How to Send One Message to Multiple Contacts on WhatsApp (Android & iOS)

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Easy ways to send a WhatsApp message to two or more people
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Do you want to send the same messages to all of your contacts at once (or multiple specific contacts) on WhatsApp? You’re in luck: it’s a simple process! You can create a broadcast list to send a message to multiple contacts individually or add up to 256 contacts to a group chat if you want everyone to be able to chat together. You can also share existing messages with the Forward feature. In this article, we’ll show you the easiest ways to send a WhatsApp message to multiple contacts with your Android, iOS device, or computer.

Sending WhatsApp Messages to All Your Contacts

  • Broadcast lists on WhatsApp allow you to send the same message to multiple contacts individually.
  • If you do not want to create a broadcast list, consider using WhatsApp Web to send a message and then copy and paste it into different chats.
  • If you are comfortable with your contacts interacting with one another, you can send them all a message in one group chat.
Section 1 of 7:

Sending Messages with Broadcast Lists on iPhone & iPad

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  1. It's at the bottom of the screen and looks like two speech bubbles. [1]
    • A broadcast list allows you to send a message to multiple contacts, with each conversation appearing as its own thread.
    • By using a broadcast list, you can send the same message to multiple people without starting a group chat. Recipients will not know you've sent the same message to others.
  2. 2
    Tap the green + (plus) button. It’s located at the top-right corner of the screen when you’re in the Chats tab. Tapping the + button will open the New chat menu. [2]
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  3. 3
    Select New broadcast . It’s in the New chat menu at the bottom of the first section, below the Chat with AIs option. [3]
  4. 4
    Choose all the contacts you want to message. When you tap New broadcast , a complete list of your contacts will open. Scroll up and down the list and tap the name of any contact you want to include in the broadcast list. Tapping a contact will add a green and white check mark to the circle next to their name, and you can select up to 256 contacts. [4]
    • Only contacts with your number in their address book can be added to your broadcast list.
    • The contacts you select will not know that you've added them to a broadcast list.
  5. It's at the top-right corner of the screen. This saves the broadcast list and creates a new message.
  6. You can enter your message into the white text field on the screen. The Send icon is the green and white paper airplane near the bottom-right corner. This sends the same message to all of the contacts you've added to the broadcast list. [5]
  7. 7
    Access broadcast messages from the Settings tab. In addition to the Chats tab, you can also navigate to the Settings tab, which is on the bottom-right corner of the screen next to Chats. Once in Settings, tap Broadcast messages , and you’ll see a list of all the broadcast messages you’ve created; you can tap on each one to access them. [6]
    • At the bottom of this page, you’ll also see the New list option. If you prefer, you can create new broadcast lists from here!
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Section 2 of 7:

Sending Messages with Broadcast Lists on Android

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  1. It's in the Chats tab. You’ll see the icon at the top-right corner of the screen; it looks like three stacked dots. [7]
    • A broadcast list allows you to send a message to multiple contacts, with each conversation appearing as its own thread.
    • By using a broadcast list, you can send the same message to multiple people without starting a group chat. Recipients will not know you've sent the same message to others.
  2. A list of your contacts will appear. Keep in mind that only contacts with your number in their address book will receive your broadcast messages. [8]
  3. Tapping a contact will add a green and white check mark to the circle next to their name. You can select up to 256 contacts. [9]
    • The contacts you select won’t know you've added them to a broadcast list.
  4. This saves your broadcast list with the selected contacts and creates a new chat so you can send your broadcast message. [10]
  5. Enter your message into the white text field on the screen. The Send button is the green and white paper airplane at the bottom-right corner of the screen. This sends the same message to all of the contacts you've added to the broadcast list.
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Section 3 of 7:

