How to Create a Group Chat on the iPhone

Are you wondering how to create a group text? You can create a group chat on your iPhone to stay in contact with multiple people simultaneously, even if they are Android users. We've already covered how to name a group text on iPhone and how to leave a group text. Now let's learn how to create a group chat on iPhone using the Messages app.

Related: How Many People Can Join a Group Text on an iPhone or iPad?

5 Steps to Mastering Group Chat on iPhone

• Step 1: Enable Group Messaging
• Step 2: Create a Group Text on an iPhone
• Step 3: Add Contacts to a Group Chat
• Step 4: Remove Contacts from a Group Chat
• Step 5: Leave a Group Chat
• Bonus: Group Text with Android Users

Step 1: Enable Group Messaging

Before you can create group messages, you must learn how to enable group messaging on the iPhone. To learn more about using the Messages app on the iPhone, sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

1. Open the Settings app.
   
   
    
2. Tap Messages.
   
   
    
3. Under SMS/MMS toggle Group Messaging on.
   
   

Now that this is enabled, you can learn how to create a group text on your iPhone!

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Step 2: Create a Group Text on an iPhone

With your Settings in order, you are ready to learn how to create a group text on your iPhone:

1. Open the Messages app.
   
   
    
2. Tap the compose icon in the upper-right corner.
   
   
    
3. Enter the names of the contacts you want to add, or you can tap the + icon to look for them in your Contacts list.
   
   
4. Type your message and tap the Send icon.  
   
   

You've learned how to make a group chat in the Messages app, and you are ready to chat!

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Step 3: Add Contacts to a Group Chat

Once you have created an iMessage group chat, you need to know how to add someone to a group text. This is only possible if everyone in the group is an iPhone user. Group chats with Android users are possible, but they have limited features.

1. Open the group message chat and tap the tiny caret (arrow) to the right of the group name. If the group isn't named, it will be next to the number of people in the group.
   
   
    
2. Tap the info icon in the upper right corner.
   
   
    
3. Select Add Contact.
   
   
    
4. Type the person's name or tap the plus icon and select from your Contacts list.
   
   
    
5. Tap Done.
   
   

Now you know how to make a group on Messages and add new contacts!

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Step 4: Remove Contacts from a Group Chat

It is only possible to remove someone from a group text if there are three or more people, not including yourself. If everyone in the group is an iMessages user, anyone in the group can add or remove contacts.

You can remove someone from a group text after your first message has been sent:

1. Tap the arrow icon to the right of the group name.
   
   
    
2. Tap the info icon.
   
   
    
3. Swipe left on the person’s name. 
   
   
    
4. Tap Remove.
   
   

Knowing how to remove someone from a group text is helpful when learning how to make a group text on the iPhone and managing it.

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Step 5: Leave a Group Chat

There have to be three people, not including yourself, for you to leave the group. Here's how to leave a group message on your iPhone:

1. Tap the arrow icon to the right of the group name.
   
   
    
2. Tap the info icon.
   
   
    
3. Tap Leave this Conversation at the bottom of your screen.
   
   
    
4. Tap Leave this Conversation again to confirm.
   
   

Once you leave a chat, you cannot re-add yourself, but another member can add you again. If you are only chatting with two other people, no one can leave the conversation. If you delete the conversation, the other members can still message, and you will still receive the notifications. 

It is possible to mute the conversation to stop receiving notifications. In extreme circumstances, you can also block the other members. However, they will not be able to contact you via message or call if you do so.

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Bonus: Group Text with Android Users

When chatting within a group text with an Android user, SMS/MMS's function is SMS/MMS rather than group iMessages. It is still possible, though, to create a group containing Android users and iPhone users alike.

However, once the group is created, it is impossible to add or remove members or leave the conversation as long as an Android user is part of the group. If someone is missing from your chat, you will have to create a new SMS/MMS thread and invite all participants simultaneously.

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Learning how to make a group chat on an iPhone can be incredibly useful in a social and even business setting. If you are in a group chat with only iMessages members, you can easily add and remove members as necessary. If you're planning on including Android users in a group chat, add everyone simultaneously, as you will not be able to add or remove anyone later on. You will also be unable to leave the conversation. You now have all the tools to navigate an iMessage group chat!