How groups work

Common actions

• Discover groupsBrowse groups you can see and request access when needed.
• Join or requestPublic groups can be joined directly; private groups may require approval.
• Use discussion and chatDiscussion is for longer updates, while chat is for quick coordination.
• Share photosOpen group chat photos full screen, zoom in, save them to Photos, or swipe vertically to return when not zoomed.
• Retry a sendIf a group chat message fails, tap Retry to try the same message again.
• Mention membersUse group chat mentions when a message needs a current group member's attention.
• Tune alertsReview notification preferences for a group when you want more or fewer alerts from that group.
• Manage a groupOwners and admins may have tools for requests, invites, roles, logos, and details.

What to expect

• Public and private groupsPublic groups can be discoverable. Private groups may require a request or invite before you can see the full group.
• Group accessGroup-only meets and group chat should only be visible to people with the right group access.
• Conversation recoveryAn open group chat refreshes recent messages after a temporary connection loss.
• Reduce MotionFull-screen photo transitions follow your iPhone's Reduce Motion setting.
• RolesGroup roles can affect who can review requests, invite members, edit details, or manage group content.
• NotificationsGroup notification preferences work together with your overall Idle and iPhone notification settings.
• MentionsGroup chat mentions can create Activity or push alerts depending on the member's settings.

Troubleshooting

• Group missingCheck whether the group is public, private, or requires an invite.
• Cannot invite someoneThe person may already be a member, invited, requesting access, or not eligible for that invite.
• Group alerts are too noisyOpen the group's notification settings and tune the categories you want.
• Group message failedCheck your connection and tap Retry. If a photo is no longer available, choose it again.
• Photo will not saveCheck Idle's Photos permission in iPhone Settings, then try again.
• Mention did not notify someoneConfirm the person is still a group member and that their group, Idle, and iPhone notification settings allow alerts.
• Cannot edit detailsConfirm you are the owner or have the right group role.