What text groups are and which phones can make them

A text group, also called a group message or group chat, lets you send one message to multiple people at once instead of typing the same thing over and over. Everyone in the group receives the message and can see replies from other members. The way groups work depends on what kind of phone you have and what messaging app you use.

If you have an iPhone, you can create groups using the built-in Messages app. Android phones also have a built-in messaging app that supports groups, though the exact name and steps vary by manufacturer — Samsung phones use Samsung Messages, Google Pixel phones use Google Messages, and other brands may have their own version. You can also create groups in third-party apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Signal, which work on both iPhone and Android.

The main difference: built-in text messaging (SMS and MMS) groups only work if everyone in the group has a phone number. Apps like WhatsApp or Signal work over internet data or WiFi instead, so they work internationally and don't count against your text message plan.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone users open Messages, tap the compose button, and add multiple contacts to create a group text that works through the built-in app.
  • Android users open their default messaging app (Messages, Samsung Messages, or similar), start a new message, and select multiple recipients to form a group.
  • Group messages sent over regular text (SMS/MMS) work only if everyone has a phone number; internet-based apps like WhatsApp work internationally and over WiFi.
  • You can name a group, add or remove people after creation, and mute notifications if a group becomes too active.
  • Group messages sent over regular text may cost more depending on your plan, while app-based groups use your data allowance instead.

Creating a text group on iPhone

Open the Messages app and tap the compose button (the pencil and paper icon in the top right corner). In the "To:" field, type or search for the first person's name or phone number. As you type, contacts will appear — tap the one you want to add. Repeat this for each person you want in the group. You need at least two other people besides yourself to form a group.

Once you have added everyone, type your message in the text field at the bottom and tap send. The group is now created. If you want to name the group, open the conversation after sending the first message, tap the group name at the top, then tap "Edit Name and Photo" and type a name. You can also add a group photo by tapping the camera icon.

To add someone to an existing group, open the group conversation, tap the group name at the top, scroll down, and tap "Add Contact." To remove someone, tap their name and then tap "Remove from Group." Everyone in the group will see when people are added or removed.

Creating a text group on Android

The steps vary slightly depending on which messaging app your phone uses. If you have a Google Pixel or a phone that uses Google Messages, open the app and tap the compose button (usually a pencil icon or plus sign). Tap "Start chat" or "New message," then tap the field at the top and search for or select the first contact. Add each person you want in the group by tapping their name as it appears.

On Samsung phones using Samsung Messages, open the app, tap the compose button, and tap "Add recipient" or the plus icon to add multiple contacts. Type or search for each name and tap to add them. Once you have selected everyone, type your message and send it. The group is created automatically.

To name the group on Android, open the group conversation, tap the group name or info icon at the top, and look for an option to edit the group name or settings. The exact location depends on your phone model and messaging app. To add or remove people, tap the group info and look for "Add members" or "Remove members" options.

Using WhatsApp, Signal, or other messaging apps for groups

If you want to create a group in WhatsApp, open the app and tap the compose button (pencil icon on iPhone, plus icon on Android). Select "New Group" and tap each person you want to add. You can add up to 256 people in a WhatsApp group. After selecting everyone, tap "Create" and give the group a name. You can add a group photo and description if you want.

Signal works similarly: open the app, tap the compose button, select "New group," and add contacts. Signal groups are encrypted by default, meaning only people in the group can read the messages. WhatsApp groups are also encrypted, but the encryption is end-to-end, which means even WhatsApp cannot read your messages.

The advantage of app-based groups is that they work over WiFi or data, so you can use them internationally without paying extra. They also tend to be faster and more reliable for large groups. The disadvantage is that everyone needs to have the same app installed — you cannot mix WhatsApp users with Signal users in one group.

Managing group settings and notifications

Once a group is created, you can change how it behaves. In most messaging apps, you can mute notifications so the group does not buzz your phone every time someone sends a message. Open the group, tap the group name or info icon, and look for "Mute notifications," "Mute," or "Sound settings." You can usually choose to mute for a set time (one hour, eight hours, one day) or indefinitely.

