Are you planning an event? Keeping in touch with friends? Heading up a team project at work? We often need a way to communicate with many people at once. Fortunately, iMessage group chat lets you do just that.
iMessage lets you send texts, photos, audio clips, and videos—whatever you need to get your message across! In an iMessage group chat, multiple people can receive and reply to these messages all in the same conversation.
All you need is an Apple ID account, Internet access, and an Apple device.
Group messages are confusing, especially when you add iMessage to the mix! Here are what Apple considers to be the three types of group messages:
Group iMessage: All messages are sent from Apple devices using an Apple ID with iMessage turned on. iMessage supports photos and videos as well as texts.
Group MMS: Participants send messages from a mix of Apple devices and non-Apple devices. Like iMessage, Group MMS also supports photos and videos as well as texts.
Group SMS: Group participants send messages from all types of devices without any multimedia support. Messages are sent as individual texts and people do not see responses from the group as a whole.
Apple Only Fully Supports Group iMessage Chats
Yes, that’s right! While it’s possible to use any type of group chat, your iPhone only truly supports iMessage-only group conversations. This is where all participants use Apple devices and the messages appear in blue bubbles.
Only iMessage group chats let you name a group, add or remove people, send inline replies, or leave the group.
You can tell the difference between an iMessage group chat versus an MMS or SMS group chat by the message colors. If all the message bubbles are blue, then you’re using iMessage. MMS and SMS messages appear in green.
How to Create an iMessage Group Chat
First things first, let’s create a group chat.
Ideally, everyone you want to contact has an Apple device allowing them to use iMessage. If not, you’re limited to SMS or MMS groups, which your carrier might charge you to use.
Either way, the group chat creation process is the same.
Open the Messages app on your Apple device of choice.
Tap the Pencil icon to compose a new message.
In the To: field, type the name, number, or email address of everyone you want to add to the group. Or tap the Add (+) icon and find them in your contacts list.
As you add contacts, their names appear in blue or green.
Blue means they have access to iMessage.
Green means they’re limited to MMS or SMS.
Contact names appear in blue and green to indicate iMessage and SMS.
With your list of contacts added, type a message and tap the send icon to create the group. Everyone you added can read and reply to the message.
The maximum number of people you can add may be restricted by your cell carrier.
We created a group of over 25 people as a test, but other users have been limited to 10 or 20 members.
Mention People in Group Chats
With the release of iOS 14, Apple made it possible to mention people in your iMessage group chats, to make sure they see the message.
To do this, type the @ symbol, followed by that person’s name in your message. Their name appears blue or bold when you do so.
Mentioning people in a message can help avoid confusion.
You can also type a person’s name without the @ symbol, then tap the name and select that person before sending your message.
If that person has the conversation muted, they might still get a notification if you mention them in a message.
Inline Replies or Threads in Group Chats
The release of iOS 14 also made it possible to respond to particular messages in your group chat. This response breaks off into a separate thread, effectively allowing you to separate different conversations in the same chat.
To start an inline reply, tap and hold on the original message and choose Reply. Then type your message to create the thread.
Inline replies appear with a line linking them to previous messages in that thread. You can also see the message they’re replying to in a clear bubble.
To continue an existing inline reply, tap the latest message to see all the messages in that thread together. Then type and send a new message as you normally would.
Alternatively, scroll up and tap on the original message, which tells you the number of replies there are to that message.
When you tap and inline reply you can view all the messages in that thread.
How to Name a Group Chat in the Messages App
Now you know how to create iMessage group chats, you’re going to want to learn how to name them.
Remember you can only name a group iMessage. You can’t name a group SMS or MMS conversation.
Unlike other group iMessage features like Leave this Conversation and Remove a Member, which require a minimum of 4 total members, you can name a group that has only two people. And of course, anything above two works as well!
You can also create a custom icon to use for your group chat!
Think Up a Memorable Group Name
It’s simple enough to see who you’re talking to in one-on-one conversations, but group chats and their various configurations can be tough to keep track of.
