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

We’ve all got that one friend we send memes to, that one friend we vent to about work, and that one friend we just text “happy birthday” to once a year, but what if you need to share something with your whole friend circle? Time to create a group chat AKA a group text message. Let’s say you’re planning a bachelor party and you need to keep the fellas up-to-date on arrival times, reservations, dress code, food sensitivities, etc. This article will show you how to create a group text on iPhone and, depending on how the festivities play out, how to end it too.  

How to make a group text on iPhone

The wedding date is set, and you’ve officially accepted the role of best man. Now you gotta round up the groomsmen and get the ball rolling on the bachelor party.

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone
2. Tap the pen icon at the top of the screen to create a new conversation
3. Enter the phone number or contact name of each recipient, or tap the plus icon and choose them from your contacts
   Note: If one or more of your recipients isn’t using iMessage, their messages will appear in green bubbles, not blue.
4. Tap on the text field, type out your message, then tap the arrow icon to send it to everyone

How to name an iPhone text group

Now, the most important part. You can’t just name this chat “bachelor party” and call it a day. You were chosen as the best man for a reason.

1. Open the group chat in your Messages app
2. Tap the name or number at the top of the conversation
3. Select Change Name and Photo, then choose an option

How to add people to a group text on iPhone

You’re only about three or four messages deep when you remember the groom’s cousin Todd was supposed to be invited to the party, even though he can’t make the wedding. Fortunately, you should be able to add him to the existing chat without having to start from scratch.

1. Open the group chat in your Messages app
2. Tap the group name at the top of the conversation
3. Tap the field that tells you how many people are in it
4. Select “Add Contact” to plug their info in directly, or tap on the plus icon to choose them from your contacts

How to mention someone in an iPhone text group

Now you’re planning the snacks and need to confirm if Groomsman #2 is vegan or just vegetarian. You want to keep that info in the group chat, but you need to make sure he specifically sees it. 

1. Open the group chat in your Messages app
2. Tap on the text field to type your message
3. Start typing the person’s name you want to mention
4. Tap their name when it pops up
5. Finish typing your message and tap the arrow to send it to the group

How to silence group text notifications on iPhone

It’s the wedding day. The ceremony was beautiful and now it’s time to give your toast. But the other groomsmen are feeling chatty and cousin Todd keeps messaging the group asking for updates. You should silence 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. Toggle the switch next to “Hide Alerts”

How to remove someone from a group text on iPhone

Groomsmen #2 just messaged you privately, thanked you for making sure there were vegan options at the party, and then requested you remove him from the group chat because he’s not active in it and actually silenced it weeks ago when Todd made the same pun for the fourth time. 

1. Open the group chat in your Messages app
2. Tap the group name at the top of the conversation
3. Tap the gray arrow to expand the list of contacts in the conversation
4. Swipe left on the person you wish to remove
5. Select “Remove” and tap “Done”

How to leave a group text on iPhone

It’s a month on. Half the wedding gifts have been returned, Todd made the same pun a seventh time and everyone else has pretty much stopped interacting. You’ve done your part as best man, 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 to the bottom and select “Leave This Conversation”

How to delete a group text on iPhone

Maybe you don’t just want to leave the conversation, you want to completely forget what happened that fateful night of the bachelor party and nuke the evidence.

1. Open your Messages app
2. Swipe left on the group chat conversation and tap “Delete”

That’s that on iPhone group chats

Now you know the ins and outs of sending messages to multiple people at once on iPhone. Keep the iPhone education going by checking out our blogs on how to organize apps on iPhone or how to send a voice message on iPhone. Or, if Todd’s behavior had you second-guessing the way you message people, we have a blog all about texting etiquette, too. And if you’re ready to switch to a carrier that provides premium wireless service for iPhones at a ridiculously affordable price, take a moment to learn about Mint Mobile while you’re here.