Open Messages and tap the compose button to start a group chat
On a Samsung phone, group chats live in the Messages app (sometimes called SMS or the default messaging app). Open Messages, then look for a compose icon—usually a pencil in a square or a plus sign, depending on your phone's Android version. Tap it to begin a new message.
The compose screen will show a field labeled "To" or "Recipients." This is where you add the people you want in the group. You can type names if they're in your contacts, or tap the contacts icon (usually a person or circle) to browse and select multiple people at once.
Key Takeaways
- Group chats on Samsung phones are created through the Messages app by tapping compose and adding multiple recipients in the "To" field.
- You can add people by typing their names or phone numbers, or by tapping the contacts icon to select them from your phone's contact list.
- Once you've added at least two other people and sent a message, the group chat is created and will appear as a single conversation thread.
- You can name the group chat by opening it, tapping the menu (three dots), and selecting "Group details" or "Edit group name," though this feature varies by Android version.
- Group chats work over regular text messaging (SMS) or data depending on your phone's settings and your carrier's plan.
Add multiple people by selecting from your contacts
After you tap compose, tap the contacts icon in the "To" field. Your phone will show your contact list. Tap each person you want to add—their name will appear in the recipient field as you select them. You need at least two other people (three total including you) to form a group chat.
If someone isn't in your contacts yet, you can type their phone number directly into the "To" field instead. You can mix and match: add some people from contacts and type in phone numbers for others.
Send your first message to create the group
Once you've added all the people you want, tap the message field at the bottom and type your message. When you send it, the group chat is created. All the recipients will receive the message, and any replies they send will appear in the same conversation thread so everyone can see the full back-and-forth.
The group chat will then appear in your Messages app's main list as a single conversation, usually labeled with the names of the people in it (or "Group" if there are many members).
Name your group chat in the group details menu
To give your group a custom name instead of letting your phone display the member names, open the group chat, then tap the menu icon (three vertical dots) at the top right of the screen. Look for an option called "Group details," "Edit group," or "Group info"—the exact wording depends on your Android version and Samsung interface.
Tap that option, then look for a field to edit the group name. Type the name you want, then save or confirm. The group name will now appear at the top of the conversation instead of a list of member names.
Add or remove people after the group is created
You can change who's in the group after you've sent the first message. Open the group chat, tap the menu (three dots), and select "Group details" or "View members." From there, you should see an option to add new people or remove existing ones. Tap the add icon (usually a plus sign) to bring in new members, or tap an X or delete icon next to a member's name to remove them.
When you add someone new, they'll see the entire conversation history from that point forward. When you remove someone, they'll stop receiving new messages but can still see the messages they received while they were in the group.
Understand SMS group chats versus data-based messaging
Group chats on Samsung phones can work two ways. If you're using standard text messaging (SMS), the group chat works through your carrier's text plan, and each person receives individual copies of each message. If you're using a data-based app like Google Messages or Samsung Messages with RCS (Rich Communication Services) enabled, the group chat may have extra features like read receipts and typing indicators.
Your phone's default messaging app determines which method is used. If you want to switch, you can change your default messaging app in Settings under "Apps" or "Applications," then look for "Default apps" or "Default messaging app." Different apps offer different group chat features, so check what your current app supports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a group chat with people who don't have smartphones?
Yes. Group chats work with any phone that can receive text messages, including older phones and non-smartphones. However, those phones may not display the group name or show who else is in the chat—they'll just see individual messages from each sender.
What's the maximum number of people I can add to a group chat?
Most carriers and messaging apps support group chats with 20 to 100+ members, but the exact limit depends on your carrier and which messaging app you're using. If you hit a limit, your phone will usually show an error message. For very large groups, consider using a data-based app like WhatsApp or Telegram instead.
Why can't I name my group chat?
Group naming requires your phone to use RCS (Rich Communication Services) or a data-based messaging app. If you're using standard SMS text messaging, your phone may not support custom group names. Switch to Google Messages or enable RCS in your current app's settings to unlock this feature.
Do all group members see when I'm typing?
Only if you're using RCS or a data-based messaging app. Standard SMS group chats don't show typing indicators. Check your messaging app's settings to see if RCS is turned on, or switch to an app that supports it if you want that feature.
Can I leave a group chat without deleting it?
With standard SMS, you can delete the conversation from your phone, but you'll still receive messages if people reply. With RCS or data-based apps, open the group chat, tap the menu, and look for "Leave group" or "Exit group." Once you leave, you won't receive new messages, but the chat will remain in your message history.