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 (on newer iPhones) or the compose button. This opens a new message window where you can add multiple people at once. Type or search for the contacts you want to include, then 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 — it's not a one-to-one exchange. All participants see the same thread, and their responses appear in order for the whole group to read.
Key Takeaways
- Tap the compose button in Messages, then add multiple contacts by typing their names or phone numbers into the "To:" field.
- Group texts work over standard SMS if all members use non-iPhone phones, but iMessage group chats (blue bubbles) offer read receipts and typing indicators only if everyone has iMessage enabled.
- You can name a group text by opening it, tapping the group name at the top, and selecting "Edit Name and Photo."
- Muting notifications for a group text prevents alerts without leaving the conversation — swipe left on the chat and tap the speaker icon.
- If a group text turns into a regular text (green bubbles instead of blue), at least one member doesn't have iMessage turned on.
Add contacts one at a time or paste multiple numbers
When you tap compose, the "To:" field appears at the top. You can type a contact's name and tap it when it shows up in the suggestions, or type a phone number directly. Repeat this for each person you want to add — there's no limit to group size, though very large groups can slow down message delivery.
If you have a list of phone numbers or contacts ready, you can paste them into the "To:" field separated by commas or semicolons. iPhone will parse them and add each one to the group. This is faster than typing names one by one if you're adding five or more people.
Understand the difference between iMessage and SMS group texts
If everyone in your group has an iPhone with iMessage turned on, the group text uses iMessage — you'll see blue message bubbles. iMessage group chats include read receipts (you see when people have read your message), typing indicators (the "..." that shows someone is typing), and better photo and video quality.
If even one person in the group uses Android or has iMessage turned off, the entire conversation switches to SMS (standard text messaging) — the bubbles turn green. SMS group texts don't show read receipts or typing indicators, and photos compress more. The person without iMessage won't see these features, and neither will anyone else in that group.
You can check whether iMessage is on by going to Settings > Messages and looking for the iMessage toggle. If it's off, turn it on to use iMessage group chats.
Name your group text and add a photo
Open an existing group text, then tap the group name or photo at the very top of the conversation. Tap "Edit Name and Photo" and type a name for the group — something like "Book Club" or "Weekend Plans." You can also tap the camera icon to take or upload a photo that represents the group.
Naming a group is optional but helpful when you're in multiple group conversations. The name appears at the top of the chat and in your Messages list, so you can tell groups apart at a glance. If you don't name a group, iPhone displays the names of the first few members instead.
Control notifications so group texts don't overwhelm you
Group texts can generate a lot of notifications, especially if members reply frequently. To mute a group without leaving it, go to your Messages list, swipe left on the group text, and tap the speaker icon with a slash through it. You'll still see new messages when you open Messages, but you won't get alerts on your lock screen or hear notification sounds.
If you want to turn notifications back on later, swipe left again and tap the speaker icon without the slash. You can also customize notification sounds for specific groups by opening the chat, tapping the group name at the top, scrolling down, and selecting "Notifications."
Remove yourself or others from a group text
To leave a group text, 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 you won't receive future messages. The other members will see a notification that you've left.
You can also remove other people from a group you started. Tap the group name, then tap the minus sign next to the person's name and confirm. However, you can only remove people from iMessage group chats — you cannot remove individuals from SMS group texts, since SMS doesn't support that feature.
Troubleshoot when group texts aren't working
If your group text keeps switching from blue bubbles to green, someone in the group doesn't have iMessage enabled or their device doesn't support it. Ask them to check Settings > Messages and turn on iMessage, or confirm they're using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with an active internet connection.
If messages aren't sending at all, check that you have an active internet connection (for iMessage) or cellular service (for SMS). Try closing the Messages app completely and reopening it. If the problem persists, restart your iPhone by holding the power button and sliding to power off, then turning it back on.
If you're not seeing messages from one person in the group, they may have blocked you or you may have blocked them. Check Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts to see if anyone is listed there. You can also try creating a new group without that person and see if messages flow normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to a group text after I've already sent messages?
Yes. Open the group text, tap the group name at the top, and tap "Add Contact." Select the person you want to add and confirm. They'll see the conversation history from that point forward, not the earlier messages.
What happens if I add someone to an iMessage group and they have an Android phone?
The entire group text will convert from iMessage (blue bubbles) to SMS (green bubbles). Everyone will lose read receipts and typing indicators. The Android user will receive the messages, but they won't be able to see features that only iMessage supports.
Can I send a message to just one person in a group text without leaving the group?
Yes. Open a new message by tapping compose, add only that person, and send. You don't have to leave the group text to message someone privately. The group conversation stays open and separate.
Why do some group texts show "Delivered" and others don't?
iMessage group chats show "Delivered" when the message reaches Apple's servers. SMS group texts may not show delivery status at all, depending on your carrier. If you're seeing inconsistent delivery notifications, check whether the group is using iMessage or SMS.
Can I schedule a group text to send later?
Not directly through the Messages app on iPhone. You can use Siri Shortcuts to schedule texts, but it requires setting up automation. The simplest approach is to type your message, save it as a draft by swiping left on the compose window, and send it manually when you're ready.