Sendr
How to send a mass text on iPhone without a group chat
You can send a mass text on iPhone without a group chat in three ways: turn off iMessage and send a group SMS, build a Shortcut that texts each contact in a loop, or use a mass text app. With iMessage on, adding several people to one text starts a group.
We make Sendr, one of the apps in this guide. The first two methods need no app at all.
| Method | Replies stay private | Name in each text | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group text in Messages | No | No | People who should all talk to each other |
| Group SMS with iMessage off | Yes | No | One text to a short list |
| Shortcuts loop | Yes | If you build it | A small list you text often |
| Mass text app | Yes | Yes | Long lists and repeat sends |
What happens when you text several people in Messages?
Messages picks the type of group for you. If everyone uses iMessage, you get a group iMessage and everyone sees all the replies. If someone doesn't, the text goes as MMS, RCS or SMS, depending on your settings and carrier. Apple says only group SMS keeps replies separate.
How to send a group SMS with iMessage off
This method uses only the Settings and Messages apps. It works best for one short message, because it changes how all your texts go out until you turn iMessage back on.
- Open Settings, tap Apps, then tap Messages.
- Turn off iMessage.
- Turn off RCS Messaging, MMS Messaging and Group Messaging. Some carriers don't show all of these switches.
- Open Messages, start a new message, add your recipients and send.
- Go back to Settings and turn the switches on again.
While iMessage is off, your texts go out as SMS through your carrier. Apple notes that group SMS can't carry photos or videos.
How to mass text with the Shortcuts app
Shortcuts comes with every iPhone and can send one message per person. The loop is what keeps the messages separate.
- Open Shortcuts and tap the plus button to create a shortcut.
- Add the Contacts action and choose your recipients.
- Add Repeat with Each.
- Inside the loop, add Send Message. Type your text, set the recipient to Repeat Item and turn off Show When Run.
- Run the shortcut and allow it to send messages.
The list lives inside the shortcut, so you edit it there. You get no report of who received the text, and adding first names means building that step yourself.
How to send a mass text with an app
Mass text apps for iPhone work with the Messages app, so texts still come from your own number. Sendr, Reach, Hit Em Up and Quick Send all send each person a separate message.
In Sendr, write your text with {first_name} where the name goes, pick contacts or a saved group, and check every message on the Review & Send screen. Send One by One is free: Sendr opens a message for each person and you tap Send. With Pro, Send Automatically goes through the list for you after a one-time Shortcuts setup, as long as your iPhone stays unlocked.
Based on Apple Support, checked November 2026.
Questions
Can you BCC a text on iPhone?
No. Messages has no BCC field. To keep recipients apart, send separate messages with one of the methods above.
Can people reply to a mass text?
Yes. When each person gets a separate message, a reply comes back to your one-on-one thread with that person.
Does a mass text cost money?
iMessage goes through Apple and uses data. SMS goes through your carrier and counts against your plan, the same as a text you send by hand.
Will my texts be marked as spam?
They can be, because carriers filter bulk messages. Text people who know you, and keep the list to people who expect to hear from you.
Write it once. Everyone gets their own message.
Free download for iPhone, iOS 18 or later