Can’t send group messages

Make sure your phone number is selected for send and receive in settings.

Group messages to a mixed group is limited to 20

Hi @mjpierce67, we understand the importance of being able to use the group messaging feature.

Power cycle your device; turn your device off and back on, make sure your Send as SMS and Group Messaging are turned on at Message Settings. Update Your Device Software to the latest version, this updates all your applications to the recent versions.

Try resolving your experience by disabling mobile data:

1. Swipe down from the Notification bar, then select the Settings icon.
2. Select Connections, then select Mobile networks.
3. Select the Mobile Data switch.

Mobile data is on by default. Turning off mobile data will not allow any data to be transferred over the wireless network. Voice function, Wi-Fi access, and standard text messaging are still permitted.

Once mobile data is disabled you should test the results to verify whether it's possible to send messages in your group. You may be required to restart your device.

We also recommend our Troubleshoot & Resolve tool. This tool is great at fixing many texting problems because it runs a complete diagnostic on your device.

Let us know how this worked for you.

Dominic, AT&T Community Specialist

Tried switching the data off, no help. I no longer have a group messaging option under the mms switch. Only way I can group message is thru iMessage if everyone has an iPhone 

Hi @mjpierce67, thank you for contacting AT&T Community Forums.

We're here for you, we completely understand your situation. We at AT&T want the best for our customers.

Kindly contact our Advanced technical support team on 888-932-4678 for help. 

We hope this helps, and thanks for reaching out to us!

Thank you for reaching out to our AT&T Community.

-Sia, AT&T Community Specialist.

@mjpierce67  iOS 17.0.1, Carrier 55.0.2

Messages -> Send as SMS, MMS Messaging both enabled

Send & Receive -> your phone number and email address

Cellular Data enabled

Cellular Data Options -> Roaming off, Voice and Data LTE

Data Mode -> Allow More Data on 5G

WiFi Calling enabled

WiFi Enabled

There is no Group Message setting in iOS 17. We can send/receive mixed group messages with no issues, other than it takes a little longer to our Android friends.

I’ve tried everything above with no help, getting a busy signal when I call the number for advanced technical support 

Hey there! We understand the need to access and use the group messaging feature. 

Here are some tips to fix the issue you're facing with text messages:

Restart your device

Turn your device off. Wait at least 30 seconds to turn it back on. (Waiting 5 minutes is better).

Turn off Wi-Fi

Make sure you’re connected to mobile (cellular) data. Then, see if you can browse the web. If you can, try your text messages again.

Check your message app and settings

• Apple devices: Go to Settings, then Message. Turn iMessage® off and back on.

Check device memory and software

• Check your device's memory storage. If it's full, messages may not come through.
• Make sure your device is updated to the latest software.

Reset network settings

1. Go to your Settings. 
2. Choose General, then Transfer or Reset iPhone. 
3. Select Reset and Reset Network Settings.

It will also help to check for an updated version of your Message app:

1. From the the home screen, select the App Store app then select the User account icon.
2. App updates will be listed under AVAILABLE UPDATES or UPCOMING AUTOMATIC UPDATES. Select UPDATE next to the desired app to update an individual app. Select Update All to update all apps with an available update.

Lastly, if none of the steps above helped you out, use our Message Troubleshooting Tool for personalized troubleshooting steps specific to your device.

Hope this information helped, and thank you for visiting AT&T Community Forums!

MikeN, AT&T Community Specialist.

If Reset Network Settings or a new SIM doesn't work, after trying all of the above, then file a BBB complaint because that will be the quickest way to talk to someone from AT&T Corporate who will probably be able to help you.

Still having the same issues, I can’t group text, after going thru the message troubleshooting tool, it simply asks if I can do a test call then declares everything good to go, I’m still getting a busy signal when I try the advanced technical support number

Hello @ mjpierce67! We’re here to provide the information that you need!

Since you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps. We request you to get in touch with our tech support team at 800-331-0500 to have issue rectified.

Please get back to us if you have any questions.

Thanks for contacting our AT&T Community!
Antony, AT&T Community Specialist