Creating a Group Chat on iPhone & iPad

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  1. It's the two overlapping chat bubbles near the bottom-right corner of the screen. [11]
    • Group chats allow you to send messages to multiple people at one time. Group members can see and respond to any messages sent to the group.
  2. 2
    Tap the green + (plus) button to open the new chat menu. It looks like a white plus sign with a green background; you’ll find it at the top-right corner of the screen. [12]
  3. It's at the top of the list (below the Search bar) in the New chat menu.
  4. Tapping a contact will add a green and white check mark to the circle next to their name (and, of course, include them in the new group). You can select up to 1,024 contacts to add to the group. When you’re ready to proceed, tap Next at the top-right corner of the screen. [13]
  5. The group chat’s subject can be up to 25 characters long. Choose anything that suits the group’s purpose, whether you’re using it to send important information or just chat with a specific bunch of friends. [14]
    • If you'd like to assign an icon representing the chat, tap the camera icon at the top-left corner and select an image from your phone or tablet.
  6. On the same page where you enter a group subject, you’ll see the Create option at the top-right corner of the screen. [15]
  7. To start typing, tap the white typing area at the bottom of the screen. When you’re ready to send it, just press the Send icon (a green and white paper airplane) at the bottom right corner of the screen.
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Section 4 of 7:

Create a Group Chat on Android

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  1. 1
    Tap the “New chat” icon in WhatsApp. In the Chats tab (which you can select at the bottom of the screen), you’ll see a speech bubble icon with a plus sign (+) in the top-right corner of the screen. This is the New chat icon! [16]
    • Group chats allow you to send messages to multiple people at one time. Group members will be able to see and respond to any messages sent to the group.
  2. Selecting New group will open a new menu with your contacts list. [17]
  3. Select contacts to add . You can add up to 1,024 contacts to the group. When you select a contact, the circle beside their name will fill with a green and white check mark.
  4. Pressing the arrow icon (→) saves the member list for your new group chat. Note that group members can remove themselves from a group chat anytime, while broadcast list recipients must remove you from their address book to stop receiving your messages. [18]
  5. The group's subject (or name) is the label that’ll appear in Chats so you can tell which chat you’re pulling up. It can be up to 25 characters long. When you’re ready to officially create the group chat, select the green checkmark at the top-right corner of the screen.
    • If you'd like to assign an icon to represent the chat, tap the camera icon at the top-left corner and select an image from your phone or tablet.
  6. To start typing, tap the white typing area at the bottom of the screen. Then, when your message is ready to send, press the green and white paper airplane icon (the Send icon) at the bottom-right corner of the screen. This will send the message to all group members. [19]
    • Messages from blocked users will still appear in group chats.
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Section 5 of 7:

Forwarding a Message to Multiple Contacts

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  1. You'll find existing chats in the Chats tab; just select the chat and scroll to the message you want to forward. Use this method to forward one message from any chat to up to five different contacts! [20]
    • This method will work on any Android, iPhone, or iPad.
    • If you take screenshots of funny or interesting things from chats to share with others, this method offers you a less labor-intensive way to do it.
  2. After a second or so, a series of icons will appear at the top of the screen. [21]
    • You can also forward multiple messages by tapping additional messages after you press and hold on the first one.
  3. 3
    Tap the Forward icon at the top of the screen. This will open your list of contacts. However, the Forward icon looks slightly different depending on your platform: [22]
    • iOS: A curved arrow with a hollow interior; you’ll also see “Forward” to the left of it
    • Android: A curved arrow with two points
  4. If you need to send the message to more than five people, just repeat the steps in this method after forwarding the first five. An individual chat will be started with each member.
    • Note that forwarded messages are labeled as such, so don’t use this method if you don’t want recipients to know the message has been forwarded.
    • You can even forward someone else's message to multiple people. The original sender will not be notified.
  5. The option you’ll see depends on your version of WhatsApp. Either way, after this, the message will be delivered to the selected recipients. [23]
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Section 6 of 7:

