iMessage Group Chat Limit: Reasons and Solutions

If you’re thinking of adding all your friends to a group chat but are unable to do so, it is because Apple has placed a limit on the number of people you can include in an iMessage group. But why the limit? And is there any way around it? This article will explore the reasoning and potential workarounds for Apple’s group chat restrictions- keep on reading to find out!

Is there a limit for group messages on iPhone?

In one word – yes. All of these messaging types have their own advantages, and your choice will depend on the context of your group chat. But, when it comes to group chats, iMessage really shines. Let’s take a look at how:

Group iMessage

Apple allows you to add up to 32 people to an iMessage group chat. This limit is in place to prevent overloading their servers and reduce spam. More participants means more potential messages flooding their networks. While reasonably high, this cap can get in the way of creating very large chat groups with all your friends and family.

Group MMS

MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) group chats also have a limit, though it varies slightly by carrier. Most providers allow you to include up to 10 participants. Here, the constraints come from cellular networks:

AT&T Group Message Limit

AT&T typically allows up to 10 recipients in a standard Group SMS or MMS. This is a common limit for many carriers and is influenced by the need to maintain network efficiency and reduce spam. As for iMessage, the limit for up to 32 participants applies, as this service bypasses carrier limitations and uses an internet connection.

Verizon Group Text Limit

Verizon generally has a limit similar to AT&T’s, with up to 10 recipients for Group SMS or MMS. Additionally, if everyone in the group is using iMessage, the 32 participant limit applies, independent of Verizon’s constraints.

T-Mobile Group Chat Options

T-Mobile like AT&T and Verizon, usually allows up to 10 participants in a Group SMS or MMS. This ensures broader compatibility and network stability. Similarly, for groups exclusively using Apple devices, the standard iMessage limit applies, allowing a larger group.

Group SMS

Group SMS (Short Message Service) is the most basic form of group texting available and doesn’t require a data connection. It’s only a fallback when neither iMessage nor MMS is available. However, it also shares the same capacity, supporting up to 10 participants. 

iMessage Group Chat Limit

As mentioned above, Apple has maintained this 32-person ceiling for some time to prevent overtaxing their servers. While iMessage is a powerful tool for group messaging among iOS users, its group chat capacity has not been increased in recent iOS updates.

They’ve been pretty consistent across recent iOS versions. For instance, from iOS 8 to iOS 16 – the limit has been up to 32 participants.

With that said, for larger group communication needs, third-party apps remain the go-to solution.

Other alternatives to iMessage

If your social circle exceeds the 32 participants limit, then you should definitely try these apps:

WhatsApp

WhatsApp supports group chats with up to 256 people. As an end-to-end encrypted app, it works very nicely across iOS, Android, and desktop apps. Lastly, this generous group limit makes WhatsApp a flexible iMessage alternative for family, friends, or large organizations to interact.

Telegram

If you really need to message massive groups, Telegram is likely your best bet. Unlike iMessage’s 32-person cap, Telegram actually allows up to a staggering 200,000 members in a single group!

Facebook Messenger

Messenger allows the creation of group conversations with up to 250 participants at once. Messenger also enables group video calls of up to 50 people simultaneously. The app works across all major mobile and desktop platforms so that you can reach your friends regardless of what device they use.

Signal

If security is your foremost concern, Signal is widely regarded as the most private major messaging option, thanks to state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption. In addition, Signal lets secure group messaging for up to 1,000 people at once.

Viber

Allowing up to 250 users in a group message, Viber is likely the most popular internationally, especially across Europe. The app focuses more on making conversations fun, as users send tons of stickers and GIFs.