By default, the group is named after all of the members, causing it to quickly run off the edge of a screen.
This is particularly confusing if you have multiple groups with slightly different members.
A better option is to change the name to something relevant, such as Work Buddies or Cinema Club. Just keep in mind that any name you choose is visible to everyone in the group!
Change the Group Name and Image in iMessage
Open the group chat in the Messages app.
Tap the profile pictures or group chat image at the top of the screen,
Tap Info > Change Name and Photo.
Type a group name at the top of the screen.
Scroll down to select a preselected group chat image or tap one of the four icons at the top to create your own:
Camera: Take a photo using your camera.
Photos: Select a photo from your photo library.
Emoji: Use an Emoji and choose a background color.
Pencil: Type two letters and choose a background color.
Tap Done to save your group chat name and image. This changes it for everyone in the group.
Tap Info.
Choose to Change Name and Photo.
Pick a name and photo.
Can’t Change the Group Chat Name?
If you don’t see an option to change your group chat name, it’s likely your group includes people who aren’t using iMessage. This would mean you can’t use iMessage group chat and revert to MMS or SMS group chats instead.
This might happen if people are using non-Apple devices or aren’t signed in to iMessage on their Apple device.
How to Add Someone to an Existing iMessage Group
It’s common to need to add new members as your group chat develops.
Perhaps you didn’t have the contact details for someone initially, or maybe the focus of the group has shifted to include more people.
Either way, you can add new people to the chat at any time.
Add New Members to a Group iMessage Chat
Open the group chat in iMessage and tap the group chat image at the top of the screen.
Tap Info, then scroll down and select Add Contact.
Then enter the contact details for someone or tap the Add (+) icon to select them from your contacts list.
After entering the group, new members can’t see any previous messages, but they can receive and reply to any new ones.
How to Remove Someone From an iMessage Group
Eventually, you may want to remove people from your iMessage group chats. This could be because you added them by mistake or because they became disruptive to the group.
Whatever the reason, it’s easy to give them the boot.
You can only remove users if there are more than two other members to begin with. Otherwise, you may as well just message the remaining person separately.
Open the group chat in iMessage and tap the group chat image at the top of the screen.
Tap Info to view all your group members.
Slide left on the person you want to kick out and tap Remove.
Remove unwanted contacts from your group chats by swiping across their name.
After doing so, the removed person is notified that they have “Left the Conversation”. They won’t be able to send or receive messages with that group unless you add them again.
How to Mute Notifications
If the group conversation is lighting up you may want to mute your notifications for a while.
This could be the case if you can’t respond right away. Or perhaps you’re just sick of hearing your ringtone so much.
You can mute notifications for any conversation in the Apple Messages app using one of the two methods below:
Swipe left on the group chat name from your list of conversations in the Messages app. This presents you with the option to Hide Alerts.
Alternatively, open the Info page inside a group chat. Then scroll down and enable the Hide Alerts option.
There are two ways to hide alerts for conversations in Messages.
A moon icon appears next to muted conversations.
You can still read and reply to messages, but you won’t receive notifications for that chat anymore.
Make sure you don’t neglect a group after turning the alerts off. You can switch them back on at any time by following the same steps above to Show Alerts.
How to Leave a Group Chat
Eventually, you’ll probably stop using more group chats.
It could be that the purpose behind its creation has passed or simply that you’ve had enough of the barrage of messages to keep up with.
If you want to leave a group chat, you need to visit the group chat Info page a final time.
Open Messages and select the group chat conversation.
Tap the profile image at the top of the screen, then tap Info.
Scroll down and choose to Leave this Conversation.
Leave a group chat to stop receiving messages for it anymore.
You can only leave conversations with three or more people in them. Doing so notifies the other members you left and stops you from receiving any more messages from that group.
You should be very comfortable using iMessage group chat by now!
However, if you do find yourself with any questions or if it isn’t working as expected, make sure to let us know in the comments and we’ll be sure to help out.
