Open Messages and tap the compose button to start a group text
To create a texting group on iPhone, open the Messages app and tap the pencil-and-paper icon in the top-left corner (or swipe left and tap the plus sign, depending on your iOS version). This opens a new message screen where you can add multiple people at once.
Type or search for the first person's name in the "To:" field. As you type, contacts appear below — tap each one you want to add. You can add as many people as you want, though groups with more than 20 people sometimes have slower performance. After you've added everyone, type your message and hit send. The group is now created.
If you're texting people who all have iPhones and iMessage turned on, the conversation will use iMessage (shown by a blue send button). If even one person has an Android phone or iMessage is off, the group will use standard SMS/MMS texting (green send button), and some features like read receipts won't work the same way.
Key Takeaways
- Tap the compose icon in Messages, then add multiple contacts in the "To:" field to create a group text.
- iMessage groups (blue bubbles) work only when all members have iPhones with iMessage on; mixed groups use SMS and have fewer features.
- You can name an iMessage group by opening it, tapping the group name at the top, and selecting "Edit Name and Photo."
- Anyone in the group can add or remove members, and all members see when someone joins or leaves.
Name your group so everyone knows what it's for
Once you've sent the first message to your group, you can give it a name. Open the group conversation, then tap the group name or the row of profile pictures at the very top of the screen. Tap "Edit Name and Photo" and type a name like "Book Club" or "Weekend Plans."
This naming feature only works in iMessage groups (all iPhone users). If your group includes Android users or anyone with iMessage off, you won't see the option to name it — the conversation will just show all the members' names at the top instead.
Add or remove people after the group is created
You don't have to decide on the final member list before you send the first message. Open the group conversation, tap the group name at the top, then tap "Edit Name and Photo." Scroll down and you'll see all current members. Tap the plus icon to add someone new, or tap the red minus icon next to a name to remove them.
When you add someone to an existing group, they'll see all the previous messages in that conversation. When you remove someone, they'll no longer receive new messages, but they can still see the old ones in their own copy of the thread.
Understand the difference between iMessage and SMS groups
If everyone in your group has an iPhone with iMessage enabled, you get features like typing indicators (the three dots that show someone is typing), read receipts (you can see when people have read your message), and the ability to react to messages with emoji. You can also name the group and add a photo.
If even one person uses Android or has iMessage turned off, the entire group switches to SMS mode. You'll see a green send button instead of blue, and you lose typing indicators and read receipts. The group also can't be named. To check if iMessage is on, go to Settings > Messages and make sure "iMessage" is toggled on.
Some people turn off iMessage when they switch phones or have connectivity issues. If a group suddenly stops showing typing indicators, ask the group if anyone recently changed their settings or switched devices.
Mute notifications or customize how the group appears
If your group is very active and you don't want constant notifications, open the group conversation and tap the group name at the top. Tap "Hide Alerts" to silence notifications without leaving the group. You'll still see new messages when you open Messages, but you won't get sounds or badges.
You can also customize the group photo by tapping "Edit Name and Photo" and selecting a new image. This is useful for groups that meet regularly or have a specific purpose — a photo makes the group easier to spot in your message list.
Leave a group or prevent others from adding you
To leave a group text, open the conversation, tap the group name at the top, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Leave this Conversation." Everyone in the group will see a notification that you've left. You can still see all the old messages, but you won't receive new ones.
If you don't want people adding you to groups without permission, go to Settings > Messages > Group Messaging and toggle off "Announce Arrivals." This prevents the automatic notification that you've been added, though people can still add you — you just won't be alerted.
Troubleshoot common group texting problems
If messages aren't sending to everyone, check that all members have working phone numbers or email addresses on file. For iMessage groups, make sure everyone has iMessage turned on in Settings > Messages. If one person's messages aren't coming through, try removing them and adding them again.
If you can't name the group, it means at least one member doesn't have iMessage — switch to an SMS group or ask that person to turn on iMessage. If the group keeps switching between blue and green, someone's iMessage is turning on and off, which can happen during network issues or when they're traveling.
If you're not seeing read receipts in a group, go to Settings > Messages and make sure "Send Read Receipts" is on. This is a personal setting — even if it's on for you, other people have to turn it on too for you to see when they've read your messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a group text with people who have Android phones?
Yes. The group will use standard SMS texting instead of iMessage, so you'll see a green send button. You won't have read receipts or typing indicators, and you can't name the group. Everyone will still receive and send messages normally.
What happens if I add someone to a group after messages have already been sent?
The new person will see all previous messages in the conversation. They'll be able to read the entire history from the beginning, not just messages sent after they joined.
Can I remove myself from a group without everyone knowing?
No. When you leave a group, all members receive a notification that says you've left. You can still read old messages, but you won't get new ones.
Why did my group text turn green when it was blue before?
Someone in the group turned off iMessage, switched to an Android phone, or lost their internet connection. Once iMessage is back on for everyone, it may switch back to blue, though this isn't always automatic.
Is there a limit to how many people I can add to a group?
Technically no, but groups with more than 20 people often have slower performance and more notification spam. For very large groups, consider using a different app like WhatsApp or Slack instead.