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:

• Admin controls of who can edit group info and the disappearing message timer
• Admin controls to remove a member from the group 
• Optional admin approval for members joining by a group link
• Mentions
• Invite via a group link or QR-code
• Size limit of 150 members

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 150.
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 @Mention others in the group Admins may choose who can edit group info or modify disappearing message timers Admins may remove members Optional admin approval for members joining by a group link Shows Signal message in the chat The send icon 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 Start a new group with a maximum of 10 members Group names and members can not be changed after creating Sent through your cellular provider and subject to fees as outlined by your mobile plan Shows Unsecured MMS in the chat The send icon will be gray with an open lock after you type a message

 

 

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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 @Mention others in the group Admins may choose who can edit group info or modify disappearing message timers Optional admin approval for members joining by a group link Admins may remove members Size limit of 150 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

• All group chats through Signal Desktop are private and sent over the internet connection.
• Desktop group creation and group management is not supported at this time.
• Signal Desktop supports receiving messages from two group types: New and Legacy Groups.
• Sending mentions is not supported at this time.