Have you ever wanted to send updates to several friends or family members without repeating the same message over and over? Group chats make this easy. Whether you’re planning an event, sharing photos, or simply staying connected, Google Messages lets you create a group chat in just a few steps.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a group chat on Google Messages, invite people, and manage the conversation so everyone stays in the loop.
What Is a Group Chat?
A group chat is a conversation where you message multiple contacts at once. Everyone in the group can:
- See all messages sent to the group
- Reply so everyone else can read it
- Share photos, videos, and files
With Google Messages, your group chat can run over SMS, MMS, or RCS depending on what the people in it support. Which one you’re using makes a real difference to how well the group works, so it’s worth understanding the distinction.
SMS vs. MMS vs. RCS Group Chats
| Feature | SMS/MMS Group | RCS Group |
|---|---|---|
| Typing indicators & read receipts | No | Yes |
| Full-quality photos and videos | Compressed | Full quality |
| Works over Wi-Fi/data | No, uses network SMS | Yes |
| Remove members from group | Not usually possible | Yes |
| End-to-end encryption | No | Yes |
If you’re not sure whether RCS is active on your line, our guide on how to enable RCS chat in Google Messages in Nigeria walks through turning it on.
What You Need Before You Start
- Google Messages must be installed and set as your default SMS app. If you’re on a Samsung device, this is now the default anyway, since Samsung retired its own Messages app in 2026.
- For advanced features like read receipts and typing indicators, everyone in the group should have RCS enabled.
- Group chats use mobile data or Wi-Fi when RCS is active, rather than SMS credit.
- Standard SMS and MMS charges may apply if RCS isn’t active for some members.
How to Create a Group Chat Step by Step
Step 1: Open Google Messages
Locate the Messages app on your phone and open it.
Step 2: Start a New Conversation
Tap the Start chat button in the bottom corner.
Step 3: Tap Create Group and Select Contacts
Tap Create group under the To field, then start typing the names or numbers of the people you want to include. As you select each contact, you’ll see them added to the list. You can add as many contacts as you need.
Step 4: Open the Group Conversation
When you’ve selected everyone, tap Next or the arrow icon to continue. This opens a new group conversation window.
Step 5: Send Your First Message
Type your message and tap Send. Once sent, everyone in the group will see it and can reply.
How to Name the Group Chat
- Open the group conversation.
- Tap the More options menu (three dots).
- Tap Group details.
- Tap Name this group.
- Enter your preferred name and tap Save.
The group chat will now display your chosen name at the top instead of a list of numbers.
How to Add or Remove People
To add people:
- Open the group chat.
- Tap More options.
- Tap Group details.
- Tap Add people.
- Select new contacts and tap Done.
To remove people: In an RCS group, you can usually remove members directly from Group details. In an SMS/MMS group, removing someone isn’t typically possible, and you’ll need to create a new group without them instead. This is one of the clearest practical reasons to get everyone on RCS.
Group Chats With iPhone Users: What Changed
Mixed Android and iPhone group chats used to be the weak point of Google Messages, with broken threads and heavily compressed photos. That has improved considerably. Apple added RCS support to iPhone in 2024, and as of 2026, Apple and Google have rolled out end-to-end encryption for RCS conversations between the two platforms, indicated by a lock icon in the chat.
In practice this means a group chat with iPhone users now behaves far more like an all-Android one, provided everyone has RCS active and their carrier supports it. If the lock icon disappears from a thread, that usually means the conversation has fallen back to unencrypted SMS because someone in the group lost RCS support.
Tips for Managing Your Group Chat
- If everyone has RCS, you’ll get read receipts, typing indicators, and better media quality.
- For SMS/MMS groups, messages go out as individual texts, and replies may appear in separate threads for some contacts.
- Encourage everyone in the group to enable RCS for the smoothest experience.
- Mute notifications if the conversation gets too busy, without leaving the group.
- Once your group is set up, you might also want to customize your Google Messages theme to make the app easier on the eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can I add to a Google Messages group chat?
RCS group chats support a large number of participants, well beyond typical everyday use. SMS/MMS groups are more limited and depend on your carrier’s own restrictions.
Why can’t I remove someone from my group chat?
You’re most likely in an SMS or MMS group rather than an RCS one. Member removal is only reliably supported in RCS groups. Create a new group without that person as a workaround.
Are Google Messages group chats encrypted?
RCS group chats are end-to-end encrypted, including cross-platform chats with iPhone users on supported carriers, shown by a lock icon. SMS and MMS group chats are not encrypted.
Does a group chat use my data or my SMS credit?
If RCS is active, the group uses mobile data or Wi-Fi. If it falls back to SMS/MMS, standard network charges apply.
Creating a group chat on Google Messages is simple and saves you real time when you need to keep several people informed at once. Whether you’re organizing a meetup or sharing family news, get everyone on RCS first, then set up your group and enjoy the smoother experience.
