Short answer
Open Chat, tap new message, add two or more people and send; then open the group's info to name it, add a photo, manage members and, in the newer Chat system, share a join link.
Key takeaways
- Group chats on X hold several hundred members in 2026, with X saying it plans to raise the limit.
- Communities closed in May 2026, and X pointed admins to group chats with joinable links.
- Anyone you add must allow messages from you.
Group messages used to be a side feature on X. In 2026 they became the home for what Communities used to do.
How do I start a group chat?
New message in Chat, add at least two people, write the first message and send.
- Open Chat (envelope icon).
- Tap the new message button.
- Search and select two or more people.
- Send your first message. The group is created.
How do I name and manage the group?
Tap the group's name at the top to open its info screen.
From there you can set a name and image, add or remove people, turn notifications off, report or leave. In X's newer Chat groups, admins can also create a join link and post it on their timeline so people can join themselves.
How big can a group be?
Several hundred members as of mid-2026, with X saying it wants to reach about 1,000.
When X announced the end of Communities in April 2026, it said groups would support public joinable links and up to 500 members, aiming for 1,000; a launch report on the XChat app days later cited 350. Either way, groups are now big enough for many former Communities.
What happened to Communities?
X shut them down in May 2026, citing low use and heavy spam, and suggested group chats as the replacement.
The full story is in what happened to X Communities.
How do I keep a group chat healthy?
Set a purpose, a few rules and at least one active admin.
- Pin a message with the group's purpose and rules.
- Name it clearly so members recognize it among other chats.
- Remove spam accounts quickly; large groups attract them.
- Use join links carefully: a public link means anyone can join.
- Turn off notifications for busy groups and check them when you choose.
Former Communities admins found that groups work best for active members; for broadcast-style updates, regular posts or a newsletter reach more people.
Questions people ask
How many people can be in an X group chat?
Reports from X's April 2026 changes put the limit at several hundred members (figures of 350 and 500 were cited), with a stated goal of around 1,000.
Can I leave a group chat quietly?
You can leave from the group's info screen. Other members see a small notice that you left.
Who can add people to a group?
Members can add people they're allowed to message; admins (in the newer Chat groups) can manage members and links.