If you can't find the button to create a WhatsApp group, check which version you're using. Web, Windows, and Mac use different controls. Follow the steps for your version below, then set up invitations or fix missing contacts if those are holding you up.
Create a group in WhatsApp Web
With your account linked in WhatsApp Web, click the New Chat icon, shown as a speech bubble with a plus. Choose New group.
Select the contacts you want in the conversation, then click the right-arrow icon. Enter a name in Group name (optional), or leave it blank. Click the checkmark icon to create the group.
If the mouse-based route fails, open group creation with Ctrl+Alt+Shift+N on Windows or Command+Control+Shift+N on Mac while WhatsApp Web has focus, then complete the same creation form.
Start a group in the Windows app
Inside WhatsApp for Windows, click the plus-in-circle chat icon.
Select New group.
Choose the contacts you want to include.
Click the right-arrow icon.
Type a name in Group name (optional), or leave it blank.
Click the checkmark icon to create your group.
For a quicker start next time, Ctrl+Shift+N opens group creation in the Windows app; WhatsApp Web uses a different shortcut.
Use the new chat button on Mac
This creates a group in the native Mac app.
Click the New Chat icon, shown as a square with a pencil.
Choose New group.
Select your participants.
Click Next.
Enter a name in Group name (optional), or leave it blank.
Click Create to finish.
Set up an empty group before inviting people
Use empty-group creation when you want to set up the conversation before anyone joins. WhatsApp supports creating a group first and adding people afterward.
Start group creation without selecting other participants.
Give the group a name as you complete creation.
Once the group exists, add people directly or distribute an invitation link. You do not need to add someone temporarily and then remove them to make an empty group.
Add people after creating the group
On WhatsApp Web, a group admin can add people through the new group's context card. Open the group you created.
Click Add members on the context card, then select the people you want to add.
Click the checkmark icon, then confirm with Add member.
Control who can invite more members
On WhatsApp Web, a group admin can let members invite others with group links.
As a group admin, click the group name in the group chat.
Open Group permissions.
WhatsApp describes the link setting in two ways. Its group-creation help says to turn on Add other members, which lets members create group invite links. Its admin-settings help says to turn on Invite via link, which lets any member share an invite link, and says Add other members lets members add people directly.
If your Group permissions list shows Invite via link, turn it on for link sharing. If it only shows Add other members, or members still can't create links, turn on Add other members. Keep in mind that this toggle also lets members add people to the group directly.
Restore access to missing iPhone contacts
Restricted contact access keeps intended contacts from appearing in WhatsApp.
Open your iPhone's Settings.
Tap Apps.
Select WhatsApp.
Open Contacts.
Choose Limited Access to control which contacts WhatsApp can access.
Select the contacts you want to make available.
For access to all your contacts instead, choose Full Access.
Confirm that broader permission with Allow Full Access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a WhatsApp group on Android or iPhone?
Yes. WhatsApp supports group creation on both Android and iPhone. Its Group messaging page links to the official group-creation instructions.
Can I invite people with a QR code on my Mac?
Yes. Open an existing group, click the group name, choose Add, then select Invite via link or QR code. Choose QR code. Access to invitations depends on group size and invitation permissions.
Does creating a WhatsApp Community also create a group?
Yes. Creating a Community automatically creates a Community Announcements group for that Community's announcements. WhatsApp Business cannot currently create Communities.
Can I set disappearing messages while creating a group?
Yes. The WhatsApp Web group-creation form includes Disappearing messages and Group permissions options.