Sending Messages Using WhatsApp Web

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  1. Connecting WhatsApp to your web browser is quick and easy. This wikiHow article has you covered if you run into any issues!
    • These steps can also be carried out within the WhatsApp mobile app, although copying and pasting your messages will be much more tedious without a computer.
  2. Once WhatsApp Web is set up, you should see your current conversations within the interface. You can also create a new conversation with any of your contacts. Find or start a conversation and write up a message.
    • Because the message is going to multiple people, you can alternatively copy and paste it before sending it. It’s up to you, depending on whether it’s a time-sensitive message.
  3. Double-click or click and drag the message to highlight it and press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (iOS) to copy the message. Then, find or start the conversations with other intended recipients; in each chat thread, press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (iOS) to paste the message. Finally, hit Enter to send it!
    • This method is not the most efficient, but it can be a decent option if you don't plan on sending messages to multiple contacts often and don’t feel like creating a whole broadcast list.
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Section 7 of 7:

Frequently Asked Questions About WhatsApp Messaging

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  1. 1
    How many contacts can you add to a WhatsApp group chat? You can add up to 1,024 contacts to a group chat in WhatsApp if you’re an admin.
  2. 2
    Can you send multimedia files (photos and videos) with broadcast lists? Yes, you can! It’s possible to send photos, videos, and documents using broadcast lists.
  3. 3
    Can you customize the settings for who can post in group chats? Yes, if you’re an admin for a group chat, you can choose who’s allowed to make posts—“Only Admins” (so only group admins can send messages) or “All participants” (meaning everyone in the group can send messages).
  4. 4
    Are there restrictions on forwarding messages? The main restriction is the number of contacts you can forward a message to simultaneously—the limit is 5. You can forward the same message as many times as you want, but you’ll have to do it in groups of 5 contacts.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I'm in a WhatsApp group. How can I contact only one person from the group?
    Community Answer
    Just make a new contact with the corresponding person and it will work. Or, you can delete everyone except you and the corresponding person from the group. Use Method A.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Why does it only allow me to select five if I need to forward to more than that?
    Community Answer
    Because WhatsApp says you can only select up to five chats for privacy. If you want to send to more than that, all you have to do is to repeat the same step.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    How do I send multiple messages through WhatsApp?
    Community Answer
    To send multiple messages through WhatsApp, all you have to do is to select each one and then send them.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      wikiHow Video: How To Send Messages To Multiple Contacts On Whatsapp Without Creating A Group(New Broadcast)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/861663048350950/?cms_platform=iphone&helpref=platform_switcher
      2. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/861663048350950/?cms_platform=iphone&helpref=platform_switcher
      3. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/861663048350950/?cms_platform=iphone&helpref=platform_switcher
      4. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/861663048350950/?cms_platform=iphone&helpref=platform_switcher
      5. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/861663048350950/?cms_platform=iphone&helpref=platform_switcher
      6. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/861663048350950/?cms_platform=iphone&helpref=platform_switcher
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/S4ANbMh1iQ4?t=50
      8. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/861663048350950/?cms_platform=android&helpref=platform_switcher
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/S4ANbMh1iQ4?t=63
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/S4ANbMh1iQ4?t=62
      2. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/3242937609289432/?cms_platform=iphone&helpref=platform_switcher
      3. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/3242937609289432/?cms_platform=iphone&helpref=platform_switcher
      4. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/3242937609289432/?cms_platform=iphone&helpref=platform_switcher
      5. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/en/iphone/26000115/?category=5245251
      6. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/3242937609289432/?cms_platform=iphone&helpref=platform_switcher
      7. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/3242937609289432/?cms_platform=android&helpref=platform_switcher
      8. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/3242937609289432/?cms_platform=android&helpref=platform_switcher
      9. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/3242937609289432/?cms_platform=android&helpref=platform_switcher
      10. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/3242937609289432/?cms_platform=android&helpref=platform_switcher
      11. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/en/iphone/26000166/?category=5245251
      12. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/887468535575482/?cms_platform=iphone&helpref=platform_switcher
      13. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/887468535575482/?cms_platform=iphone&helpref=platform_switcher
      14. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/887468535575482/?cms_platform=iphone&helpref=platform_switcher

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open WhatsApp.
      2. Tap Chats .
      3. Tap the new message icon.
      4. Tap New Group .
      5. Select contacts and tap Next .
      6. Enter a subject and tap Create .
      7. Type your message.
      8. Tap the send icon.

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