You can also control who can send messages in the group. In some apps, only the group creator can send messages at first, and you have to change the setting to let everyone participate. Look for "Permissions," "Member permissions," or "Who can message" in the group settings. On iPhone Messages, you can prevent people from leaving the group by toggling "Leave Group" off in the group info.

If a group becomes inactive or you no longer want to be part of it, you can leave. Open the group, tap the group name or info, and select "Leave Group" or "Exit Group." Everyone in the group will see that you have left. If you created the group, leaving may delete it or transfer ownership to another member, depending on the app.

Costs and data usage for group messages

If you create a group using your phone's built-in messaging app and send it as a regular text message (SMS), each message may count as multiple messages on your phone plan. Some plans charge per message sent, so sending one message to five people might count as five messages. Check your phone plan to see if you have unlimited texting or if you pay per message.

MMS messages (which include photos, videos, or group messages) may also cost more than regular texts, depending on your plan. Many modern plans include unlimited texting and MMS, but older plans or plans from some carriers may charge extra. If you are concerned about costs, use an app-based group like WhatsApp or Signal instead — these use your data allowance, not your text message allowance.

International group messages can be expensive if anyone in the group has a phone number outside your country. Text messages sent internationally often cost significantly more per message. Using WhatsApp, Signal, or another app-based group avoids this problem because the message travels over the internet, not through your carrier's network.

Troubleshooting common group message problems

If someone in the group is not receiving messages, first check that their phone number or contact information is correct. Ask them to confirm they received the group message. If they did not, they may have blocked the group, turned off message notifications, or their phone may not support group messaging. Some older phones or certain carriers have limitations on group messages.

If the group keeps splitting into individual messages instead of staying as a group, this usually means someone in the group has a phone that does not support MMS or group messaging. Switch to an app-based group like WhatsApp to solve this problem. If you are using an app and messages are not sending, check that everyone has the app installed and that you have an active internet connection.

If you accidentally added the wrong person to a group, remove them immediately by opening the group info and tapping their name, then selecting "Remove." They will see that they were removed, but the previous messages will still be visible to them. If you need to remove someone without them knowing, there is no way to do that — removal notifications are automatic in most messaging apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a group text with people who have different types of phones?

Yes, if you use your phone's built-in messaging app, the group will work with any phone that has a phone number and supports MMS (picture messages). However, if someone has a very old phone or a carrier that does not support group messaging, they may receive individual messages instead. For the most reliable experience across different phone types, use an app like WhatsApp or Signal instead.

What is the maximum number of people I can add to a group?

Built-in messaging apps usually support 20 to 100 people per group, though this varies by phone and carrier. WhatsApp supports up to 256 people. Signal and Facebook Messenger also support large groups. If you need a group larger than what your messaging app allows, you may need to split it into multiple groups or use a different platform.

Can I send a group message without creating a permanent group?

Yes, most messaging apps let you send a one-time message to multiple people without saving it as a group. On iPhone, you can compose a message to multiple people and send it without naming the group or saving it. On Android, the process is similar — just add multiple recipients and send. The group will not appear in your chat list unless you send another message to the same people later.

Do group messages use more data than regular texts?

Regular text group messages (SMS/MMS) use your text message allowance, not your data. App-based groups like WhatsApp use your data allowance. If you have unlimited data and limited texts, app-based groups are cheaper. If you have unlimited texts and limited data, built-in messaging is cheaper. Most modern plans include unlimited both, so the difference does not matter for most people.

What happens to old messages if I leave a group?

When you leave a group, you keep all the messages that were sent before you left. You will not see any new messages sent after you leave. If you rejoin the group later, you will only see messages sent after you rejoin, not the ones sent while you were gone. This is true for both built-in messaging apps and third-party apps like WhatsApp.