How to Leave a Group Chat on Apple Messages

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 18, 2017

For users of Apple products, the convenience and immediacy of the Messages app (or "iMessage" as it used to be known) can't be overstated. However, the constant alerts from a group chat, which Messages considers a chat with four or more people, can get downright annoying. Fortunately, with a couple quick clicks, you can get out of the chat and enjoy some peace.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
iOS

1
Open the Messages app.
2
Tap the chat you wish to leave.
3
Tap ⓘ. It's in the upper-right corner of the screen.
4
Check the number of chat participants. If there are fewer than four, you will have to add a contact or two in order to leave.
5
Tap + Add Contact. Add contacts until there are four participants in the chat.
6
Tap Leave this Conversation. You've now left the group chat on iMessage.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Mac OS

1
Open the Messages application.
2
Click on the group chat you wish to leave. The conversations are listed on the left side of the of the window.
3
Click on Details. It's a blue link in the upper right of the messages window.
4
Check the number of chat participants. If there are fewer than four, you will have to add a contact or two in order to leave.
5
Click on Add Member. Add contacts until there are four participants in the chat.
6
Click on Leave this Conversation. You've now left the group chat on iMessage.

Image titled Leave a Group Chat on Apple Messages Step 12

Community Q&A

Question

How do I leave an MMS chat (green text bubbles)? This isn't an option.

Community Answer

Unfortunately, individuals cannot leave an mms chat. Functions such as naming the group, adding/removing members, and leaving the chat are iMessage exclusive features and are unavailable if members of the group are texting with MMS and not iMessage.
Question

There are too many people in my chat so it won't let me add. How else can I leave one?

Community Answer

Swipe right on the sidebar of which chat you want to leave or delete it and press delete.