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    How to Set Up a Group Chat on iPhone or Android

    Create a group text conversation with family or friends so everyone stays in the loop at once.

    2 min read · 5 steps · Checked April 2026

    1. Step 1. Open your messaging app

      Open Messages on iPhone or your default texting app on Android.

    2. Step 2. Start a new message

      Tap the compose button (pencil icon). Add multiple contacts by name or phone number.

    3. Step 3. Send your first message

      Type a greeting and send. Everyone receives it and can respond in the same conversation.

    4. Step 4. Name the group

      iPhone: tap group info at top → "Change Name and Photo." Android: tap group name → "Group Details" → edit name.

    5. Step 5. Manage notifications

      If the group is too active, tap the group name and select "Hide Alerts" (iPhone) or "Mute" (Android) to silence notifications.

    A group chat lets you text multiple people at once — everyone sees and responds in the same conversation. This is great for family updates, planning events, sharing photos, and staying connected with a group.

    On iPhone (Messages): open the Messages app, tap the compose button (pencil icon in the top-right), type the names or phone numbers of everyone you want in the group, type your message, and send. Everyone receives the message and can respond. To name the group: tap the group at the top of the conversation → tap the group icon → "Change Name and Photo."

    On Android (Messages or default texting app): open your messaging app, tap the compose button, tap "New Group" or start typing multiple recipients, add everyone, and send your first message. To name the group (varies by app): tap the group name at the top → "Group Details" → edit the name.

    Note on iPhone: if everyone in the group has an iPhone, the conversation uses iMessage (blue bubbles) with features like reactions, effects, and typing indicators. If any member has an Android phone, the group uses SMS/MMS (green bubbles) with fewer features. For the best experience across both platforms, consider using WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or another cross-platform messaging app.

    You can leave a group chat if it becomes too active: on iPhone, tap the group name → "Leave this Conversation" (only works in iMessage groups with 3+ people). On Android, look for "Leave Group" in the group details.

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