How to create a group text on Android phones (and how to escape one too)

Planning a family get-together and need to make sure everyone is on the same page? Time to create a group chat AKA a group text message. This article will show you how to create a group text on Android phones and, depending on how everyone is feeling when they get back home, how to end it too. Keep in mind, these steps are for Google Messages on an Android phone, and may vary slightly by make & model.

How to make a group text on Android phones

The date is set, and you’ve officially stepped up to organize the next family gathering. Now you gotta share the plans with everyone who’s invited.

1. Open the Messages app on your Android phone
2. Tap the icon at the bottom of the screen to create a new conversation
3. Tap “Create Group”
4. Select the contacts you want to add to the group
   1. You can also type their phone number in if they aren’t in your Contacts yet
5. Tap “Next”
6. Create a name for the group (this step is optional) and click “Done”

How to name a group text on Android phones

Now, the most important part. You could just name this chat “family” and call it a day, but maybe you want it to be more specific (e.g. “Everyone but Mom” or “Thxgiving 2022 Reborn”). If you didn’t name the group already when you created it, you can edit it with just a few steps.
 

1. Open the group chat in your Messages app
2. Tap the names or numbers at the top of the conversation
3. Tap the pencil icon next to “Group Name”
4. Enter the name you want for the group and tap “Save”

How to add someone to a group text on Android phones

You’re about to start sending everyone the vital deets when your sister reminds you that Uncle Todd is bringing his new girlfriend (and it’s pretty serious), so she should be included since Todd never checks his phone. Fortunately, adding another person to a group is pretty simple.

1. Open the group chat in your Messages app
2. Tap the group name at the top of the conversation
3. Tap the plus icon under the group name
4. Select who you wish to add from your contacts or type their number in directly and tap “Next”
   • Note: If the person you add doesn’t have RCS chats enabled, this will create a new group conversation in Google Messages

How to delete a group text on Android phones

You can delete a group conversation just like you delete any text message thread, by long-pressing on the conversation in your messages app and pressing the delete button (the trash can).

How to mute a group text on Android phones

The gathering was yesterday and everyone is sharing memories and photos in the group chat, but you have an important meeting to attend. You should mute this chat temporarily so you can focus.  

1. Open the group chat in your Messages app
2. Tap the group name at the top of the conversation
3. Tap “Notifications”
4. Select “Silent”

How to leave a group text on Android phones

It’s a month on. Uncle Todd got dumped so it’s awkward and everyone else in the chat has pretty much stopped interacting. It’s time to bail.  

1. Open the group chat in your Messages app
2. Tap the group name at the top of the conversation
3. Scroll down and select “Leave Group”
   1. This option may not be available if this is an older SMS group. In that case, you can just delete the conversation.

That’s that on Android group chats

Now you know the ins and outs of sending messages to multiple people at once from an Android phone. Keep the Android education going by checking out our blog on how to send a voice message on Android phones. Did your oblivious cousin’s behavior in the chat make you second guess how you text people? We have a blog all about texting etiquette, too. We even have a blog that tells you how to tell someone you like them over text (maybe share it with Uncle Todd when he’s ready to move on). And if you’re ready to switch to a carrier that provides premium wireless service for Android phones at a ridiculously affordable price, take a moment to learn about Mint Mobile while you’re here.