individual messages, so replies don't always show up in a shared thread. A group chat in iMessage, RCS, or an app like WhatsApp creates one conversation where everyone sees all replies together. Group chats are easier to follow if you're having a longer conversation.
Do group texts use more data than regular texts?
Standard SMS group texts don't use data at all — they use your text message allowance. iMessage, RCS, and apps like WhatsApp use a tiny amount of data per message (less than 1 kilobyte), so a group conversation uses very little even if it goes on for hours.
Can I send a group text if someone doesn't have my contact saved?
Yes. You can add anyone by their phone number or, in apps like WhatsApp or Messenger, by their username or account name. They don't need to have you saved in their contacts to receive your message.
Why can't I add someone to my group text after I've already sent messages?
Your phone's built-in texting app treats each group text as a separate conversation, so you can't add people mid-conversation. If you need to add someone, start a new group text. In iMessage and dedicated apps like WhatsApp, you can add people to an existing group anytime.