What’s the Best Way to Send Group Messages Without a Group Chat on WhatsApp or Google Voice?

Most people think of Bcc Text as a way to send mass texts through the iPhone Messages app, but it also works with WhatsApp and Google Voice.

This flexibility means you can reach people on the platform they prefer, all from one app. You can even mix platforms in the same send—some contacts get an iMessage, others get a WhatsApp message, and others receive a Google Voice text.

This guide will show you how to set up and use each platform.

How Bcc Text works with different platforms

Bcc Text uses iOS Shortcuts to send messages through the Messages app, WhatsApp, and Google Voice. When you compose a message in Bcc Text, you can assign each contact to their preferred platform.

The app generates a Shortcut that:

• Opens the correct app for each contact
• Automatically populates the message
• Sends it as a private, one-to-one conversation

Recipients see a normal message from you in their preferred app. They never know it was part of a mass send.

Using Bcc Text with WhatsApp

Why use WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is the messaging app of choice in many countries and communities. Using Bcc Text with WhatsApp:

• Reaches contacts who prefer WhatsApp over SMS
• Works internationally without SMS fees
• Supports rich media like photos and videos
• Maintains end-to-end encryption

How to set it up

Step 1: Install WhatsApp

Make sure you have WhatsApp installed and set up with your phone number.

Step 2: Add contacts to Bcc Text

When adding or editing a contact in Bcc Text, you will see an option to set their preferred messaging app. Select WhatsApp for contacts you want to reach on that platform.

Step 3: Compose and send your message

Compose your message in Bcc Text like you normally would. When you tap send, the app will generate a Shortcut that routes WhatsApp contacts through WhatsApp and other contacts through their assigned apps.

Step 4: Run the Shortcut

When the Shortcut runs, it will automatically open WhatsApp for each WhatsApp contact, populate the message, and send it. You may need to keep your phone unlocked and avoid switching apps while the Shortcut completes.

Tips for WhatsApp sends

• Save contacts with country codes: WhatsApp requires phone numbers in international format (e.g., +1 for US numbers).
• Keep the app installed: WhatsApp must be installed and logged in for the Shortcut to work.
• Use Wi-Fi for large sends: WhatsApp works over Wi-Fi or cellular, but Wi-Fi is more reliable for longer sends.

Using Bcc Text with Google Voice

Why use Google Voice?

Google Voice is popular among people who want a separate number for business or privacy. Benefits include:

• Send messages from a dedicated business number instead of your personal phone
• Keep business and personal conversations separate
• Access messages from multiple devices
• Use a US number even when traveling internationally

How to set it up

Step 1: Install Google Voice

Download the Google Voice app from the App Store and sign in with your Google account.

Step 2: Add contacts to Bcc Text

When adding or editing a contact in Bcc Text, set their preferred messaging app to Google Voice.

Step 3: Compose and send your message

Write your message in Bcc Text and tap send. The app will create a Shortcut that routes Google Voice contacts through the Google Voice app.

Step 4: Run the Shortcut

The Shortcut will open Google Voice for each Google Voice contact, populate the message, and send it. Keep your phone unlocked and avoid switching apps during the send.

Tips for Google Voice sends

• Stay logged in: Make sure you are logged into Google Voice before starting the send.
• Check your number: Confirm your Google Voice number is active and able to send messages.
• Monitor for errors: If a message fails, it may show an error in Google Voice. You can manually retry those contacts.

Mixing platforms in one send

One of the most powerful features of Bcc Text is the ability to send to multiple platforms in a single batch.

For example, you could send the same message to:

• 20 contacts via iMessage
• 15 contacts via WhatsApp
• 10 contacts via Google Voice

Bcc Text handles the routing automatically. Each person receives a private message in their preferred app.

How to set it up

Step 1: Assign each contact to their preferred app

When you add contacts to a group, make sure each one is assigned to the correct messaging app (Messages, WhatsApp, or Google Voice).

Step 2: Compose your message

Write one message that works for all platforms. Bcc Text will send the same text to everyone.

Step 3: Review the preview

Before sending, Bcc Text shows you a preview of which contacts will receive the message on which platform. Double-check that the routing looks correct.

Step 4: Send and wait

The Shortcut will cycle through all contacts, switching between apps as needed. This can take a few minutes depending on the group size.

When to route to each platform

Here are some general guidelines for choosing which app to use for each contact:

Use Messages (iMessage/SMS) when:

• The contact is in the US and prefers traditional texting
• You want messages to appear from your personal phone number
• The contact does not use WhatsApp or Google Voice

Use WhatsApp when:

• The contact is international or prefers WhatsApp
• You want to avoid SMS fees
• The contact values end-to-end encryption

Use Google Voice when:

• You want messages to come from a business or secondary number
• You need to separate business and personal conversations
• You want message history synced across devices

Troubleshooting common issues

WhatsApp: Contact not found

Make sure the contact is saved in your phone with their full international phone number, including the country code (e.g., +1 for US numbers). WhatsApp requires this format.

Google Voice: Message fails to send

Confirm that you are logged into Google Voice and that your Google Voice number is active and able to send messages. Check the Google Voice app for any error messages.

Shortcut stops mid-send

Keep your phone unlocked and avoid switching apps while the Shortcut is running. If the Shortcut is interrupted, you may need to restart the send or manually message the remaining contacts.

Wrong app opens for a contact

Double-check the contact's assigned messaging app in Bcc Text. You can edit this in the contact details or group settings.

Get started with multi-platform messaging

Using Bcc Text with WhatsApp and Google Voice gives you the flexibility to reach people on the platforms they prefer, all from one app.

Whether you are coordinating an international event, managing a business with a Google Voice number, or just want to mix messaging platforms in one send, Bcc Text makes it simple.

Learn more about how Bcc Text works on the Bcc Text homepage.