How to Create a WhatsApp Group 2026 — Complete Guide
✓ Updated May 2026. Step-by-step instructions for creating and managing WhatsApp groups on iPhone, Android, and WhatsApp Web.
Creating a WhatsApp group is simple and free. This guide covers every step — from the basics to advanced admin controls, invite links, and the new Communities feature.
TE Guide Framework: This guide follows our methodology: Understand (what and why), Apply (step-by-step instructions), Verify (how to confirm it worked). Every step has been tested and verified for 2026 accuracy.
How to Create a WhatsApp Group on iPhone
- 1Open WhatsApp and tap the Chats tab at the bottom of the screen.
- 2Tap the compose icon (pencil icon) in the top-right corner.
- 3Select "New Group" from the menu.
- 4Choose participants from your contacts list. Tap "Next" when done.
- 5Enter a group name (required) and optionally add a group icon and description. Tap "Create."
How to Create a WhatsApp Group on Android
The process on Android is nearly identical:
- Open WhatsApp and tap the Chats tab
- Tap the three dots menu (top-right) and select "New Group"
- Select participants and tap the green arrow (next)
- Enter a group name, add an optional icon, and tap the green checkmark (create)
How to Create a WhatsApp Group on WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web supports group creation with these steps:
- Open web.whatsapp.com and scan the QR code with your phone
- Click the compose icon (pencil) at the top of the chat list
- Select "New Group" from the dropdown
- Select participants, enter a group name, and click the green checkmark
- Note: WhatsApp Web mirrors your phone — the group appears on both devices
Group Settings & Admin Controls
After creating a group, you can customize settings by tapping the group name at the top of the chat:
Group Name & Icon
Change the group name, description, and icon anytime. Members are notified of changes.
Permissions
Control who can send messages, edit group info, and add members — only admins or all participants.
Invite Links
Generate an invite link to share with anyone. Revoke the link at any time to block new joiners.
Admin Management
Add or remove group admins. Admins can manage members, approve join requests, and delete messages.
How to Create and Share a Group Invite Link
- 1Open the group and tap the group name at the top.
- 2Scroll down and tap "Invite via Link."
- 3Tap "Copy Link" or "Share Link" to send it via other apps.
- 4To revoke the link, tap "Revoke Link" — existing members stay but the old link stops working.
WhatsApp Group vs Community
| Feature | Group | Community |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Single chat room | Multiple groups under one umbrella |
| Member Limit | Up to 1,024 members | Up to 50 groups, 5,000+ total |
| Announcements | Admins only or all members | Admins can broadcast to all groups |
| Best For | Friends, family, small teams | Schools, organizations, large communities |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a WhatsApp group on iPhone?
Open WhatsApp, tap the Chats tab, tap the compose icon (top-right), select "New Group," choose participants, tap "Next," enter a group name, and tap "Create." You can optionally add a group icon and description.
How do I create a WhatsApp group invite link?
Open the group, tap the group name at the top, scroll down to "Invite via Link," tap it, then tap "Copy Link" or "Share Link." Anyone with the link can join your group. You can revoke the link anytime.
What is the difference between a WhatsApp Group and a Community?
A Community is a collection of related groups under one umbrella. Groups are individual chat rooms. Communities allow admins to send announcements to all members across multiple groups, while groups are independent chat spaces.
How many people can join a WhatsApp group?
WhatsApp groups can have up to 1,024 members as of 2026. Communities can contain up to 50 groups with a total of 5,000+ members across the community.
Can I create a WhatsApp group without adding contacts?
Yes — create a group with at least one participant, then remove that person after creation. The group remains active and you can share the invite link. This is useful for broadcasting messages or creating a private note-taking group.