How to Create and Name an iMessage Group on iPhone

To create and name an iMessage group on iPhone, open Messages, tap Compose, add at least two other people who can use iMessage, and send a message. Open the new thread, tap the group icon, then in iOS 26 choose Edit > Edit Name & Photo. Enter a name, optionally choose a shared photo or icon, and tap Done. Apple does not let you name a one-to-one iMessage conversation.

Check that the conversation uses iMessage

Messages automatically selects a delivery type based on your recipients, settings, network connection, and carrier. When everyone in the group uses an Apple device with iMessage turned on, the conversation is a group iMessage and its bubbles are blue. If someone is not using iMessage, the conversation may use RCS, MMS, or SMS and appear green. Apple documents the group name and icon controls for group iMessage; the same controls are not guaranteed for a green-bubble conversation.

On iPhone, check Settings > Apps > Messages and turn on iMessage. If you use an iPad or Mac, sign in to iMessage with your Apple Account. A green bubble does not by itself prove that someone has an Android phone: iMessage may be turned off or temporarily unavailable, and iPhone can use RCS or SMS/MMS instead. See Apple’s explanation of green message bubbles and its guide to group message types.

To use the name feature, include at least two other people in the conversation. Apple says you can’t name an iMessage conversation with only one other person.

Create a group conversation

1. Open Messages and tap Compose. The Compose button is in the conversation list. There is no separate “New Group” command; adding several recipients starts the group message.

2. Add the recipients. Tap the To field and enter each person’s contact name, phone number, or Apple Account. You can also use the Add Contact button to choose people from Contacts.

3. Send the first message. Type a short message and tap Send. This creates the conversation thread, which then appears in your Messages list. The people included in the To field receive the message, and in a group iMessage they can reply in the shared thread.

Name and customize the group in iOS 26

4. Open the group details. Tap the conversation, then tap the group icon at the top of the thread. This opens the information for the conversation.
5. Open the naming controls. Tap Edit, then tap Edit Name & Photo. Apple’s current iPhone guide uses this path in iOS 26.

6. Enter a name. Tap the Name field and type a short label people will recognize, such as “Weekend plans” or “Project team.” Everyone with iMessage on in the group sees the new name and icon.
7. Choose an optional group image and save. You can select a photo, emoji, or Memoji for the group icon. When the name and icon look right, tap Done. Icon choices and availability can vary by region or software version.

You can use the same path later to update the name or icon; changes are visible to everyone with iMessage on in the group.

If your iPhone shows an older menu

The wording depends on iOS version. In iOS 18 and earlier, Apple places Change Name and Photo in blue text below the group icons and participants’ names. On iOS 14 or earlier, open the group icons and then tap the Info button. If you see the older label, use it to enter the group name and finish by tapping Done.

Apple’s group naming instructions list the iOS 26 and older menu paths. Its iPhone group conversation guide also covers starting a group, adding people, and naming the conversation.

When the group name option is missing

• Check the bubble color and message type. Blue indicates iMessage. Green indicates RCS, MMS, or SMS; message features vary by type and carrier.
• Confirm there are at least two other participants. A conversation with just you and one person cannot be named as an iMessage group.
• Check iMessage on each Apple device. If a participant’s iMessage is off or unavailable, Messages may send through another service. If you are adding someone who does not use iMessage, Apple may prompt you to start a new group conversation.
• Use the menu label for your iOS version. iOS 26 uses Edit > Edit Name & Photo; earlier versions may show Change Name and Photo directly.