FamilySearch Chat is an evolving messaging tool available through the FamilySearch.org website and iOS and Android mobile devices. Occasionally, improvements are made from user feedback. If you have questions or feedback about FamilySearch Chat, please visit this post in the FamilySearch.org community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Can I download the data from the previous messaging tool?
Answer: Before July 31, 2024, users could download messages sent before November 2021. As of August 1, 2024, the messages from the older tool are no longer available for download.
Messages after 2021 were automatically imported to FamilySearch Chat. Replies to messages show within the context of the initial message. If messages appear to be missing, start with the first message and look for replies.
Question: Is FamilySearch Chat available to users of to all ages?
Answer: FamilySearch Chat is not available for users under the age of 18. However, these users can participate in FamilySearch Chat through shared family groups.
Question: Why is the chat button disabled?
Answer: The chat feature is not available in these circumstances:
- The user is under the age of 18.
- The user does not have a valid birth date.
- The user did not enable chat in the account settings.
- The user lives in a country where chat is not enabled.
- The user has not completed registration.
- The user has been marked deceased.
Question: How do I see what is behind the chat window?
Answer: At the top of the chat window, click and hold your mouse button. Drag the chat window to a different part of your screen. If you want to view information behind the chat window in its entirety, open a separate browser window. Having a separate browser window allows you to view the chat in one window and additional web pages in the other browser window.
Question: Can I resize the chat window?
Answer: Yes. On the outside border of the chat window, click and hold your mouse button as you drag the border in (smaller) or out (larger). Note: A temporary issue exists. We hope for a resolution by the end of October 2024. The problem manifests itself when you expand the chat window on the FamilySearch website fully. Then when you click the number or replies or the reply icon, it appears no response exists. Until the fix is fully released, the work-around is to make the chat window narrower.
Question: Can I minimize the chat window?
Answer: You can resize the chat window, but the chat window cannot be minimized.
Question: I have a message but I cannot find it. Where do I go?
Answer: New messages appear in bold. In the left panel, expand the unread message section to see your chat. You can also see a message number indicator where the chat resides.
Question: My new message appears to be a thread. How can I see the chat thread and respond?
Answer: If the new message is a thread (a reply to a specific message), the replies are in the thread section.
Question: Is it possible to search for a specific chat?
Answer: At the top of the chat window, you can also search messages for a specific word by using the search bar. Enter a search term, such as Austria, to view a list of messages in drop-down format that contain the word. The search feature can take a moment to populate the results.
Question: Are my old messages within FamilySearch preserved in the FamilySearch Chat system?
Answer: The previous FamilySearch Messages from 1 November 2022 are being migrated to FamilySearch Chat. One of the reasons for the 1 November 2022 date is that the Shared Family Groups feature was made available at that time. Migrating the messages from that date allows you to continue chatting with those persons or about those topics.
Question: Can other users see my status when I am online using FamilySearch Chat?
Answer: Yes, other users can see that you are available when the chat window is open. Once you close the chat window, you no longer appear online.
Question: How do I expand or collapse chat sections?
Answer: Look for the Unread (#) and click the caret icon. For reference, see the following image.
Question: How can I turn chats on or off for events, such as RootsTech?
Answer: To display or hide event chats, in the lower left corner of the chat window, click Show Event Chats.
Question: Can I delete a chat?
Answer: Chats can be muted or hidden, but not deleted. Next to the chat you want to mute or hide, click the 3 vertical dots. Click mute chat or hide chat. When you mute a chat, you do not get notifications for that chat. Hiding a chat removes it from your chat list.
Question: Can I search the user directory in order to chat with someone?
Answer: Every FS Chat user can add a profile picture. To help other users find you, include your location and keep your profile name close to the name you regularly use.
Question: Is there a way to invite other people to opt in to FamilySearch Chat?
Answer: Search the user directory to find and chat with another person. If you cannot find the user directory, look in the Advanced Search options for an Invite Others link.
Question: How do I add a person to my chat?
Answer: For private chats between you and one other user, begin typing their name and select it from the list that appears. To chat with multiple users, start a new chat with those users. All must be added to the chat as you create it. You cannot add another user later. For event chats, in the lower right of the chat window, look for the Person+ icon. Click the icon and invite a user to the event chat.
Question: Previously, I could share a family ordinance with someone through FamilySearch messages. Is it possible to do the same thing through FamilySearch Chat?
Answer: FamilySearch Chat has no way to share an ordinance with a family member. You can, however, share the Family Tree ID for a person who needs ordinance work completed. The other person can use the ID and reserve the ordinances.
Question: How do I search for people I know in FamilySearch Chat?
Answer: In the most current release of FamilySearch Chat, at the top of the page, you can use the search bar to search for people by their name (Profile Name) or contact ID. People in the following groups appear when searching.
- Recent chats
- Contacts
- Helpers and those being helpled
- Global contacts
Church members can also see the following groups:
- Ward and stake members
- Ward, stake, and area temple and family history consultants
Related Articles
How do I use FamilySearch Chat?
What are the rules for discussions and chats?
How do I use FamilySearch Chat to contact another user?
Where do I find my messages in FamilySearch Chat?
How do I add an image to a message sent through FamilySearch Chat?
How do I send a message to someone who contributed to Family Tree or Memories?
How do I print my FamilySearch chats?
How do I receive a text message when someone sends me a FamilySearch chat?
How do I share names through FamilySearch Chat?
How do I create a family group?
How do I send a message to a family group?
How do I mute, hide, or block someone from chatting with me?
How do I report abuse, spam, inappropriate memories, and other content?
How do I delete a chat in FamilySearch Chat?
Relationship Viewing: How do I turn on or off the option to view my relationship to other users?