How to change group chat name on iPhone: rename an iMessage group

A group chat with a name is easier to find, and easier to join in on, than one that is just a list of phone numbers. Naming one on an iPhone takes a few taps, but it only works under certain conditions, and many people hit a wall because their group is not an iMessage group. This guide shows the steps, explains who can rename a group and why the option can be missing, and covers photos, notifications and leaving a group. Menu names can differ slightly by iOS version.

How do you change the group chat name on an iPhone?

Who can rename a group chat?

Anyone in the group. You do not need to be the person who started it. When someone changes the name, a small notice appears in the conversation saying who made the change, so everyone can see it. If you do not want the name to change, there is no way to lock it, so ask the group to agree on the name.

Why can’t I name my group chat?

The most common cause is that the group is not all iMessage. If even one person uses an Android phone, or has iMessage turned off, the group is sent as an SMS or MMS message and shows green bubbles. Those groups cannot be named from an iPhone. The name feature is part of iMessage. Our guide to green versus blue messages explains the difference.

How can you tell if the group is iMessage?

• Blue bubbles and a blue Send button: iMessage.
• Green bubbles and a green Send button: SMS or MMS.
• The text box says iMessage: the group is using iMessage.

To make a group an iMessage group, make sure everyone has iMessage on, which is under Settings › Messages › iMessage. Then start a new group with the same people. If iMessage will not turn on, read iMessage not working.

How do you change the group photo?

In the same screen where you change the name, tap the photo circle at the top. You can take a picture, choose one from Photos, or pick an emoji or Memoji. Everyone in the group sees the new photo, and the group appears with that photo in your Messages list.

How do you rename a group chat on a Mac?

Open the group in the Messages app on your Mac, click the information button in the top right corner and choose Details, then click the name or the Change Name and Photo option. Type a new name and press Return. The change syncs to your other Apple devices if they are signed in to the same Apple Account.

How do you take a group name away?

Open the group, tap the names at the top and choose Change Name and Photo. Delete the text in the name field and tap Done. The group then shows its members instead of a name.

How do you mute a busy group or leave it?

Open the group, tap the names at the top and turn on Hide Alerts to stop notifications while keeping the chat. To leave, scroll down and tap Leave this Conversation. The option is only available in iMessage groups with at least four people. In SMS groups you can mute but not leave. Our guide to iPhone keyboard and Messages settings lists more Messages options.

What if messages in the group do not send?

A group message that stays on Sending or fails is usually a connection issue, an iMessage issue, or a carrier limit on group SMS. Check your signal, then see iPhone texts not sending for steps. If the problem is with one person, make sure they are not blocked, and that their number is correct.

What about group names on other apps?

WhatsApp, Instagram and other apps have their own group names, which you change inside each app. The steps in this guide are only for the Messages app on an iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Quick checklist

How do you start a new group chat?

How do you add or remove someone?

In an iMessage group, tap the names at the top, tap Add Contact and choose a person. To remove someone, swipe left on their name in the list and tap Remove. Removing people is only possible when the group has at least four members. In SMS groups, you cannot add or remove people. You start a new group instead.

How do mentions and replies work in a group?

To get someone’s attention, type their name with an at sign, such as the at sign and Sam, and pick the person. They get a notification even if they muted the group. To answer one message, touch and hold it and tap Reply, which keeps the conversation tidy. These features need iMessage, and not every member sees them the same way on old software.

Why does the group show numbers instead of names?

The people are not saved in your contacts, or the contacts are not syncing. Save them with names, or fix syncing as described in contacts showing as numbers on iPhone. A group name is helpful here, because the group can still be named even when the members are only numbers.

Do other people see the new name on Android?

Android users cannot be in a named iMessage group. If someone on Android is added, the whole conversation moves to SMS or MMS and the name is lost. If you need a named group with Android users, use an app that works on both, such as WhatsApp, and name the group there.

What if the name option is missing even in a blue group?

Update iOS, check that iMessage is on for every member, and send a fresh message to the group. If the group started as green and later turned blue, it may still be an older SMS thread, so create a new group with the same people. If iMessage keeps failing, read how to switch iMessage and text messages.

How do you see the files and photos shared in a group?

Open the group, tap the names at the top and scroll down. You see the shared photos, links and locations in one place, which is useful in a long running group. This view works in iMessage groups and is a good reason to give each group a clear name.

Can you change the name of a group created by someone else?

Yes. You do not need to be the owner, because iMessage groups do not have an owner. Any member can rename it, change the photo or add a person, so agree on a name with the group to avoid it changing back and forth.

• The group is an iMessage group with blue bubbles.
• You tapped the group names at the top and chose Change Name and Photo.
• Everyone in the group has iMessage turned on.
• You know anyone in the group can change the name again.
• You muted or left the group if it is too busy.