How to create a group text on Android phones?

Group texting lets you get connected with multiple people at once. If you are coordinating with family or organizing an event with your friends, group texting is a better and efficient way of communication.

If you are using Google messaging for group texting on an Android, it just takes a few taps to set up. In this guide, I will cover the complete details about how you can set up and manage group messages on your Android Phone.

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What You Need Before Creating a Group Text?

Before starting up, ensure to consider the following.

Save the contacts in your contact list.
Activate the mobile data connection.
Enable the RCS feature for a better experience.

How to Create a Group Text on Android Using Google Messages?

Here are the steps you can follow to create a group text quickly.

Open the Messages app.
Click on the Start Chat button or an icon in the bottom right.
Select the New Group or Create Group.
Click the Add button to choose contacts.
Select the recipients to add from the contact list.
Tap the Next button to confirm.
Write the text and click the send button.

The message will be delivered to all members. It makes managing multiple group chats simpler.

Understanding MMS vs RCS for Group Texting

MMS and RCS may be confusing terms for you. To select the best option for your group text messages, it's ideal to understand these initially.

MMS Group Texts (Traditional)

Multimedia Messaging Service, or MMS, is the traditional texting method.

The method is supported by all phones and the carriers.
Only send the text and images.
Only 20 recipients can be added.
Operate on the cellular connection.

RCS Group Chats (Modern)

Rich Communication Services, or RCS, is an upgrade version of texting, with the following features.

Require a mobile data or stable WiFi connection to operate.
Work between the Android and iPhone (iOS 18+).
Work if all the recipients have RCS enabled.
Allow up to 100 recipients.
Share the HD-quality images and videos.

MMS is compatible with all phone types. On the other hand, RCS is perfect for the messaging tech-savvy group.

Managing Your Group Text Messages

After creating the group text, the following steps will help you manage it effectively.

Adding more members to your group

Here's how you can do it.

Open the group conversation.
Click the group name at the top.
Select Add recipients and choose additional contacts from the list
Then tap the Done button to confirm.

Name your text group

Click the group details at the top of the group.
Give the name to your group and click the save button.

You can name the group according to the purpose or the event.

Mute notifications

If you no longer want to get the notification of a particular group, you can enable the mute notification.

Long-press the group conversation.
Click the Mute button to turn off notifications.

Leave or delete a group text

Leaving an RCS Group Chat

Open the Messages app and click the group name at the top.
Scroll a bit and look for the Leave Conversation.
Tap it to confirm your exit.

RCS groups let you leave. However, the traditional MMS groups don't support the leave function.

Deleting a Group Conversation

Press longer on the group text thread.
Click the delete icon to confirm deletion.

Group Texting with eSIM on Android Phones

An eSIM card is the digital chip integrated into the latest devices, best for travelers. It ensures a fast network connection for the users without needing a physical SIM card. But do eSIM contribute to creating a group text on an Android phone?

How eSIM Affects Group Messaging?

eSIM technology offers flexibility but requires understanding how it interacts with group text messages.

For Data-Only eSIMs

Most eSIM providers offer data-only eSIMs that only ideal for accessing the data connection. These embedded SIMs don’t include the SMS or MMS capabilities. So in such a case, you cannot send traditional group messages.

To deal with such a situation, many travelers rely on dual‑SIM setups, using a regular SIM for texting and an eSIM for data, exactly the kind of combination explained in our guide on using an eSIM and a regular SIM at the same time. If you’re setting up eSIM specifically for travel and want to understand data, calls, and messaging step‑by‑step, make sure to read our full guide on how to use eSIM when traveling anywhere in the world.

Buy an eSIM Card to Get the SMS and RCS Capabilities at Once

As I mentioned earlier, the eSIM card eliminates the need for a physical SIM card. But not necessarily every eSIM. Choosing a perfect eSIM can let you feel free from connectivity. eSIMCard is one of my top recommendations for its diverse plans.

eSIM Card is a global carrier that offers an eSIM plan for 200+ countries. The provider offers

data eSIMs.
data, voice and text plans.

The eSIMs further include the short and long-term data plans for each country. The providers' embedded SIM ensures to provide a 24/7 data connection for the frequent travelers, nomads and students.

Some features that the eSIM Card offers for its customers include.

Cost-effective process compared to the competitors.
QR code eSIM activation in a few steps.
Allow data tethering with other devices.
Offers a refill plan for the users.
24/7 active customer support services.

You can buy the eSIM that suits your needs. The data, voice and text plan lets users send SMS and RCS texting. For a deeper look at why digital SIMs are so convenient for frequent travelers, you can also check our article on the benefits of using eSIM while traveling abroad .

Troubleshooting Common Group Text Issues

Even with the proper setup, you can encounter issues when trying to send group messages or create the group.

Group Messages Not Sending

If the text is not sending, you can confirm the following.

Check the mobile data connection.
Verify Messages app permissions.
Ensure MMS/group messaging is enabled.

Recipients Don't Receive Messages

Verify phone numbers.
Ensure they have MMS enabled on the recipient's phone.
Try sending an individual text.

Group Falls Back to Individual Texts

If your group sends as separate messages:

Check the MMS settings.
Select MMS option (not SMS).
Restart the conversation.

Conclusion

Creating the group text on an Android phone is straightforward with your default messaging app. You can set up groups, manage members, and send group text messages to multiple members at once. Using RCS is ideal for reading receipts, typing indicators, and the better results.

Users having an eSIM in Android phones avoid the need for a physical SIM to operate SMS in their phone. You can buy the eSIM Card data, voice and text plan to send the MMS and RCS relying on a single digital SIM in your phone.

FAQs

Why can't I remove someone from my group text?

The modern RCS groups let you remove the member. But the SMS/MMS groups don't support member removal.

Do group texts cost extra on Android phones?

MMS group text messages incur per-message charges depending on your carrier. At the same time, RCS uses mobile data instead.

How about I use MMS or RCS?

Check your Messages app settings and look for indicators like the Chat label on messages. On the other hand, RCS shows typing indicators and read receipts, but MMs don’t.