Open Messages and tap the compose button to start a group text

To create a group text on iPhone, open the Messages app and tap the pencil-and-paper icon in the top-left corner (or swipe left and tap the plus sign, depending on your iOS version). This opens a new message window. Type or search for the first contact you want to add, tap their name, then keep adding more contacts one by one. Once you've added at least two people, you're in a group text — type your message and send.

The key difference between a group text and a regular text is that everyone in the conversation receives replies from everyone else, and all messages appear in a single thread. This is different from sending the same message to multiple people separately, where each person only sees your message and their own reply to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the compose button in Messages, add two or more contacts, and send a message to create a group text automatically.
  • You can name your group text by opening the conversation, tapping the group name at the top, and selecting "Edit Name and Photo."
  • Mute notifications for a group text by swiping left on the conversation, tapping the three dots, and choosing "Hide Alerts."
  • Remove yourself from a group text by opening it, tapping the group name, scrolling down, and selecting "Leave This Conversation."
  • Group texts work over cellular or Wi-Fi; if you want to use iMessage features like read receipts, all members need iPhones or Apple devices.

Name your group text so everyone knows what it's for

By default, a group text shows the names of all members at the top. If you want a custom name instead — like "Book Club" or "Weekend Plans" — open the group conversation, tap the names or group icon at the very top, and select "Edit Name and Photo." Type the name you want and tap "Done." Everyone in the group will see the new name.

Naming a group is optional but useful when you have multiple group texts with overlapping members. A clear name makes it obvious which conversation is which when you're scrolling through your message list.

Add or remove people from an existing group text

To add someone to a group text that's already started, open the conversation, tap the group name at the top, and select "Edit Name and Photo." Scroll down to "Add Contact" and search for the person you want to add. Tap their name and then "Done." Everyone in the group will see a notification that the new person was added.

To remove someone, open the same menu, find their name in the member list, tap the minus sign next to it, and confirm. You can only remove people if you started the group or if the group was created on an iPhone (some group texts created on Android or through older systems don't allow removal). If you want to leave the group yourself, scroll to the bottom of the member list and tap "Leave This Conversation."

Control notifications so group texts don't overwhelm you

Group texts can generate a lot of messages quickly. To silence notifications without leaving the conversation, swipe left on the group text in your message list, tap the three dots (or the bell icon, depending on your iOS version), and select "Hide Alerts" or "Mute." The conversation stays in your inbox, but you won't get a sound or banner notification every time someone sends a message.

You can also customize how long the mute lasts — usually options are one hour, eight hours, one day, or indefinitely. If you want to turn notifications back on, swipe left again and tap "Show Alerts" or "Unmute."

Understand the difference between SMS group texts and iMessage groups

If everyone in your group has an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, your group text uses iMessage by default. iMessage group texts show read receipts (three dots while someone is typing, a checkmark when they've read your message), support larger file sizes, and let you react to messages with emoji or remove messages you've sent. They also work over Wi-Fi even if you don't have cellular service.

If even one person in the group uses Android or a non-Apple device, the group text falls back to SMS (standard text messaging). SMS group texts don't show read receipts, have smaller file size limits, and don't support reactions or message removal. They require cellular service and may cost you a text message credit if you have a limited plan, though most modern plans include unlimited texting.

You can see which type you're using by looking at the send button — it's blue for iMessage and green for SMS. If you want to switch from SMS to iMessage, make sure everyone in the group has an Apple device and is signed into iMessage.

Use group text features like reactions and mentions

In an iMessage group text, you can react to individual messages by pressing and holding a message, then tapping the emoji reaction you want. Everyone in the group sees your reaction next to that message. You can also mention a specific person by typing their name with an @ symbol (like @Sarah) — they'll get a special notification that they were mentioned, even if they have alerts muted.

To remove a message you've sent in an iMessage group, press and hold it and select "Undo Send" (on newer iOS versions) or "Remove" (on older versions). The message disappears for everyone in the group. These features only work in iMessage groups, not in SMS groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a group text with people who have Android phones?

Yes. The group text will work, but it will use SMS instead of iMessage. You won't see read receipts or typing indicators, and file sizes will be limited. Everyone will still receive and send messages normally.

What happens if I leave a group text?

You stop receiving messages from that conversation. The group continues without you, and other members can still message each other. You can rejoin if someone adds you back, or you can start a new conversation with those people.

Why does my group text show green bubbles instead of blue?

At least one person in the group doesn't have iMessage enabled or is using a non-Apple device. The conversation is using SMS instead of iMessage. To switch back to iMessage, make sure everyone has an iPhone and is signed into iMessage in Settings > Messages.

Can I see who read my message in a group text?

Only in iMessage groups. Open the conversation, tap the group name at the top, and look for "Delivered" or "Read" under each message. In SMS groups, you won't see read receipts at all.

How many people can I add to a group text?

There's no hard limit, but group texts with more than 20 or 30 people can become slow or difficult to manage. Very large groups sometimes work better as a shared note or a group chat app designed for that purpose.