The short answer: open WhatsApp, tap the New Chat button, choose New group, pick your family members, give the group a name, and tap the checkmark (Android) or Create (iPhone) (WhatsApp, WhatsApp). Everyone in the group sees every message and photo, so it’s an easy way to keep the whole family in one conversation.
Before you start
- Save each relative’s phone number in your phone’s contacts first. WhatsApp uses those contacts. See how to add contacts.
- On iPhone, some names won’t appear until WhatsApp has full access to your contacts. Turn it on in Settings > WhatsApp > Contacts (WhatsApp).
- Have Wi-Fi or mobile data turned on.
Android: make the group
- Open WhatsApp and tap New Chat (the green button), then New group.
- Search for or tap each family member you want to add. You can also add people later.
- Tap the green arrow.
- Type a group name (up to 100 characters) and, if you like, tap the camera to add a group photo.
- Tap the green checkmark (WhatsApp).
iPhone: make the group
- Open WhatsApp, tap Add Chat (the plus sign in a circle), then New group.
- Select the family members to add, then tap Next.
- Tap Group name (optional) and type a name. Tap the camera to add a photo.
- Tap Create (WhatsApp).
Settings worth a look while you set it up
- Disappearing messages: leave this off for a family group so you can scroll back to old photos and plans. If you turn it on, messages vanish after 24 hours, 7 days or 90 days (WhatsApp).
- Group permissions: controls what members (not just admins) can do, such as adding people (WhatsApp, WhatsApp).
Add someone later
- Open the group and tap the group name at the top.
- Tap Add (or Add members) and choose the contact.
- Confirm. If they don’t have WhatsApp, tap Send invites and WhatsApp texts them a link that expires after 3 days (WhatsApp).
To remove someone or manage admins, see WhatsApp’s guide to adding and removing group members.
Invite with a link or QR code
From the group name screen, tap Invite via link or QR code. You can send the link in WhatsApp, by text or email, or show a QR code for someone sitting next to you to scan (WhatsApp). Anyone with the link can join, so send it only to family. If it ends up somewhere it shouldn’t, an admin can tap Reset link (WhatsApp).
Keep the family group safe
- If someone in the group suddenly asks for money or a gift card, call them on their usual number before doing anything. Accounts can be taken over. Our guide to the family safe word helps here.
- Don’t post the invite link on Facebook or other public pages.
- Photos you share go to everyone in the group, so check before you send.
What to try if something goes wrong
- A relative isn’t in the list: check their number is saved in your contacts with the country code, and that WhatsApp can see your contacts.
- The invite never arrived: it expires after 3 days. Add them again to send a new one. If WhatsApp can’t send it, you’ll see Invite directly, a ready-made text you send yourself (WhatsApp).
- You can’t share a link: ask a group admin to share it or to turn on member invites under Group permissions (WhatsApp).
Questions people ask about WhatsApp family groups
How many people can be in a WhatsApp group?
Up to 1024 members (WhatsApp).
Can I add a relative who doesn’t have WhatsApp?
Yes. When you add a contact who doesn’t use WhatsApp, WhatsApp sends them a text-message invite. They tap the link to install WhatsApp and join. The invite expires after 3 days (WhatsApp).
Who can invite people with a link?
Admins can always create an invite link. In groups with fewer than 33 members, members can too, unless an admin changes the group permissions (WhatsApp). Only share the link with people you trust (WhatsApp).
I shared the link by mistake. What do I do?
If you’re an admin, open the group, tap the group name, tap Invite via link or QR code, then Reset link. The old link stops working and can’t be restored (WhatsApp).
Does the group need a name?
No. If you skip it, WhatsApp shows the names of the people in the group instead. A clear name such as “Stanley Family” makes it easier to find (WhatsApp).
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