Creating a group message on iPhone

To create a group in iPhone, open the Messages app and tap the pencil-and-paper icon in the top left corner (or swipe left on an existing conversation and tap the compose button). Type a name for the group in the "To:" field, or select multiple contacts one at a time by tapping the plus sign and choosing each person. Once you've added at least two people, you can start typing your message. The group is created automatically when you send the first message.

If you want to name the group something other than the default list of contact names, tap "Add a Subject" at the top of the compose window and enter a custom name. This name appears at the top of the conversation thread for everyone in the group. Without a custom name, the group shows as a list of the participants' names.

Groups created this way use standard text messaging (SMS) or iMessage, depending on your settings and whether all members have iMessage enabled. If some members don't have iMessage, the group will fall back to SMS for everyone.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Messages, tap the compose button, and add at least two contacts to create a group automatically when you send the first message.
  • You can give your group a custom name by tapping "Add a Subject" before sending the first message.
  • Groups work with both iMessage and standard text messaging, though all members will use SMS if even one person lacks iMessage.
  • You can add or remove people from an existing group by opening the conversation, tapping the group name at the top, and selecting "Edit Group."

Adding people to an existing group

To add someone to a group conversation that's already started, open the group thread and tap the group name at the very top of the screen. This opens the group details panel. Tap "Edit Group" and then tap the plus sign to add new members. Select the contacts you want to add and tap "Done."

Everyone in the group will see a notification that a new person has been added. The new member can see all future messages but not the message history from before they joined, unless you manually share it with them separately.

Removing people from a group

Open the group conversation and tap the group name at the top. In the group details panel, tap "Edit Group." Find the person you want to remove and tap the minus sign next to their name, then tap "Remove." The removed person will see a notification that they've been taken out of the group.

You can only remove people if you created the group or if you're using iMessage. With standard SMS groups, you cannot remove individual members — you can only leave the group yourself.

Leaving a group conversation

To leave a group, open the conversation and tap the group name at the top. Scroll down and tap "Leave this Conversation." You will no longer receive messages from that group, and the thread will remain in your Messages app but marked as inactive.

When you leave an iMessage group, everyone in the group sees a notification. If you leave an SMS group, only you know you've left — the group continues without you.

Muting notifications for a group

If a group is active but you don't want constant notifications, open the conversation and tap the group name at the top. Toggle "Hide Alerts" on. You'll still receive messages, but they won't trigger sounds or badges on the Messages app icon. You can turn alerts back on the same way.

This is useful for large or very active groups where you want to stay informed without being interrupted constantly.

Pinning a group to the top

To keep a group conversation easy to find, swipe left on the group thread in your Messages list and tap the pin icon. The group will move to the top of your conversations and stay there even if you don't message it for a while. Tap the pin icon again to unpin it.

You can pin up to nine conversations at once. Pinned groups appear above your unpinned messages, making them quick to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the group name after creating it?

Yes. Open the group conversation, tap the group name at the top, and tap "Edit Group." Tap the current name and type a new one. Everyone in the group will see the name change.

What's the difference between iMessage groups and SMS groups?

iMessage groups let you add or remove members, change the group name, and see when people are typing. SMS groups are simpler — you can only leave, not remove others, and you don't get typing indicators. iMessage groups work only if all members have iMessage; if one person doesn't, the whole group switches to SMS.

Can I see who read my message in a group?

Only in iMessage groups. Open the group conversation, tap a message you sent, and hold it. Tap "Details" to see read receipts if the group has read receipts turned on. SMS groups don't show read receipts.

What happens if I delete a group conversation?

The conversation disappears from your Messages list, but the group itself continues without you. Other members can still message the group. If someone sends a new message to that group, a new thread may appear in your Messages app.

Can I create a group with just one other person?

No. A group requires at least two other people (three total including you). A conversation with one other person is a standard one-on-one chat, not a group.