Signal provides 

• private groups (New and Legacy) for all platforms.
• insecure MMS groups on Android.

What is a New Group?

This is a Signal group that is built on top of the new private group system technology. The Signal service has no record of your group memberships, group titles, group avatars, or group attributes. New Group features include:

• Invite via a group link or QR-code
• Mentions
• Group descriptions
• Admin controls to remove a member from the group
• Admin controls of who can edit group info and the disappearing message timer
• Admin controls of who can send messages and start calls
• Optional admin approval for members joining by a group link
• Size limit of 1000

What is a Legacy Group?

This is a Signal group that is not compatible with New Group features like admins and mentions. The Signal service has no record of your group memberships, group titles, group avatars, or group attributes.

Follow these steps to start a group chat for your platform:

• Android
• iOS
• Desktop

See also:

• Manage a group
• Leave a group
• Group troubleshooting

 

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Android

To start a group chat

1. In Signal, tap compose  then New group.
2. Select contacts or enter numbers.
   
   • An insecure MMS group has a size limit of 10.
   • A New Group has a size limit of 1000.
3. Tap next to see the group type.
4. Suggestion: Tap a contact name for an option to remove them.
   • Insecure MMS groups will indicate SMS contact under a non-Signal contact.
   • In a Legacy Group, tap Learn More to see which contacts need to update Signal.
   • A New Group is only available for Signal contacts who have updated Signal on all their devices.
5. Pick a Group name. Note: insecure MMS does not support names.
6. Tap Create.
   • Insecure MMS, you must send a message for it to appear in your chat list and the chat list for group members.
   • New Group and Legacy group will appear in your chat list and the chat list for group members. A member may need to accept the message request or invitation before they can message in the group.

Signal Android users have three group types

	New Group Communication is private Messages are sent over Wi-Fi or cellular data Invites via a group link or QR-code Group description @Mention others in the group Admins may choose who can edit group members, info or modify disappearing message timers Admins may remove members Shows Signal message in the chat The send button will be blue with a closed lock  after you type a message. Need help upgrading to a New Group? Follow these troubleshooting steps.
	Legacy Group Communication is private Messages are sent over Wi-Fi or cellular data Edit a group name or photo Add members to a Signal group Shows Signal message in the chat The send icon will be blue with a closed lock  after you type a message.
	Insecure MMS group Communication is insecure Message are sent through your cellular provider Costs and fees are determined by your mobile plan Start a new group with a maximum of 10 members Group members can not be changed after creating A group name or photo is displayed on your device nly. Shows Unsecured MMS in the chat The send icon will be gray with an open lock after you type a message Each message bubble will show an unlock icon

 

 

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iOS

To start a group chat

1. In Signal, tap compose then  New Group.
2. Select contacts or enter numbers.
3. Tap Next to see the group type.
4. Suggestion: Tap a contact name for an option to remove them.
   • In a Legacy Group, tap Learn More to see which contacts need to update Signal
   • A New Group is only available for Signal contacts who have updated Signal on all their devices.
5. Pick a Group name.
6. Tap Create for it to appear in your chat list and the chat list for group members.
7. A member may need to accept the message request or invitation before they can message in the group.

Signal iOS users have two group types

	New Group All communication is private Messages are sent over Wi-Fi or cellular data Invites via a group link or QR-code Group description @Mention others in the group Admins may choose who can edit group members, info or modify disappearing message timers Admins may remove members Size limit of 1000 Need help upgrading to a New Group? Follow these troubleshooting steps.
	Legacy Group All communication is private Messages are sent over Wi-Fi or cellular data Edit a group name or photo Add members to a Signal group

 

 

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Desktop

To start a group chat

1. In Signal, tap compose then  New Group.
2. Select contacts or enter numbers.
3. Tap Next to see the group type.
4. Enter a Group name.
5. Tap Create for it to appear in your chat list and the chat list for group members.
6. A member may need to accept the message request or invitation before they can message in the group.

Signal Desktop users have two group types

	New Group All communication is private Messages are sent over the internet Invites via a group link or QR-code Group description @Mention others in the group Admins may choose who can edit group members, info or modify disappearing message timers Admins may remove members Size limit of 1000
	Legacy Group All communication is private Messages are sent over the internet