How to create and name a group text on Android: A concise introduction
The process is done through the Google Messages app by using the "Create group" feature. Samsung users on older devices may have a slightly different process, which is covered separately below. This guide walks you through each step so you can set up a named group chat in under a minute.
Step 1: Start a new group chat in Google Messages
Open the Messages app on your Android phone. Tap the "Start chat" button (usually a chat bubble icon or a plus sign). From the menu that appears, select the "Create group" option to begin building your conversation.
Step 2: Add participants to your group
In the "To" field, type names or phone numbers, or tap the contacts icon (or a plus sign) to select from your contact list. You can add as many people as you need, but the group type determines the limit. RCS group chats support up to 100 participants, provided all members have RCS chat features enabled. SMS/MMS group chats typically have a lower participant limit, often ranging from 10 to 25 recipients, which can vary depending on the mobile carrier. If any participant does not have RCS enabled, the conversation will likely revert to an MMS group, which has fewer features and lower participant limits.
Step 3: Name the group text
Tap the group name area at the top, then select "Group name." Type the desired name and save it. This is the only way to give your group a custom label that everyone will see.
Step 4: Send the first message to activate the group
Type your initial message in the text field and tap send. This finalizes the group creation and notifies all members that the conversation is live.
How to create a group text on Samsung Messages
On Samsung devices running Android 11 or older, open the Samsung Messages app and tap the "New conversation" icon (a chat bubble). Tap "Add" (the plus sign) to select contacts from your list. After choosing participants, send a message to create the group. To rename it, select the group chat, tap the group's name at the top of the screen, then tap "Group name," enter a new name, and tap "Save." Note that Samsung Messages is being discontinued on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer starting July 6, 2026, with users advised to switch to Google Messages; for a seamless transition, see how sending group texts on pixel 6 works in Google Messages.
Managing your Android group chat after creation
To add or remove people, change the group name or icon later, or mute notifications, open the group conversation and tap the "Group details" menu (often the three-dot icon or the group name at the top). From there you can adjust participants, rename the chat, change the group icon, and control notification settings. This menu gives you full control over your group without needing to start over.