Dan writes tutorials and troubleshooting guides to help people make the most of their technology. Before becoming a writer, he earned a BSc in Sound Technology, supervised repairs at an Apple Store, and even taught English in China.
When I start a group message (or sometimes an individual message) a few of my contacts mobile numbers do not show up so I have to start the message through their contact. This is especially a problem when starting a group text.
Example: from the message app I click the pencil to start a new message. Then when I type the name in the To: field it doesn’t give me an option to add them by mobile number – only email address. So I have to go to the individual contact and click “message” there to send an iMessage.
If I start a group text that way and I try to add another name it only gives me their email address even though their mobile number is in their contact information. Therefore I can’t add that name to a group text
Hey, I was looking for useful information on iPads and just came across your blog and found it quite interesting, can’t wait to see your new post. You’ve been sharing really insightful posts and I’m an avid reader of your posts. Keep sharing the knowledge and adding value to our lives
I have an iPhone XR and iOS version 14.4. For some reason I can no longer send iMessages in group chats even though I’ve not changed anything in my settings and my iMessage and group messaging are both enabled. All of my messages are now text message and are created problems in the group. How can I fix this problem?
i am using a MacBook for iMessages to many contacts, but i by group messages every one else can see the contact numbers and messages replied, how could i make it one to one yet send it to multiple contacts in one text ???
You can’t add or remove people from group MMS messages or group SMS messages. You can’t add or remove people from a group conversation even if only one of the users in the group text is using a non-Apple device or not using iMessage on an Apple device.
To add or remove someone, you need to start a new group conversation.
I have created a group of 10 or more people. How do I select all in group for messaging and facetime? If I have to type ever name ever time what good is the group?
Thanks,
Earl
You hit the head on the nail! The way iOS and iPadOS handle groups is ridiculous!
To send a group iMessage, you do need to add each person to the first message. Once done, you can name that group and then pick up where you left off.
What you can’t do is start a new message conversation and just type in that group name! And we don’t understand why–it makes no sense and seems like a feature that would be included. But it’s not!
To call that same group in FaceTime without having to enter everyone in again, the recommendation is to use Messages.
Start a Group FaceTime call from a group text (iMessage) thread
Open your existing group iMessage conversation
Tap the group name or all the names listed at the top
Tap the FaceTime icon and place your Group FT call
i have received a group imessage and have no capacity to respond. I have set up another group imessage with the same individuals and sent a message- which appears in the original group thread- but I am still unable to respond. yes, all are iphone users and all have no trouble on their end.
Is everyone on the group message an iMessage user (iPhone or Apple)? You can only add or remove folks if the group message has at least 3 people AND all those people use iMessage. You can’t add or remove people from group MMS messages or group SMS messages–so folks that use Android (Samsung etc) phones–look for any green bubbles in the thread. If you see any, your group message is NOT an iMessage group message.
When you are on a group iMessage or SMS chat, you see all the names, phone numbers, or emails for everyone in the group listed above the text messages.
What you can do is hide alerts from that group–but that only hides those notifications on your device, not anyone elses.
To hide alerts, go to Messages App > Select a group message > Tap the list of people on the message at the top > tap the “i” info button > Toggle on Hide Alerts.
This does NOT prevent the messages–just the notifications.
I’m running IOS 12.1 and in a group chat message when I tap on the “I” on top right it opens but there is no place to add/delete contact to message or enter a group name. How do I fix this?
We are not sure about it either. Looks like they changed the option in the latest iOS. Will keep this thread updated if we find the answer. Thanks Sandra.
When I start a group message (or sometimes an individual message) a few of my contacts mobile numbers do not show up so I have to start the message through their contact. This is especially a problem when starting a group text.
Example: from the message app I click the pencil to start a new message. Then when I type the name in the To: field it doesn’t give me an option to add them by mobile number – only email address. So I have to go to the individual contact and click “message” there to send an iMessage.
