How to create a group text message on an iPhone

It’s fun to get everyone in on the conversation, but creating an SMS thread with multiple people isn’t always as straightforward as we would wish. Let’s show you how to create a group text message on an iPhone.

Editor’s note: We used an Apple iPhone 12 Mini running iOS 17.2 to formulate these instructions. Some steps and many may slightly differ depending on your iPhone model and its software version.

How to create a group text message on an iPhone

Whether you’re trying to spark a conversation with friends, plan an event, or need multiple people to join the conversation, creating a group text message on an iPhone is the most convenient way. Pretty much everyone has a phone number these days, and not everyone wants to deal with social networks and other chat apps. Let’s take you through the steps.

1. Launch the Messages app.
2. Tap on the New Message button. It’s in the top-right corner and looks like a paper and pencil.
3. Start entering your contacts. You can get suggestions by entering the contact’s name, number, or email. Alternatively, you can tap on the + button to go through your entire contacts list.
4. When ready, write a message in the text box.
5. Tap on the send button, which looks like an arrow pointing upwards.
6. Your group text message is ready! You can all chat away now.

How to add someone to a group text on an iPhone

Did you forget to add someone? Don’t worry. There’s an easy fix for that. You can simply add people later.

1. Launch the Messages app.
2. Open a group chat.
3. Tap on the People option, up top.
4. Expand the People option.
5. Select Add Contact.
6. Add the people you want to include in the conversation.
7. When ready, hit Done.

Keep in mind that if some of your contacts don’t use iMessage or it’s an MMS group chat, the system may ask you to create a whole new group in order to add new people. It will walk you through the steps right after trying to add a new member.

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