Update A Group

Modify group details, settings, and metadata using the Android SDK

Quick Reference for AI Agents & Developers

// Update group details
val group = Group("GUID", "New Name", CometChatConstants.GROUP_TYPE_PUBLIC, "")
group.description = "Updated description"
group.icon = "https://example.com/icon.png"

CometChat.updateGroup(group, object : CometChat.CallbackListener<Group>() {
    override fun onSuccess(updatedGroup: Group) { }
    override fun onError(e: CometChatException) { }
})

Note: Only admins and moderators can update group details. See Group Class for editable fields.

Available via: SDK | REST API | UI Kits

Update Group

As a group owner, how can I update the group details?

You can update the existing details of a group using the updateGroup() method.

Java

private String GUID = "GUID";
private String groupName = "Hello Group!";
private String groupType = CometChatConstants.GROUP_TYPE_PUBLIC;
private String password = "";
Group group = new Group(GUID, groupName, groupType, password);

CometChat.updateGroup(group,  new CometChat.CallbackListener<Group>() {
  @Override
  public void onSuccess(Group group) {
    Log.d(TAG, "Groups details updated successfully: " + group.toString());
  }
  @Override
  public void onError(CometChatException e) {
    Log.d(TAG, "Group details update failed with exception: " + e.getMessage());
  }
});

Kotlin

val GUID:String="GUID"
val groupName:String="Hello Group!"
val groupType:String = CometChatConstants.GROUP_TYPE_PUBLIC
val password:String=""

val group=Group(GUID,groupName,groupType,password)

CometChat.updateGroup(group,object :CometChat.CallbackListener<Group>(){
  override fun onSuccess(p0: Group?) {
    Log.d(TAG, "Groups details updated successfully: " + p0?.toString())
  }
  override fun onError(p0: CometChatException?) {
    Log.d(TAG, "Group details update failed with exception: " + p0?.message)
  }
})

This method takes an instance of the Group class as a parameter, which should contain the data you wish to update.

Parameter	Description
group	An instance of the Group class

After the successful update of the group, you will receive an instance of the Group class containing the updated information of the group.

For more information on the Group class, see here.

Best Practices

Update Only Changed Fields

Create a Group object with the GUID and only set the fields you want to update. Unchanged fields will retain their existing values.

Use Metadata for Custom Properties

Store custom group properties in the metadata field as JSON to extend group functionality without modifying the core schema.

Validate Input Before Updating

Validate group names, descriptions, and icon URLs before calling updateGroup() to avoid API errors and improve user experience.

Handle Update Events

Listen for group update events to keep your UI synchronized when other admins or moderators modify group details.

Troubleshooting

Update Failed - Insufficient Permissions

Symptom: updateGroup() fails with “Insufficient permissions” error.

Cause: User is not an admin or moderator of the group.

Solution: Only admins and moderators can update group details. Check the user’s scope using group.getScope() before attempting updates.

Update Failed - Invalid GUID

Symptom: updateGroup() fails with “Group not found” error.

Cause: The GUID in the Group object is incorrect or the group doesn’t exist.

Solution: Verify the GUID is correct. Fetch the group first using retrieve-groups to ensure it exists.

Cannot Change Group Type

Symptom: Group type doesn’t change after calling updateGroup().

Cause: Group type (public/private/password) cannot be changed after creation.

Solution: Group type is immutable. If you need a different type, create a new group and migrate members.

---

Next Steps

Create Group

Learn about the Group class and editable fields

Delete Group

Permanently delete groups you own

Manage Members

Add or remove group members

Transfer Ownership

Transfer admin rights to another member