How to Create Group Chat Names on iPhone and Android

Naming a group text is easier than you think, but it works a little differently between Android and iOS. Tap the menu from the conversation to get started

By
Fionna Agomuoh
Fionna Agomuoh
Fionna Agomuoh
Writer
  • University at Buffalo
Fionna Agomuoh is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire. Her writing has appeared in Newsweek, International Business Times, and others.
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Updated on February 16, 2024
Reviewed by
Christine Baker
Reviewed by Christine Baker
Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design.
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What to Know

  • iOS iMessage chats: At the top of the conversation, tap info. Enter a new group name.
  • Note: On an iPhone, only group iMessages can have a named chat, not MMS or SMS group messages.
  • Android: Open the chat and tap three dots > Group details > Group name. Enter a name and tap Save.

This article explains how to give your group text chats a unique name, making it easier to tell your chats apart. Instructions cover iOS and Android devices.

How to Name a Group Chat on an iPhone

There are three types of group messages in iOS: group iMessage, group MMS, and group SMS. The Messages app automatically selects the type of group message to send based on your and your recipients' settings, network connection, and carrier plan. The instructions here are for naming or renaming an iMessage group chat.

  1. Open an iMessage group conversation, then tap the top of the conversation.

  2. Tap the Information icon at the upper-right corner of the screen.

  3. Enter a group chat name.

    You can only name group iMessages, not MMS or SMS group messages. If there's an Android user in your group, participants won't be able to change the name.

  4. Tap Done.

  5. The group chat name will be seen at the top of the conversation. All iOS participants will see the new name for the group chat and they'll see that you are the one who changed it.

    The iPhone's Messages app showing a change to the group chat name

In a group iMessage, everyone can send and receive photos, videos, audio messages, and message effects; share their location with the group; give the group a name; add or remove people from the group; mute notifications; and leave the group text.

How to Make a Group Chat Name on Android

Google's release of RCS messaging for Android phones brings an improved and more iMessage-like texting experience across the Android ecosystem, including the ability to name group chats, add and remove people from groups, and see if people in the group have seen the latest messages. 

Here's how to name or rename a group chat in the Google Messages app:

  1. Go to the group conversation.

  2. Tap three dots > Group details.

  3. Tap Group name, then enter the new name.

  4. Tap Save. You're the only one who will see the new name.

    Group details, Group name, the text box, and Save highlighted in Messages for Android
FAQ
  • What should I name my group chat?

    To get some ideas, think about why the group was created and what its members have in common. Choose a name that's memorable and meaningful. Humorous group chat names, where appropriate, work well.

  • Why can't I name a text group on my iPhone?

    If an Android user is among the group members, you won't be able to name the group. You can name group iMessages only—not group MMSs.

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