Group texting lets you send one message to multiple people at once
A group text message is a single message you compose once and send to several people together. Instead of typing the same thing to five friends individually, you write it once and pick all five names. Everyone in the group sees the message and can reply, and their replies come back to the whole group — not just to you.
How you start a group text depends on whether you use an iPhone or Android phone, but both work roughly the same way. The steps take about a minute, and you can save the group so you don't have to pick the same names every time.
Key Takeaways
- On iPhone, open Messages, tap the compose button (pencil icon), and add multiple names in the "To:" field before typing your message.
- On Android, open your default messaging app, tap the compose or new message button, and add multiple contacts before writing your message.
- Everyone in the group sees all replies, not just yours — this is different from sending the same message to people separately.
- You can name your group and save it so future messages to the same people are faster.
- Group texts use your regular text message plan; they do not cost extra or require internet if you have cell service.
How to start a group text on iPhone
Open the Messages app. Tap the pencil-and-paper icon in the top right corner to start a new message. In the field that says "To:", type or paste the first person's name or phone number. As you type, your phone will show matching contacts — tap the one you want.
After you pick the first person, the cursor stays in the "To:" field. Type a comma or just start typing the next name. Add as many people as you need. Once all names are in, tap in the message field at the bottom and type what you want to say. Tap the send button (arrow icon) to send it to everyone at once.
If you plan to text this same group again, you can name it. After you send the first message, tap "Details" in the top right. Scroll down and tap "Add a Subject Line" — the subject becomes the group name. You can also turn on "Do Not Disturb" here if the group gets noisy.
How to start a group text on Android
Open your default messaging app — this is usually Google Messages, Samsung Messages, or whatever came with your phone. Tap the compose button, which is usually a pencil icon or a plus sign. Tap "New conversation" or "New message" if prompted.
Tap the "To:" field and type the first person's name or number. Your phone will show matching contacts. Tap the person you want. The field will show their name with a small X next to it. Tap the field again and add the next person. Repeat until everyone is added. Then tap in the message field and type your message. Tap send.
Most Android phones let you name the group too. After the first message sends, open the conversation and look for a group name field at the top or in the menu (three dots). Tap it and type a name like "Book Club" or "Weekend Plans". This name saves with the group so you can find it easily later.
The difference between group texts and individual messages
When you send a group text, everyone sees that it is a group — the conversation shows all the names at the top. When someone replies, their message goes to the whole group, and everyone sees it. If you send the same message to five people individually instead, each person thinks they are the only one getting it, and their replies come only to you.
Group texts are useful when you need input from multiple people at once — "What time works for dinner?" — because you see all the answers in one place. They are less useful if you want a private conversation with one person, or if the group is very large and replies will pile up quickly.
What happens if someone does not have texting or leaves the group
If someone in your group text does not have a cell phone plan with texting, or if they have an old phone that does not support group messaging, the message may not reach them, or it may reach them as individual messages instead of as part of the group. There is no way to know in advance — it depends on their phone and carrier.
On iPhone, if someone leaves a group text or their number is no longer active, you will see a note in the conversation saying they left or that the message could not be delivered. You can remove someone from a group by opening the conversation, tapping "Details", scrolling to their name, and tapping "Remove".
On Android, the option to remove someone varies by phone and messaging app. Open the group conversation, tap the menu (three dots), look for "Group details" or "Manage members", and tap the X next to the person's name.
Saving a group for future use
After you send your first group message, the conversation stays in your Messages app. The next time you want to text the same group, you can open that conversation and just type a new message — you do not have to pick all the names again.
If you want to add or remove someone from a saved group, open the conversation and look for the option to edit members. On iPhone, tap "Details" and then the info icon. On Android, tap the menu and look for "Group details" or "Edit members". You can add new people or remove ones who should not be in future messages.
Group texts and your phone plan
Group text messages count against your text message limit the same way individual texts do. If your plan includes unlimited texting, group texts are included. If you pay per message, each group text counts as one message, not as multiple messages — so sending to five people costs the same as sending to one person.
Group texts do not require internet or Wi-Fi. They use your cell service just like regular texts. If you want to send a message to a group over Wi-Fi instead of cell service, you would need to use an app like iMessage (iPhone only), WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger instead of regular text messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to a group text after I have already started it?
Yes. Open the group conversation, tap the details or info button, and look for an option to add members. Type the new person's name and they will be added. They will not see messages sent before they joined, only messages sent after.
What is the difference between a group text and a group chat app like WhatsApp?
Group texts use your cell service and regular text messages. Group chat apps use internet and let you send photos, videos, and voice messages more easily. Apps also let you mute notifications without leaving the group. Group texts are simpler if everyone has a phone plan with texting.
Do I have to name my group text?
No. Naming is optional and just makes it easier to find the conversation later. Without a name, the group shows as the names of all the people in it.
What if someone replies to a group text with "STOP"?
On regular text messages, "STOP" does not automatically remove someone from a group. That command works for marketing texts and alerts, not for group texts between people. To remove someone, you have to do it manually through the group settings.
Can I send a group text to people who use different phones?
Yes. iPhones, Android phones, and older phones can all receive group texts from each other. The experience may be slightly different on each type of phone, but the message will get through.