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 from the main chat list on older iOS versions). This opens a new message screen. Type or search for the first contact you want to add, then tap their name. Repeat this process to add more people — you can add up to 32 contacts in a single group text.

Once you've added everyone, type your message in the text field at the bottom and tap the blue send arrow. The message will go to all recipients at once, and their replies will appear in a single conversation thread labeled with all the participants' names.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the compose button (pencil icon) in Messages, then search for and add each person you want in the group one at a time.
  • You can include up to 32 people in a single group text conversation.
  • Group texts work over cellular or Wi-Fi, but iMessage group texts (blue bubbles) only work if all participants have iPhones or Apple devices.
  • You can name your group, change the color, or add an emoji by tapping the group name at the top of the conversation.
  • If someone in the group uses Android, the text will send as SMS and appear in a green bubble instead of blue.

The difference between iMessage and SMS group texts

When you create a group text on iPhone, the type of message depends on who you're texting. If everyone in the group has an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac), the messages appear in blue bubbles and use iMessage. iMessage group texts include features like read receipts, typing indicators, and the ability to react to messages with emoji.

If even one person in the group uses Android or another non-Apple device, the entire conversation switches to SMS (standard text messaging), shown in green bubbles. SMS group texts don't support read receipts, reactions, or typing indicators. The message will still reach everyone, but you lose those extra features.

How to customize your group text name and appearance

After you've created a group text, you can personalize it. Tap the group name at the top of the conversation to open the group details screen. From here, you can tap "Edit Name and Photo" to give the group a custom name — this helps you remember what the group is for, especially if you have multiple group texts.

You can also add a group photo by tapping the circular icon at the top. Choose an existing photo from your library or take a new one. Below that, you'll see color and emoji options to further customize the appearance of the group in your message list.

Adding or removing people after the group is created

You don't have to decide on all participants before sending the first message. Open the group conversation, tap the group name at the top, and select "Edit Name and Photo." Tap "Add Contact" to bring in new people, or swipe left on someone's name to remove them from the group.

When you add someone to an existing group, they won't see the previous messages in that conversation — they'll only see messages sent after they join. If you remove someone, they'll stay in the conversation thread on their phone, but they won't receive any new messages you send.

Muting notifications and leaving a group text

If a group text becomes too active and you're getting too many notifications, you can mute it without leaving. Swipe left on the group in your message list, tap the three dots, and select "Mute." You can choose to mute it for one hour, one day, or indefinitely. You'll still be part of the group and can read messages whenever you want — you just won't get alerts.

If you want to leave the group entirely, open the conversation, tap the group name at the top, scroll down, and tap "Leave This Conversation." You'll be removed from the group, and your name will appear in the chat with a note that you left. You won't receive any further messages from that group.

Troubleshooting common group text problems

If your group text isn't working, first check that you have an active internet connection (for iMessage) or cellular service (for SMS). If messages aren't sending, try closing the Messages app completely and reopening it. If that doesn't work, restart your iPhone.

If one person's messages aren't appearing in the group, they may have blocked you, turned off iMessage, or have a connectivity issue on their end. Try sending them a direct message to confirm they're receiving texts. If you're mixing iPhone and Android users and the group keeps switching between blue and green bubbles, this is normal — it happens when someone's iMessage status changes or they're temporarily unreachable on iMessage.

Group FaceTime and SharePlay from a group text

Once you've created a group text with other iPhone users, you can start a group FaceTime call directly from the conversation. Tap the video camera icon at the top of the group chat to begin a video call with everyone in the group. You can also tap the phone icon to start an audio-only call.

If you're running iOS 15.1 or later, you can use SharePlay to watch videos, listen to music, or share your screen during a group FaceTime call. This feature only works if all participants are on Apple devices and have SharePlay enabled in their settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a group text with just two people?

Yes, but it works the same as a regular one-on-one text. If you want to create a group conversation with two people, follow the same steps — add both contacts and send your message. The conversation will be labeled with both names and function as a group text, though you won't see many differences from a standard text.

What happens if I add someone to a group text after messages have already been sent?

The new person will join the conversation going forward, but they won't see any of the previous messages. They'll only see messages sent after they're added to the group. This is true whether you're using iMessage or SMS.

Why did my group text turn green when it was blue before?

This happens when someone in the group turns off iMessage, switches to Android, or loses their internet connection. Once even one person can't use iMessage, the entire group conversation switches to SMS (green bubbles). If they turn iMessage back on or rejoin with an Apple device, it may switch back to blue.

Can I see who has read my group text message?

Only if the group is using iMessage (blue bubbles). Tap and hold a message to see read receipts showing who has seen it and when. SMS group texts (green bubbles) don't support read receipts, so you won't see this information.

Is there a limit to how many people I can add to a group text?

Yes — you can add up to 32 people in a single group text conversation. If you need to reach more people, you'll need to create a separate group or send individual messages.