If I start a group text that way and I try to add another name it only gives me their email address even though their mobile number is in their contact information. Therefore I can’t add that name to a group text
Hey, I was looking for useful information on iPads and just came across your blog and found it quite interesting, can’t wait to see your new post. You’ve been sharing really insightful posts and I’m an avid reader of your posts. Keep sharing the knowledge and adding value to our lives
I have an iPhone XR and iOS version 14.4. For some reason I can no longer send iMessages in group chats even though I’ve not changed anything in my settings and my iMessage and group messaging are both enabled. All of my messages are now text message and are created problems in the group. How can I fix this problem?
Why can’t we not get it free
i am using a MacBook for iMessages to many contacts, but i by group messages every one else can see the contact numbers and messages replied, how could i make it one to one yet send it to multiple contacts in one text ???
Very Helpful Info! Is it possible to add or remove people from a sms or mms group?
Hi Jack,
You can’t add or remove people from group MMS messages or group SMS messages. You can’t add or remove people from a group conversation even if only one of the users in the group text is using a non-Apple device or not using iMessage on an Apple device.
To add or remove someone, you need to start a new group conversation.
I have created a group of 10 or more people. How do I select all in group for messaging and facetime? If I have to type ever name ever time what good is the group?
Thanks,
Earl
Hi Earl,
You hit the head on the nail! The way iOS and iPadOS handle groups is ridiculous!
To send a group iMessage, you do need to add each person to the first message. Once done, you can name that group and then pick up where you left off.
What you can’t do is start a new message conversation and just type in that group name! And we don’t understand why–it makes no sense and seems like a feature that would be included. But it’s not!
To call that same group in FaceTime without having to enter everyone in again, the recommendation is to use Messages.
Start a Group FaceTime call from a group text (iMessage) thread
Open your existing group iMessage conversation
Tap the group name or all the names listed at the top
Tap the FaceTime icon and place your Group FT call
If someone got a new number, how do I get their number changed in the group chat?
I wanted to add a person to the group chat, but add contact is not there
How can I manage to get more than 50 people on a group text chain? Seems to max out at 30.
Any help would be helpful.
Work arounds are welcome.
i have received a group imessage and have no capacity to respond. I have set up another group imessage with the same individuals and sent a message- which appears in the original group thread- but I am still unable to respond. yes, all are iphone users and all have no trouble on their end.
I am trying to add someone to a group chat but there is no option to “add contact” at the end of my 9 member list. How can I add the next person?
Hi Neena,
Is everyone on the group message an iMessage user (iPhone or Apple)? You can only add or remove folks if the group message has at least 3 people AND all those people use iMessage. You can’t add or remove people from group MMS messages or group SMS messages–so folks that use Android (Samsung etc) phones–look for any green bubbles in the thread. If you see any, your group message is NOT an iMessage group message.
How do you remove yourself from a iMessage group using voice over? The remove button is not shown neither is my name. Please help!
Hi Melody,
Can you let us know what iOS version your device currently uses and the make/model of your device?
Find this information in Settings > General > About.
Excuse me, I was wondering, if someone added me to a group chat, how will I know that I’m in the group?
Hi Evelyn,
When you are on a group iMessage or SMS chat, you see all the names, phone numbers, or emails for everyone in the group listed above the text messages.
Liz
Is there any way to hide group members and/or turn off reply all so that people’s phones don’t blow up?
Hi Desiree,
What you can do is hide alerts from that group–but that only hides those notifications on your device, not anyone elses.
To hide alerts, go to Messages App > Select a group message > Tap the list of people on the message at the top > tap the “i” info button > Toggle on Hide Alerts.
This does NOT prevent the messages–just the notifications.
Liz
I’m running IOS 12.1 and in a group chat message when I tap on the “I” on top right it opens but there is no place to add/delete contact to message or enter a group name. How do I fix this?
We are not sure about it either. Looks like they changed the option in the latest iOS. Will keep this thread updated if we find the answer. Thanks Sandra.