How to Create a WhatsApp Group

WhatsApp groups are a great way to stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues—both at home and around the globe. Here's how to create free WhatsApp groups, add contacts, and send group messages from your iPhone or Android.

How to Create a WhatsApp Group on iPhones

To create a WhatsApp group on an iPhone:

1. Tap Chats at the bottom of the screen.

2. Select New Group.

   If you don't have any open chats, the New Group option won't be visible, so will need to select the pencil and paper icon in the upper-right corner instead, and then select New Group on the next screen.

3. Select the participants to add to the group. When done, tap Next in the upper-right corner. You can add more people later, so don't worry if you miss anyone.

4. Enter a group subject (name for the group chat), and tap Create in the upper-right corner.

   

5. To create a group message, tap in the compose area, enter your message, and tap send.

Setting up a WhatsApp Group on Android

To set up a WhatsApp group on an Android phone:

1. On WhatsApp, tap Chats.

2. Tap the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner > New group.

3. Choose the participants you want to add. When done, tap the green arrow in the lower-right corner.

4. Enter a group subject (name for the group), and tap the green checkmark to finish creating the group.

   

5. To start sending messages, tap in the compose message area, enter your message, and tap send.

Adding Members to a WhatsApp Group Chat on an iPhone

Once you've created a group, you may want to add additional members to the group. As long as you're a group admin, you can go into the group's settings and add members.

1. Tap Chats at the bottom of the screen to view your group(s).

2. Slide your finger leftwards over the name of the group you want to add members to, and select More from the choices that appear.

3. Tap Group Info.

   

4. Tap Add Participants. You can also tap Invite to Group via Link if the contact is not on WhatsApp.

   A WhatsApp group can have up to 256 participants.

5. Select the contacts to add. Tap Add when done. Tap Add again to complete.

   

6. The participants are now added to the group and can view any new messages sent to the group.

Adding Members to a WhatsApp Group Chat on Android

To add members to a WhatsApp group chat on Android:

1. Tap Chats in the upper section of screen.

2. Select the group you want to add members to.

3. Tap the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner.

4. Select Group info from the drop-down list.

   

5. Select Add Participants or Invite via Link.

6. In the participants list, select the contacts you wish to add to the group chat. Tap the green checkmark in the lower-right corner when you are done selecting contacts.

   

7. The new members will be added to the group and can see any new messages sent to the group.

Delete a WhatsApp Group

Things change, and you may need to delete a WhatsApp group. You can also archive a group chat and hide it from view if you don't want to keep it in your Chats list. Archiving won't delete the group from WhatsApp, and you can access the group later to view the messages.